Minnesota's Anti-Bullying Nonprofit — for Schools, Workplaces & Communities
PeaceMaker Minnesota teaches children, youth, and adults the skills to resolve conflict and prevent bullying as it happens — not just understand it in hindsight. We teach empathy and communication strategies so they can turn moments of tension into meaningful connections in schools, workplaces, and communities.
Because every moment of conflict is an opportunity — and how we choose to respond shapes what comes next.
WHY MINNESOTA NEEDS BULLYING PREVENTION & CONFLICT RESOLUTION EDUCATION
26%
of Minnesota fifth graders say they're bullied weekly — and 1 in 4 say they rarely or sometimes resolve conflicts without anyone getting hurt.
— Minnesota Student Survey, 2025
In a class of 20, five rarely or sometimes resolve conflicts without someone getting hurt. We can do better than that. Every program PeaceMaker runs is built to change that.
That gap doesn't close on its own — and it doesn't stay in the classroom. The same skill kids need on the playground is what many adults lack in meeting rooms, at family gatherings, and in front yards across Minnesota.
Our reach
Totals since PeaceMaker began, through December 31, 2025.
See our annual reach on our Impact page.
AFFIRMING THE VALUE OF PEOPLE AND RELATIONSHIPS
We build empathy, kindness, and connection by preventing bullying and teaching conflict resolution in schools and communities.
My son was at a different school last year and was constantly bullied. We moved him to his new school for second grade. We noticed right away how things were different. He came home using anti-bullying language. He was excited for recess and said he felt safe. … We've seen a dramatic change in him: he looks forward to school every day and has made lots of friends.”
D. Johnson · PeaceMaker Minnesota Parent
One family's story. Read more stories below ↓
WHERE WE WORK
Bullying Prevention & Peaceful Communication Education for Schools, Workplaces & Communities
Minnesota-based, whether you're starting from a school, a team, or a neighborhood. Pick the door that's yours.
Every program below starts with the moment it's built for—because the right fix depends on what's actually happening in the room. Our K-12 conflict resolution Minnesota offerings address bullying and conflict with practical, classroom-tested solutions.
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Ambassadors for Respect
When a classmate gets left out because they're different, and nobody — including them — has the words for it yet, fourth graders learn inclusion and self-advocacy from adult mentors with developmental disabilities who've lived what they teach.
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Books for Peacemakers
When a feeling is too big to name, or two friends don't know how to make up after a fight, real books and classroom discussions teach K–5 students conflict resolution, friendship-building, and self-esteem.
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Peace Guide Services
When friendship falls apart at lunch, the wiggles won't let a kid sit still, or the quiet follows losing someone at home, Peace Guides work one-on-one or in small or large groups, using evidence-based practices to build the skills and confidence to work through it.
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Safe School Initiatives
When a school knows it needs to build a kinder culture but lacks the budget for training, outside speakers, or new curriculum, these grants help teachers bring in resources to transform classroom culture.
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Adult Trainings
When a bus driver sees something in the rearview mirror and isn't sure what to do, these skills aren't just for kids. We train school bus drivers and teachers on how to recognize and intervene in bullying behavior.
Conflict doesn't disappear when people grow up.
Minnesota workplaces can benefit from two Peaceful Pen series designed for professional settings. Reflective Listening teaches teams to rephrase and hear each other, turning “you never…” into a conversation about what is actually needed. Recognizing, Managing, and Expressing Emotions gives a simple way to say how you feel and why. These skills build honest communication, better teamwork, and less stress—at work and beyond.
The tension doesn't stop at your front door.
Peaceful Pen brings conversation tools to community groups like neighborhood associations, faith communities, or senior centers. Reflective Listening helps everyone feel heard and valued. Recognizing, Managing, and Expressing Emotions gives an easy way to share feelings and resolve issues together. Both sessions build trust and make groups feel more connected.
Featured Program
Ambassadors for Respect
2019 STATE GOVERNMENT INNOVATION AWARD · HUMPHREY SCHOOL & THE BUSH FOUNDATION
Taught by People Who’ve Lived It
Ambassadors for Respect is a paid leadership role for adults with developmental disabilities. Ambassadors go visit 4th-grade classrooms and teach bullying prevention from experience: how to include others, use person-first language, and stand up for themselves and others. They share their own stories of being teased and bullied, and they say what they longed to hear as kids. Then they lead hands-on activities that help students let go of hurt and build each other up.
REAL PARTICIPANTS | REAL TRANSFORMATION
PeaceMaker Is Exactly What We Needed
What’s New, What’s Next
Fundraisers & Workshops
Play, give, or learn with us
From card tournaments and golf to listening workshops for adults, every event keeps peacemaking programs going in Minnesota schools.
News & Updates
GET INVOLVED
Ready to bring PeaceMaker in?
However you're starting — a school, a team, a neighborhood — reach out, and we'll help you find the right fit. Or fund the work directly: your gift funds bullying prevention and conflict resolution education across Minnesota schools, workplaces, and communities.
Prefer to talk? 651.631.1604
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