Changemaker Youth Grants 2025
Applications now open for 2025 grants!
Be the change you wish to see in the world. - M. K. Gandhi
Youth ages 12–23 can receive up to $1,000 for projects that provide a creative solution that addresses violence in their community. These projects can be creative, artistic, out-of-the-box ideas. Ideally, they advance a nonviolent solution or alternative to the problem.
The projects can use any kind of creativity, including murals, posters, training and education, protests and marches, music, dance, peace circles, poetry slams, conversations, garden projects, videos, and more. They can address any form of violence, including bullying, discrimination, hate, injustice, gun violence, militarism, ecological destruction, and so on.
The Changemaker Youth Grants help empower creative changemakers to make a difference in their communities. For over thirty years, Pace e Bene has organized tens of thousands of people to take action to build a culture of peace and active nonviolence. These grants aim to support the next generation of changemakers who will unleash the transformative power of active nonviolence in their communities.
In addition to completing their projects, Changemaker Grant Awardees will also tell the story of their idea and present the project to local and national audiences. Pace e Bene will host a virtual gathering (open to the public) in celebration of the Changemaker Projects in summer 2025.
Want to support this program? You can donate here to expand the number of youth grants we can award.
FAQ
Who can apply?
Youth ages 12–23 must design and lead the projects. The youth must also fill out the simple application themselves. Applications from adults on behalf of a youth program will not be considered.
What do we judge applications on?
Creativity. We’re excited by unusual ideas, bold solutions, and/or the use of art, music, etc.
Feasibility. We want the project to be meaningful and impactful, and something that the youth can finish by July 15th.
We do not judge applications on grammar, spelling, length, etc. We are more interested in the youth’s ideas for their project.
What don’t you fund?
We do not fund adult-led programs for youth.
We do not fund fundraisers.
Can a team of youth apply?
Yes! We encourage this.
ABOUT
In 2022, 2023, & 2024 the Changemaker Youth Grants have funded 27 incredible projects, including an inclusive art app, a stage play about the Columbine School shooting, autistic sensory rooms, peace rallies, a school-wide multicultural week, a motorbike ride for unity, a racial justice podcast, a diversity mural at a high school, a summit on violence prevention through the arts, a 4-hour concert for inclusion, a nonviolence-themed YouTube series, a Nigerian theater performance against gender-based violence, and an Ugandan effort to prevent domestic violence through planting coffee trees. Read the stories below and see photos and videos for 2024, 2023, and 2022.
The Changemaker Youth Grants were initiated through the generosity of lifelong activist David Hartsough, who organized his first nonviolent action in high school, and has taken action for civil rights, anti-racism, stopping nuclear destruction, environmentalism, ending war, and building peace. In 2021, David generously donated the funds he received from his Clarence B. Jones Award to Pace e Bene. Along with other amazing donors, Pace e Bene matched those funds and dedicated the resources to the Changemaker Youth Grants. Since then, the program has been funded by the generosity of many people. This grants program is also inspired by the M. K. Gandhi Institute’s Youth Healing Hate Grants, which started in 2017 and continues to support creative projects in Rochester, NY.
Want to support this program? Tell youth about these grants! Thank you.
You can also donate here to expand the number of youth grants we can award.
Support the CHangemakers
You can lend your support to the next generation of activists, educators, and peacebuilders by donating to the funds for these grants. On our donate page, choose the amount you’d like to donate and be sure to select “Changemaker Youth Grant” in the “Select a Fund” dropdown menu.
Looking for more inspiring youth projects? Check out the Campaign Nonviolence Youth Collective.
Read the blogs about previous projects.
Meet the 2024 Changemakers
Artistic Bridges Team
Project Title: Young People Creating and Sharing Locally and Globally
Description: Estrella Angel Needham and the extended team will host and promote local gatherings in San Antonio, TX and work with global partners, sharing resources and the invitation in over a hundred languages. Four- to eighteen-year-olds are invited to create ARTISTIC BRIDGES with their visual art, songs, sculpture, drama, dance, poetry, and spoken word. When parents have given permission, creations are uploaded and shared globally. Youth are expressing, connecting, healing, bringing beauty and joy through online sharing. To start the project Estrella and a University of the Incarnate Word group are taking art supplies to Guatemala and leading “Little Angels of Mary” children creating. In San Antonio, some workshops will be at our World Heritage site as we invite youth to connect around the world.
Sarah Kirikumwino, leader of 23 Laudato Si Clubs in eastern Uganda, promotes there. Dana Osaily at Birzeit University is inviting Palestinian families. In San Antonio, Selma Giselle Ortiz is sharing her songs and encouraging musical creativity. Jonathan Wittwer, 9th grader at Antonian College Preparatory Highschool and Cristina Wittwer, 6th grader at St. Mary Magdalene Dual Language School bring their musical and artistic talents. Seyma Kilic, Turkish-American with tech skills, is assisting. UIW students, graduates, and friends are promoting this in Ukraine and Mexico.
Martin Beele, Anita Masengesho, Mariana Sikuli, Josue Nyamugisha
Project Title: "Rise & Thrive: Empowering Nakivale's Women and Youth to Create Lasting Change"
Description: Our project is a pioneering initiative dedicated to catalyzing profound social change within the Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Western Uganda. Through a holistic approach merging community mobilization, educational empowerment, and sustained engagement, we're tackling the root causes of gender-based violence (GBV) and early childhood pregnancy. By leveraging vibrant artistic expressions, school-based programs, and ongoing monitoring and evaluation, we foster a culture of awareness, resilience, and empowerment. Our mission is clear: to equip individuals in our community with the tools and knowledge needed to challenge harmful norms, cultivate a supportive environment, and pave the way for a future where every woman and youth can thrive, free from violence and oppression. Together, we're forging a path towards lasting change.
Bio: As a passionate collective of young visionaries, we stand united at the forefront of transforming our community. With unwavering dedication, we embark on a journey to challenge entrenched cultural norms and ignite societal shifts toward inclusivity and equality. Through our innovative "Rise & Thrive" initiative, we harness the power of art, dialogue, and education to dismantle barriers and empower every individual within our midst. Our mission resonates deeply within us—to cultivate a nurturing environment where every voice is heard, every dream is nurtured, and every soul flourishes. Together, we embark on this transformative endeavor, driven by the belief that our collective efforts will illuminate a path toward a future where equity, opportunity, and resilience abound for all. (Nakivale Refugee Settlement, Uganda)
Suganthi Dhamu
Project Title: Campaign for Peace
Description: I will organize Peace Rallies with the village youth in Pondicherry with banners and placards promoting peace and nonviolence. Pamphlets will also be printed and distributed among the youth, so that the message will spread among the villagers. One drawing program will also be organized for the youth, so that their ideas about peace and nonviolence are also brought out for others.
Bio: I am working in a private company after completing secondary school. During School days, I was interested in conflict resolution and peacebuilding among the students; I also voluntarily served in the Women's Organisation for Rural Development (WORD). I come from a humble background. I want peace and harmony in the society I am living in, and also around the world. That is why I am involved in these types of activities locally. (Pondicherry, India)
Lillyann Lucini
Project Title: SEL: Squishy Emotional Learning
Description: Lillyann, with the assistance of her art classmates, will sew squishy felt pillows for the students of Ferri Middle School. The pillows will be given to guidance counselors who will distribute them to students who may be struggling with their emotions during the school day. The pillows will be used to destress and comfort students either by being squished, cuddled with, or otherwise manipulated.
Bio: Lillyann Lucini is a 12-year-old 6th grader at Ferri M.S. in Johnston, RI. An avid reader, Lillyann enjoys fantasy, anime, and animals. Her hobbies include skiing, track and field, arts and crafts, and summer camp. Lillyann is someone who believes that the best way to help people is to lift them up rather than put them down. (Johnston, RI)
Mirriam Munkhondya, Thoko Maduka, Hastings Jailos, Iwonder Isacc, Naom Phiri
Project Title: Child Neglect is a Source of Violence
Description: Violence has many roots and one of these roots is child neglect. Irresponsible parents and guardians open a door for the youth who graduate into adults full of violence. Therefore, there is a need to address child neglect at family level, community level, and individual level. At the community level, our project will address traditional leaders, youth organizations, faith leaders, and schools. Apart from media outreach we need to address root causes of violence by conducting violence capacity building at community level.
Bio: Mirriam Feriz Munkhondya is an African girl, first born in the family of 3. I was born in 2008 and now in form 2 at Chinsapo Government Secondary School. Apart from being a committed Christian, I am a proud member of the Center for Enlightenment and Development. This is a youth organization that trains high school students how to conduct dialogue, creativity and innovation, understand SDGs, and run small scale projects and enterprises. Thanks to my mentor Ishmael Amini, the CEO of our dear youth organization, and my team. (Lilongwe, Malawi)
Karanina Asuncion Hoang
Project Title: ARTiculate App
Description: This nonprofit app is aimed at promoting positive communication, understanding, and connection by sharing everyone’s unique artistic expression. Inspired by my cousin's challenges in verbal communication, the app provides a digital safe space for kids and young adults to share their artwork and connect with others. Users can create profiles, share various forms of art ranging from digital art, drawings, paintings, mixed media, and photography to inspire and promote nonviolence by expressing their experiences, emotions, and thoughts through creative forms of art. I hope to build the ability to engage in safely moderated discussions to foster positive interactions and expressions. Additionally, the app will feature rotating art galleries, themed showcases, and educational resources with topics that help with conflict resolution and promoting awareness in inclusivity and diversity. I hope to collaborate with other nonprofit and/or community groups so that I can promote my app to kids who would like to use it. Ultimately, my ARTiculate app project seeks to create a digital community of belonging while empowering users to advocate for peace through the universal language of art.
Bio: Hello, my name is Karanina Asuncion Hoang! I am 15 years old from Plainfield, NJ, and currently a freshman attending Kent Place. I am passionate about merging creativity with technology and I have been wanting to find ways to bring artistic expression while creating safe spaces and environments for kids my age. Inspired by my young cousin’s nonverbal challenges and my enthusiasm for digital creativity, I was motivated to explore ways technology could provide tools to help spread positive and inclusive self expression while helping connect and teach empathetic awareness to all children and teens in our communities. In my free time, I love creating original artwork! I also try to find ways to actively volunteer in my high school, church youth group, and my community. Another passion I have is volleyball—I love being part of my school and club volleyball team! (Plainfield, NJ)
Autumn Cazier
Project Title: 4/20/99: A Story of Columbine Utilizing Performance Art to End Gun Violence
Description: 4/20/99: A Story of Columbine is a full-length play production that covers the before, during, and aftermath events of the 1999 Columbine High School tragedy. Since Columbine, school shootings have become a major epidemic within the United States, and many modern-day mass shooters still list Columbine as an inspiration for their violence. It is our hope that by sharing the stories of those personally affected by a school shooting with a live audience, the crisis of school violence may resonate with audience-goers more deeply.
Bio: The 2024 cast and crew is made up of leaders, artists, and activists who believe in the power of change. Written and directed by a survivor of gun violence, it is our hope that audience members leave our show wanting to make a positive impact in their community, and join in the fight to end gun violence. (Philadelphia, PA)
Lara & Maya Hammoud
Project Title: Building our New Normal.
Description: Our project aims to increase access to publicly available sensory rooms in underserved communities. The sensory rooms not only help individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders calm their senses, but they also help increase awareness in communities and provide families with opportunities. The money we received will help us with our initiative to build 24 more public sensory rooms by the end of 2024.
Bio: The Perception Foundation was started by us, Maya and Lara Hammoud, in elementary school after we helped our childhood friend build a sensory room at his house. After this experience, we began creating our new norms to help those with neurodevelopmental disorders. To this day we have helped hundreds of children and young adults by building 7 public sensory rooms, running over 15 sensory-friendly events, and donating over 100 sensory kits to underprivileged special education classrooms. (Franklin, MI)
Ro Mariam
Project Title: Interfaith Peace Festival
Description: The purpose of our Movement is to create Religious Tolerance, Nonviolence, Ahimsa, Peace between the Muslims, Hindus, and Christians, and other religious minorities in our region. The main aim is to create interfaith cooperation with Muslims, Hindus, Christians, and other minorities to prevent religious violence, communal clashes, and inhuman activities making the youth agent of Peace & Nonviolence.
Bio: Ms. RO Mariam, Mr. Harry, Ms. Geeta Mall, Ms. Hina, and Mr. Danial are working together for Youth Movement for Women. (Faisalabad, Pakistan)
Meet the 2023 Changemakers
Majd Ataya
Project Title: Workshops To End Cyberbullying & Harassment (Watch Here)
Description: Two training workshops will be facilitated with the two targeted schools supported with brochures, pamphlets, and leaflets distributed to the students. In addition, a guest speaker will be invited to explain to the students the dangers of cyberbullying and harassment. These workshops help develop and enhance protective skills for dealing with bullying behaviors, and create of an improved school climate.
Bio: Hello, my name is Majd Ataya, I am fourteen years old and attending Arbour Lake School. I’m currently attempting to stop all kinds of bullying. I’m doing this by informing all my friends about the risks and how it can affect one’s mental health. Hopefully with all our efforts we can completely stop this recurring problem. (Edmonton, Canada)
Chase Blackburn
Title: Band Together For Inclusion #IncludeMe (Watch Here)
Description: Band Together For Inclusion is a fun-filled community music festival whose mission is to promote the message of inclusion through music. We believe all genres, all abilities, all cultures, and all bodies can come together in song and reflect the peaceful, inclusive community in which we desire to live. The event is donation based and open to the public.
Bio: Chase Bradford Younger Blackburn, grade 12 at Mashpee Middle High School has been seeing the world through music and musical theater throughout most of his young life. His superpower is his infectious smile, humor, and ability to inspire people to just be themselves. In addition to music, Chase is a delivery man for Marie's Homemade Bread, brand ambassador, and usher in theater houses across Cape Cod, and the inspiration for #Bandtogetherforinclusion a music fest that debuted on his 18th birthday weekend, solidifying his place among Cape Cod's theater arts community. #Includeme is his Motto and initiative. (Cape Cod, Massachusetts, USA)
Destiny Daniel
Project Title: The Grad Bag Project (Watch Here)
Description: In Atlanta, Georgia, teen crime rates have reached devastating highs, and many lives have been lost due to violence or suicide. This initiative, The GradBag Project, focuses on spreading love and support to combat teen violence by giving graduating seniors at Frederick Douglass High School "North Star Sacks." Douglass defined the "North Star" as a star of hope. Likewise, these bags will foster hope by addressing students' struggles and providing resources to help them. The items included will inspire students that their now is not forever and their future is for them to create.
Bio: Destiny is an undergraduate at Howard University, where she is currently pursuing her B.A. in Public Relations with minors in Community Development and Maternal and Child Health. She's interned at over ten nonprofits, working on policy initiatives, social media, event and logistical tasks, special projects, and research. Destiny has a tireless devotion to service that ignited as a child within a local nonprofit. After seeing the environmental determinism in her hometown of Atlanta, she knew it was her purpose to fight for equitable and excellent education. She hopes to pursue a master's degree in nonprofit management and continue as a servant leader. (Atlanta, Georgia, USA)
Lillian Denbow, Jazmine Cartonio, Kali Salley
Project Title: The Bullying Prevention And School Safety Project (Watch Here)
Description: Our goal is to help create an influence on younger kids to help stop bullying and allow them to enjoy school without being tormented. First we are going to make posters about bullying and school safety and put them around buildings. These posters will highlight not only what is happening in other people's lives, but also in the world around us and the land we’re living on. Next we will teach how to stop bullying using an educational presentation. Lastly, we will make a skit about bullying and kindness, and how it affects our public and our schools. We hope that we can show some of the effects of bullying, in person and online. Students and teachers from the school will be encouraged to share stories and photos, too.
Bio: Hello, our names are Kali, Lillian, and Jazmine, we are all 8th graders at the Oxford Hills Middle School. We are very excited to do this project and be able to work together to stop bullying. Kali enjoys sports like cheerleading, softball, and basketball; being a part of teams, and hanging out with family and friends. Lillian enjoys collecting memorable treasures, such as different colored rocks or crystals, and likes to draw and be creative. Jazmine likes playing sports, hanging out with her sisters, and baking cookies. (Oxford, Maine, USA)
Maia Frost & BLS YouthCAN
Project Title: Mental Wellness Room at Boston Latin School (Watch Here)
Description: Boston Latin School (BLS) is in dire need of a space where people can relax in a natural environment as the student body is sleeping far less than healthy and is far more stressed than it should be. Especially during a time of social instability, the pandemic, and countless global issues stemming from environmental challenges, it’s important to prioritize the well-being of our students and our community. Prioritizing student mental health and connection to nature is necessary to promote peace between individuals and within society on a short and long term basis. To address this, our YouthCAN team has partnered with a local architecture firm (pro-bono). We are converting an underutilized room into a peaceful shared space where both teachers and students are able to relax and learn about a sustainable environment. Students will be able to sign up to go to this room during studies, W-Block, and after school so that they can benefit from the calming effect of the nature-themed room.
Bio: BLS YouthCAN seeks to take effective action in our communities and beyond to address the problems associated with global climate change and to promote sustainability. (Boston, Massachusetts, USA)
Lauren Gentile
Title: Walk A Mile In Their Shoes (Watch Here)
Description: At the "Walk a Mile in Their Shoes" event, students will wear unusual (and sometimes uncomfortable) shoes during a walk-a-thon to encourage empathy, spread awareness against bullying, and to promote a more inclusive and kind culture in our school and community. Students will also wear the color blue and anti-bullying wristbands in advance of the event to promote awareness. The proceeds from the fundraiser part of the event will support a junior high student in need of a special wheelchair.
Bio: Lauren Gentile is a Senior in Aurora Service Learning class at Aurora High School. She likes to participate in competitive dance. Her Walk A Mile In Their Shoes Project is organized with the Service Learning Class, a group of 14 students who spend time outside of school doing volunteer work and service projects, while developing skills in collaboration, problem-solving, communication and leadership. In class the students focus on developing an understanding of the needs of others, an altruistic desire to serve and the necessary tools on how to do so.
Kimesha Harriot
Project Title: A Cultural Week (Watch Here)
Description: The idea of a “Cultural Week” was first inspired by the desire to celebrate music from around the world, discussions of world events, and the challenge of finding a way to unite people. This week will unite our schools and community in understanding cultural diversity. Nauset Regional Schools have such beautifully diverse campuses, yet all of the different ethnicities are mostly unknown to us. “Cultural Week” will give each student a chance to understand their peers' culture and embrace our differences through unity. Understanding each culture and bringing everyone together is one small way to stop violence throughout my school campus and community . . . perhaps even in the nearby communities . . . and then to all of Cape Cod . . . and perhaps the entire state . . . eventually we could show the world that one small step at a time, one ripple, one flutter of a butterfly wing, can start a small act that can cause great change throughout the world.
Bio: Kimesha Harriott is a 15-year-old future writer and artist. She is a native Jamaican living in Provincetown, Massachusetts. She is a sophomore at Nauset Regional High School. In her free time, she enjoys printmaking and writing poetry. Kimesha is the President of the Multicultural Club and is passionate about bringing her campus and community closer together. The Multicultural club is a team of different cultures, experiences, languages, and ideas coming together. The Multicultural Club is working in collaboration with The Student Council and The Black Student Union, who are also very interested in seeing this project become a reality. (Eastham, MA)
Theresa & Lydia Mary Onokpasa
Project Title: YouAct-Youth Action against Ritual Killing (Watch Here)
Description: This project is aimed at curbing ritual killing in Nigeria through the use of theater. YouAct is an initiative for Nigerian youths; the main perpetrators and victims of this injustice. With drama, we will spread awareness on ritual killing and preach the need for non-violence. With our art, we hope to positively impact society.
Bio: Our names are Theresa and Lydia-Mary Onokpasa. We are sisters, writers and activists dedicated to creating positive change in Nigeria by addressing contemporary issues through advocacy and changemaking. (Abuja, Nigeria)
S. Sabari Rajan & Rise India
Project Title: By-Cycle Rally (Watch Here)
Description: A bike rally will be held in Puducherry, India, to emphasize and highlight the message of the Gandhian philosophy of simplicity and sustainability. Placards will be held by students along the route that departs from the Gandhi Statue and ends at the French Embassy. Wall posters will be posted along the streets and cutout placards will note key locations. A drawing competition will also be held.
Bio: RISE India (Resource Institute For Social Education) is a 40-year-old nonprofit that works for social justice in Pondicherry, India. Team members for this project include S. Sabari Rajan (youth coordinator), Hariraj M., Manibalu J., Sanjai S., and Sanjai S. (Puducherry, India)
Meet the 2022 Changemakers
Alejandro Abarca
Project Title: Faces of the City
Description: I would like to put up photographic artwork on the side of buildings of the forgotten citizens of the city. These portrait subjects included the homeless or everyday workers. I will ask different building owners to display the art on the side of their buildings. This is similar to the famous photographer JR’s projects, plastering the citizens of the city on the buildings they help build and represent.
Bio: Alejandro Abarca was born in Corpus Christi and raised in San Antonio. Seeing the injustice within America, Alejandro wishes to use photography as a medium to help those afflicted by systematic injustice, as well as those suffering across the world. (San Antonio, TX)
LaTayla Billingslea
Project Title: Prevention of Violence Through Creative Arts
Description: Prevention of Violence Through the Arts is a summit where youth and young adults are able to display their talents as it relates to violence and gun violence prevention. Talents generally include poetry and spoken word, dance, visual art, creative writing and essay writing, and song. During the summit, information about how each individual can be an active participant in reducing the violence in their schools and community is also given.
Bio: LaTayla Billingslea, JHOSI Youth Council President / Project Creator: I am a young activist fighting for violence and gun violence prevention. My start in advocacy work began when my cousin, Jasmine, was shot and killed by an intimate partner. In addition to the CNV Youth Collective, I further display activism by being the president of Jared’s Heart of Success’ Youth Action Team, a group lead, and a national advisory board member for Students Demand Action. Latayla will be collaborating with Meshannah Houstone and others in her community.
Learn more about LaTayla’s project here.
Kailey Furino
Project Title: Diversity Painting at Sherwood High School
Description: Through the generous funding from the Changemaker Youth Grant, we plan to design a canvas that represents all students at Sherwood High School. Advanced Placement art students will design and paint the canvas using specific coloring found to promote learning and a healthy mindset. This will brighten our school building and ensure everyone feels safe and heard. Our collage will incorporate all cultures and identities in the Sherwood community.
Bio: Hi! We are Sherwood High School’s Student Council. We work hard to ensure our school is an inclusive and positive environment. Some awesome events we run include Homecoming, Prom, Bowmen Pageant, our new superfan app, canned food drive, and more! Kailey Furino, the ASB Awareness Director, will be in charge of our new diversity painting and some of the big projects she has done this year include our annual Unity Week. She is currently working towards the first ever Mental Health Week as well as a Day of Service for the school. (Sherwood, Oregon)
Learn more about Kailey’s project here.
Savanna Holden
Project Title: Spreading Light: Nonviolence Videos
Description: A series of short YouTube videos exploring nonviolent topics and actions, including how-to’s and tips for all ages.
Bio: My name is Savanna, I am 14 years old. I have been doing nonviolence work for a short time, but I am very excited to spread this way of peace and light in the world. I believe this is the way forward to a healed and healthy world. (South Range, Wisconsin).
Learn more about Savanna’s project here.
Lyla Sinback
Title: Gun Violence Awareness PSA
Description: The project is a video PSA to spread awareness about youth gun violence. By interviewing survivors of gun violence and showing statistics of gun safety in Tennessee. This video will be distributed throughout the MNPS school system in Nashville. It aims to educate young people on the dangers of guns and to advocate for gun safety.
Bio: Lyla Sinback will be working with Sofiya Patra. They are middle school students in Nashville, Tennessee. They are passionate about stopping gun violence and spreading awareness on gun safety. They are currently working on getting their Girl Scout Silver Awards.
Learn about Lyla and Sofiya’s project here.
Abigail Asare
Project Title: A Path to Educational Equality
Description: My project is about educating the public about the inequalities in the education system. My hope for this project is to encourage and inform people about the many different problems within the education system that are affecting thousands of school-aged children on a daily basis. With the information that I collect about this issue, I am going to start a podcast as a way to effectively get the message out into the public and persuade them to inform others, talk to local educators and legislators about the issue, and do further research. I am choosing to use a podcast as a way to disperse information because it is a low-cost way to produce content, and listening to podcasts is free. Anyone who wants to listen and learn more is able to and the content will be available to them on the go or at home.
Bio: My name is Abigail Asare, I am a sophomore at North Thurston High School. I am dedicated to progress and improving the many social injustices that many people face in today’s society. I am very involved in my community, as I am a member of the Lacey Youth Council and I am a part of clubs in my school that are volunteer oriented. (Lacey, Washington)
Learn more about Abigail’s project here.
Leila Chavez
Project Title: The Art for Climate Justice Showcase
Description: My project, The Art for Climate Justice Showcase, is an opportunity for artists and creative thinkers of all ages to come together in an artistic protest against climate change and environmental injustices. This showcase will combat climate change by educating participants and motivating them to take actions in their communities. Visual art will act as the vehicle for opening conversations about creating a just and sustainable future. The culmination of this project will be an in-person art exhibit showcasing participants’ work.
Bio: My name is Leila Chavez and I am a 16-year-old high school student from Olympia, Washington. I have a strong passion for climate justice as well as a love for art. I’ve lived in the Pacific Northwest for more than 10 years and feel a deep connection to the region. I’m looking to make the world a better place through the combination of art and activism! (Olympia, Washington).
Learn about Leila’s project here.
Keyla Park Hernandez
Project Title: Posters for Climate Awareness and Responsibility
Description: I (Keyla) will create a 4’x6’ canvas painting depicting how humans affect climate change and ways we can reduce our effect. Art classmates will help with the painting, including ideas. Once the posters are done, I will show it to our peace campers so they can come up with wonderful ideas about how to stop climate change. They will draw, write, and paint ideas on canvas or posters, and we will put them up in libraries, schools, and other public places to show people that children care, that they want peace, and not violence on the earth and in their community.
Bio: Keyla was born and raised in Matamoros, Mexico, just across from Brownsville, Texas. She came to the US when she was 12. Her passions are art, climate change, and sports. Keyla’s project is supported by the Little Friends for Peace. (Accokeek, Maryland)
Learn more about Keyla’s project here.
Bridget Nsimenta
Project Title: Addressing Domestic Violence through Coffee Planting
Description: Coffee planting is a project that we are looking forward to implementing to solve the problem of domestic violence, since it’s a long term project and a source of instant income to the people in a community annually. Poverty is linked to violence and it’s the major cause of domestic violence. As a team with support from experts in creating coffee nursery beds as well as coffee planting, we shall mentor the youth in Rubirizi District of Uganda and help them start up two small nursery beds of coffee. Then, these coffee seedlings will be supplied to different households around the same community and these households will be followed up and monitored to ensure that they plant these seedlings.
Short Bio: My name is Bridget Nsimenta and I am the team leader. We are a team of four students from Mbarara University of Science and Technology and we are great advocates for change and peaceful conflict resolution. We are passionate about creating change and addressing violence in our communities. It is in this regard that we have gone the extra mile exploring and integrating all disciplines to find solutions to the challenges that arise in our communities around our University as well as our homes. (Mbarara City, Uganda)
Learn more about Bridget’s project here.