Recipe for Peace: A Fun and Reflective Activity for Kids & Adults

Discover why we're big fans of this activity at NP and how you can create your own Recipe for Peace, either on your own or with little ones.

Since the opening of the Hub for Nonviolence and Safety, our Community Peacebuilders have been busy building relationships in North Minneapolis, U.S., de-escalating conflict, and working with local partners to reclaim the block for peace.

Recently, the team was approached by a man while passing out coffee, lemonade, and treats on the sidewalk – a weekly offering that has helped the Community Peacebuilders get to know community members and establish NP's presence in the area. The man walked up to the team visibly upset. He shared he had been robbed and was contemplating using violence to get revenge on his attacker. While listening to the man, staff validated his anger, embodied a calm presence, then moved towards de-escalating him, explaining the consequences he may face if he followed through with his dangerous plan: jail or even losing his life. The man was taken aback. "Nobody has ever spoken to me this way," he said. By the end of the conversation, the man dropped his plan, deciding that more violence was not the answer.

This is what the seeds of change look like. Together with our local partners and supporters like you, we are working toward achieving our vision of a world without violence, where safety is rooted in community and in relationship with one another. But as we know, peace takes time.

"My grandma always told me that it’s about a recipe," says Will Wallace, NP Director of Community Peacebuilding. 

"When you go in the kitchen, you might be trying to master grandma’s recipe, but she says you gotta add yourself to your flavor. It’s exactly like that—the Community Peacebuilding program is taking my recipe of community safety. It is taking the NP recipe of unarmed civilian protection. And the young people working on this and the community in North Minneapolis are adding a little bit of themselves. This is the recipe for true safety and lasting peace."

This work takes all of us. So we invite you to dream with us. Envision the world you want to create.

Instructions for Creating a Recipe

Now it's time to come up with a Recipe for Peace suited to your community! What ingredients would you include? How would you make it?

This reflective exercise encourages meaningful discussions regarding how we can build peace in our neighborhoods and daily lives. Feel free to try this activity with a single child or within a group setting. Instructors can choose whether students refer to their individual communities at home or their collective classroom community, but should specify to kids.

Additional Discussion Questions:

Here are a few questions to promote deeper conversations. For group settings, provide 5-10 minutes for kids to reflect and journal on a selected few questions. Once everyone is ready, allow time for children to share their answers aloud.

• What does peace mean to you?
• What makes you feel safe?
• What do you need in your community to feel safe?
• How can you support peacebuilding in your neighborhood?
• How do you know if someone is upset or sad?
• What makes you feel better when you're upset or sad?
• How can I be a good listener for friends and family?
• How can we make sure everyone is treated fairly?
• Have you ever noticed a friend being left out? Have you ever felt left out?
• Why is it important to listen to what others have to say?
• How can we solve problems without taking anger out on others?
• What are some ways we can celebrate our differences?

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Note: This activity may be inappropriate or sensitive to use amongst kids facing food insecurity or hunger. Discretion is advised.