"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead

Extraordinary Problems Need Extraordinary Programs

 The National Peace Foundation is committed to solving problems and preventing conflict through community peacebuilding and citizen empowerment. We work where the institutions of civil society (such as health, justice, education, safety) have failed or are no longer effective, NPF empowers local citizens to improve their situation and reduce conflict. Drawing on a legacy of work that stretches back over twenty-five years, today our projects produce tangible results around the world. We accomplish this by supporting grassroots efforts with access to networks of experts, related citizen groups in other countries, and the technical tools needed to establish, operate and sustain citizen-led initiatives. We believe that in the face of overwhelming adversity, citizens can rise to the challenge to build healthier, safer, and more stable communities.

Read about our most recent successes!

Photo by Vince Isner, VIP Media

A look at just a few of our recent projects shows the importance of grassroots citizens' efforts that help create a better world.

• To protect citizen health in Moldova, NPF brought together national and regional medical authorities with rural clinicians and introduced them to a large network of leading U.S. and other experts on the treatment of hepatitis, tuberculosis, and HIV.
• To promote a healthy and safe society in Russia, where drug addicts have limited opportunities for rehabilitation and reintegration into society, NPF helps local organizers train hundreds of treatment staff and builds new treatment facilities. This citizen-led program successfully reduces the burden of drug addiction and the crime it brings.
• To overcome prejudice and animosity, NPF assembled numerous religious and cultural leaders from countries in the Middle East with Jewish leaders in the US during the Islam in America Middle East Dialogues delegation in March 2009. The meeting allowed both groups to break down cultural barriers and overcome stereotypes.
• To help spread understanding and perspective, NPF’s Spring 2009 Peacebuilder Tour sent participants to Israel, Gaza and the West Bank and gave citizen peacebuilders first-hand experience in the realities of conflict, and the value of citizen diplomacy.