their PTAs and PTOs to get parents involved ; parents can involve their businesses and faith-based associations ; and more . There is no end to the kind of collaborative projects that can take place ! As anthropologist Margaret Mead said , “ A small group of thoughtful , committed citizens can change the world .”
In celebration of our 20th anniversary , we brought back the P4P Peace Leader Award in 2016 . This award recognizes people who have committed to a cause and made a difference in their own community , or in the lives of people half-aworld away . A Peace Leader is someone who is dedicated to providing educational opportunities in order to build a more peaceful and prosperous community . Peace Leaders demonstrate leadership , congeniality and compassion , and bring hope and encouragement to others to give back and take responsibility for change . Highland Elementary School , Riverside , CA .
Nominations for the 2017 Peace Leader Award close on January 31 , 2017 .
To nominate a Peace Leader from your community , email info @ penniesforpeace . org .
On behalf of the students that we serve , thank you !
Alanna Brown is the CAI Pennies for Peace manager . Brown joined CAI after serving as an alumni relations for the Montana State University Alumni Association . Prior to that , she was outreach coordinator for MSU ’ s Caring for Our Own program , a Native American nursing support program , and an admissions evaluator at MSU . As an AmeriCorps Vista worker , she coordinated volunteers for Greater Gallatin United Way and did crisis counseling at the Help Center in Bozeman , MT . Brown has a master ’ s degree in adult and higher education / public administration and a bachelor ’ s degree in family counseling from Montana State University .
Denise Allen ’ s students in San Bernardino , California , donated pennies in exchange for pencils . The act had significant impact . “ It ’ s amazing how an 11 year old can think past an Xbox to give back . And that little effort can make a big difference .” – Denise Allen , Teacher
Emily and Nora , homeschooled students from Albuquerque , New Mexico , studied the P4P curriculum and raised funds by placing collection jars at a local farmers ’ market and local businesses . “ They hope their efforts will help provide school supplies for girls who need them in Afghanistan , Pakistan , and Tajikistan .” – Emily & Nora ’ s mom
The Hayden Synchronized Skating Team from Lexington , Massachusetts , spent two months collecting spare change for Pennies for Peace . The skaters realized how fortunate they were to have a loving family , team , and community to support them as they followed their dreams . They hoped that their donation would allow other girls across the globe follow their dreams , too .
Twelve-year-old Abby from Grafton , Massachusetts , asked her friends to bring loose change to her birthday party , rather than presents . The girls raised $ 105.73 !
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