I have been following Creativity for Peace's development for several years and it seems to get stronger and stronger. I have spoken with the Executive Director, board members, and even some of the young Israeli and Palestinian leaders whose lives have been forever transformed by CFP. I am certain that some of these young women will lead their people in the years ahead from a place of deep compassion and understanding of the other side. I especially appreciate CFP's focus on providing resources and continued growth opportunities for these young leaders both when they return to Israel and Palestine and through conducting pilot training programs for young people right here in the United States. I am confident that my contributions are being well spent in advancing the cause of peace!
Creativity For Peace (CFP) utilizes a unique and powerful process to help educate young Israeli and Palestinian women in the art of conflict resolution. During an intensive summer camp experience, the participants develop extensive communication skills built around healthy dialogue, the use of art therapy etc.. These young women develop leadership skills to assist them in their peacemaking efforts when they return to their homes. The summer experience is enhanced by continued opportunities for interaction and dialogue in both Israel and Palestine as well as in the United States.
CFP, a ten year old organization, is blessed with a passionate staff, a committed Board of Directors and effective community support. It maximizes available resources, both financial and personnel, and would have the ability to reach many more young women, and thus their families, friends and neighbors in their home countries, as more financial resources become available.
Creativity for Peace (CFP) focuses on the development of leadership and peacemaking skills for young
women from Israel and Palestine. The reason I support this organization is to raise the emphasis on conflict resolution via communication for Ihealthy dialogue and art therapy for a minimal of 14 young women in an Intensive workshop experience each summer on the outskirts of Santa Fe. These young women are changed by their experiences with the "other" which enables them to move forward with leadership in peacemaking in their lives and in their home countries. It is my personal privilege to serve these young women with opportunities in leadership and peacemaking in their home countries.
They subsequently have the opportunity to join into Young Leader Programs in I/P and make a difference in their personal and collective lives and effect change as Young Leaders for Creativity for Peace.
I have donated to this organization for about 3 or 4 years, having met many of the US and international staff, along with the young peacemakers and Young Leaders. This organization goes a long way to make every penny count, while dramatically improving the prospects for peace in our lifetime, in the Middle East. I am grateful that they do work year-round with over 100 young women in the Israel and Palestine, working to support the courageous efforts these young women are making to improve their world, when their world would prefer the status quo of war and bias.
In the US, this organization does public outreach in other cities, including Dallas, Philadelphia, New York and Portland OR.
Review from Guidestar