PEACE IS WORTH THE WORK — 2025 IMPACT
Fewer meltdowns. Calmer rooms. Here's what one year looks like.
Across Minnesota, kids are learning to work through conflict before it becomes a crisis. Below is what that looked like in 2025 — school by school, program by program, dollar by dollar.
26%
of Minnesota 5th graders say they're bullied weekly — and only 1 in 4 say they can work through conflict without anyone getting hurt.
Minnesota Student Survey, 2025
One year of peacemaking, by the numbers
In 2025, PeaceMaker Minnesota reached more kids, in more schools, than in any year of its 28-year history.
Schools served, 2023 – 2025
Students reached, 2024 vs. 2025
None of this happens without you. In 2025, 695 donors — from five-dollar gifts to five-thousand-dollar sponsorships — made every number on this page possible.
Who we reach
Public, charter, and independent schools across the metro and Greater Minnesota — with a deliberate focus on the schools that need it most.
Schools served, by region
- East Metro35.3%
- Greater Minnesota33.8%
- West Metro30.9%
Schools served, by type
- Public schools73.5%
- Independent schools16.2%
- Charter schools10.3%
of schools served have a high racial or ethnic minority population — over 40% of the student body.
of schools served are high economically-disadvantaged — over 40% of the student body.
38 Minnesota communities, and counting
Five programs, one goal
Every program builds the same core skills — emotional regulation, empathy, and talking through conflict — just for different ages and settings.
Ambassadors for Respect
Fourth graders learn inclusion and self-advocacy from adult mentors with developmental disabilities who've lived what they teach.
I will keep in mind that we are all different but deserve kindness.
— StudentBooks for Peacemakers
K–5 students read, discuss, and keep grade-specific books on conflict, friendship, and standing up for others — brought to life with The Story Table Foundation.
I think they took away positive ideas to deal with things that bother them rather than yelling, hurting, or crying.
— 1st grade teacher, Isanti IntermediatePeace Guide Services
Trained adults meet one-on-one and in small groups with K–8 students to resolve conflict, build relationships, and grow self-esteem — every week, for the kids who need it most.
Peace Guides fill the gaps that would normally be overlooked or not recognized to begin with.
— TeacherSafe School Initiatives
Grants of $1,000–$5,000 help schools bring in the training or curriculum it takes to build a culture where bullying doesn't take root.
Teaching empathy and kindness helps students navigate friendships, conflicts, and social challenges positively.
— TeacherPeaceful Pen
For adultsAn eight-week reflective-listening series brings the same skills we teach kids to the adults in their lives — at home, at work, and in the community.
I learned to be receptive to people and non-judgmental. All of these are important to reflective listening.
— ParticipantConflict is part of every classroom, workplace, and home. What changes things is whether anyone has ever taught us how to work through it. Our programs give kids, and the adults who guide them, those skills, one conversation at a time.
Where the dollars go
Every dollar is accounted for — and most goes straight to kids.
- Donations42.3%
- Government grants35.6%
- Endowment gifts11.7%
- Program fees & interest10.4%
- Programs83.6%
- Fundraising12.9%
- Administration3.5%
Why Peace Matters
The numbers tell one part of the story. Here's the rest of it, in the words of the people living it.
When I was a 4th grader, I would hide my leg brace. But when I went back to the schools as an Ambassador, I was willing to show the support that I needed and show off who I am. One boy even complimented me on it!
— Ambassador Ambassadors for RespectThe sessions and books have already helped! Two days after the event, my kids got into a fight with each other. Instead of parental intervention, they stopped and shared their feelings and resolved it on their own!
— Teacher, Riverview Dual Language Books for PeacemakersMy daughter speaks with her Peace Guide at school frequently. She is a sensitive soul, and this service has been invaluable in helping her navigate tough and confusing situations.
— PeaceMaker Minnesota parent Peace Guide ServicesI learned that if you are an upstander you can really help someone who is hurting. If you don't do it, you are being part of the problem. Whenever I get chance, I will be an upstander.
— Leo, student Safe School InitiativesThank you for leading such a powerful event. You are sharing so much wisdom and having adults reflect on their experiences like they have never done before. I believe that group was a version of positive therapy and helped people learn to share and grow.
— Participant Peaceful PenOur Peace Guide excels at mediation and conflict resolution, helping students find common ground and mutually beneficial solutions.
— School administrator Peace Guide ServicesPeace is worth
the work.
Every number on this page represents a classroom, a conversation, a kid, or an adult who felt heard and learned new ways to communicate, resolve conflict, and connect more. Here's how to be part of the next one.