After hearing about the Six Billion Paths to Peace initiative at the workshop, Nan Peterson decided to bring the idea alive in her school. As Director of Service Learning for the Lower School of the Blake School in Minnesota, she began introducing the idea at an all-school assembly. Next she began convening a small group of students to talk about peace and their own contributions through service. This effort grew, and soon she was hosting a weekly group of students to take the ideas further. By the end of the year:

• Over 300 elementary and middle school students participated in an assembly with small follow-up discussion groups.

• Ten students individually designed service projects that grew from their strengths and talents. One made a calendar for every classroom in the school, anther made weekly visits to and elderly center with their violin.

• A Six Billion Paths to Peace camp was designed to bring themes alive during the summer months. An activity guide of camp activities is being developed in conjunction with the Shinnyo-en Foundation to share with other educators

Several students, a teacher and the principal of Burlingame High School attended the Annual Bridge of Friendship event hosted by the Shinnyo-en Foundation and the Shinnyo-en USA Head temple, located in Burlingame, California. At the event, the Destiny Arts Performing Arts Group performed a segment called Six Billion Paths to Peace. The group was inspired by the message, and the way in which it connected with a diversity initiative they were in the midst of developing. Several months later they attended a Camp AnyTown diversity training. They were inspired to create a Diversity Week at the High School and conclude it with a challenge called, “1400 Paths to Peace”. Each student at the kick-off assembly was given a wristband and encouraged to think about how they contribute to peace.

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There are an unlimited amount of ways in which this effort might take root and grow in your community, school or organization. We invite you to get creative and think about what might be meaningful to you and groups you are part of.

• Host a workshop
• Start a reflection group
• Have an essay contest
• Design a staff or teacher’s retreat
• Organize a brown bag lunch
• Initiate an email

The possibilities are endless. Make sure to fill in Step 1 of the Join Us! page and send us some of your thoughts or questions. We would love to support you to bring this effort life.