Peacemaking is a simple but powerful idea: it’s the creative process of engaging with others to make positive and lasting change.

We know that every day, young people are taking action to strengthen their schools and communities. They are looking beyond themselves, showing compassion, and making important and lasting changes to create justice. Yet what do we mostly hear? Negative stories about today’s younger generation: that they are lazy, apathetic, even dangerous. It’s time to tell a different story. It is time to recognize young leaders who’ve had the guts to mobilize others to stand up for what they believe.

The Peace First Prize will showcase young people who have confronted injustice, crossed lines of difference, and had the courage and compassion to create lasting change.

Our goal is to share this daring work far and wide, invest in their leadership, and inspire others to make peacemaking a part of their daily lives. Most importantly we want to tell the stories of our nominees – incredible stories of young people leading change.

Five Prize winners will each receive a $50,000 Peace First Fellowship over two years to continue their peacemaking work. Through mentoring and coaching, the Peace First Fellowship is a real investment in young people’s ability to take their peacemaking to the next level of action and impact. But more than just recognizing a few individuals, we want to tell the thousands of stories about how young people are changing the world.