Creating Friendships for Peace, Inc. is a volunteer grassroots organization that promotes and strengthens friendships between teens from divided communities and extends those friendships to their families, friends, and neighborhoods.
Vision
To create a more promising future for teens impacted by war and conflict through bridges of understanding and respect, grounded on peacebuilding through friendship.
Values
GRASSROOTS VOLUNTEERISM AND TEAMWORK: We have shown that grassroots US volunteers with firm commitments to the mission inspire equally committed teams of volunteers in our conflict areas. Each in-country team includes adults from both divided communities, proving every day that they can work together. We support them in solving their problems and managing their programming, separate from the US residency. We believe that lasting relationships and peace result when they originate from the communities impacted.
RESPECT AND FRIENDSHIP THROUGH PAIRING: CFP’s unique model of working with teen pairs (one from each conflict community) and their families has resulted in long term friendships. There is no room for hate with friendship, but there is the possibility for change.
MEANINGFUL DIALOGUE: We intentionally bring together teens and adults from different countries, religions, perspectives, and social and economic backgrounds so all may learn from each other. We provide safe and neutral places for honest exchange.
THE FIRST STEP: We know that, through dialogue and leadership development, our teens experience significant personal growth, relationships, and skills. We teach the power of the individual – that one person can make a difference and that the first courageous step is critical. We facilitate those who wish to effect change.