Five Peace Actions
At a time when headlines are filled with escalating violence, war, deepening division, and uncertainty across the globe, it can feel difficult to hold onto hope. Yet, across the world, people take action for justice and peace every day. Making space for mindful practices, being compassionate and kind are daily peace actions we can all embrace.
I am proud and humbled to be connected and to collaborate with so many amazing Peace Ambassadors who take responsibility to promote justice, peace and to empower others to do the same. A little of the story behind how I came to know so many amazing Peace Ambassadors!
In 2021, my colleague, Carey Seeley, introduced me to the nonprofit organization World Citizen Peace and their Five Peace Actions, which have since been an anchor in my life and work. When Carey introduced me to these peace actions, I had a deep knowing that there was something special within the promise and possibilities within each word. I signed my pledge to be a Peace Ambassador!
The Five Peace Actions are:
Seek Peace Within Yourself and Others
Reach Out In Service
Protect Our Environment
Respect Diversity
Be a Responsible Citizen of the World
At the time, Carey was a school principal, and we were engaging in leadership coaching around bringing peace education and these Five Peace Actions to life within the children, educators and families. The peace actions inspired us and encompassed our personal hopes for living in harmony within ourselves and the world, as well as aligned to our goals of evolving education. Through our collaboration, we decided that we would create a book that would fill an essential void in the peace education world. Empowering Peace and Justice Education: An Actionable Framework for Elementary Educators and Learners was published by Routledge in September 2025. This hope-filled and actionable book guides readers in embedding peace education in their life, classroom and school culture. And, you may have guessed, the actionable framework centers the Five Peace Actions!
These Five Peace Actions also serve as the anchor for my consultancy, The Peace Pad, LLC. The Peace Pad is for anyone who is passionate about peace & justice education and wants to make a positive impact in their learning environments, organizations and communities. Our educational consultant services and partners connect, align and resonate with the Peace Actions. We believe peace education is for everyone - at all ages and stages of life!
My relationship with the Five Peace Actions expanded again in the summer/fall of 2025, when the organization who created them decided to dissolve and asked if I would carry on their mission and work with the community of Peace Ambassadors.
With joy, I share that we have just launched the World Citizen Peace Ambassador Center, a new 501c3 nonprofit organization keeping the strong mission to ‘Empower People To Create a Just and Peaceful World’. World Citizen Peace Ambassadors are united in their commitment to amplifying, working, living and being in alignment with the Five Peace Actions:
Seek Peace Within Yourself and Others
Reach Out In Service
Protect Our Environment
Respect Diversity
Be a Responsible Citizen of the World
Whether you’re a teacher, parent, community organizer, activist, entrepreneur, artist, faith-based leader, academic, leader or lifelong learner– you can join the movement and make a difference!
With a shared language (Five Peace Actions) and commitment to promoting just peace, World Citizen Peace Ambassadors represent a mix of informal, grassroots and organizational changemakers, peace educators, peacebuilders and peace leaders. Our community of diverse Peace Ambassadors also serve as positive role models, promote deep listening, empathy and mutual respect, aid in conflict resolution and take action to protect our environments.
Promoting peace isn’t just the work of diplomats, governments, leaders or international organizations -- everyday people are the foundation in which just, positive peace is possible.
Peace starts at the community level
Small actions create a peaceful culture
Citizens influence systems, schools and institutions
Violence anywhere - affects people everywhere
Peace is everyone’s responsibility and benefit
Peace begins with you. You don’t need to be a scholar, expert or activist to create positive change. As a Peace Ambassador, you join a global community committed to living the Five Peace Actions and advancing peace, justice, and compassion in everyday life.
The World Citizen Peace Ambassador Center connects this active global community, empowers folks with peace education resources, workshops, trainings and programs, as well as spotlights the inspiring peace actions of our dedicated Peace Ambassadors.
We invite you to join the movement, become a Peace Ambassador!
https://worldcitizenpeace.org/
Author Bio: Julie Lillie is a peace and justice-centered educational consultant with 19+ years in teaching, curriculum design, leadership, and strategy. Founder of The Peace Pad, LLC and Director of the World Citizen Peace Ambassador Center, she advances peace and justice education across all ages and stages. Co-author of Empowering Peace and Justice Education: An Actionable Framework for Elementary Educators and Learners, she emphasizes just peace, nonviolence, trauma-informed care and culturally relevant pedagogy. Julie is a PhD student in Educational Policy and Evaluation at Arizona State University. All of Julie’s efforts amplify and anchor to Five Peace Actions.
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