Training #1
Tue, Oct 6, 2026
Youth Peace Network · Program Year
Youth Peace Network 2026–2027
Developing leaders through dialogue, service, and shared values. High school students meet for hands-on trainings and community events that turn ideas about peace into action.
- 5 trainings
- 5 community events
- October 2026 – June 2027
- For high school students
About this program year
A year of learning, serving and building bridges
The Youth Peace Network (YPN) is Peace Islands Institute’s leadership program for high school students. It helps young people become empathetic leaders and bridge-builders in their own communities, grounded in PII’s four pillars: unity, education, welfare and progress.
The 2026–2027 year opened on October 6, 2026 with “Becoming a Peace Agent.” Through the year, students alternate between trainings, where they build skills, and community events, where they put them to work alongside neighbors of different faiths and backgrounds. The year closes in June 2027 with an end-year interfaith youth trip and a certificate ceremony for students who complete the program.
Every session below gets its own story, with photos, once it has taken place.
What students build
Constructive dialogue & empathetic communication
Listening actively, replacing polarizing debate with human-centered dialogue, and making diverse spaces feel safe.
Servant leadership & positive action
Organizing grassroots advocacy, mediating conflicts and leading community service such as food bank outreach.
Interfaith fluency & bridge-building
Getting to know different faith and cultural traditions, finding shared values and practicing sacred hospitality.
0 of 10sessions held so far
TrainingCommunity event
2026–2027 schedule
Trainings & events
Each session gets its own story and photos after it takes place. Open any session marked “Recap & photos” to read it.
Training #2
Tue, Nov 3, 2026
Interfaith Fluency: Sacred Hospitality & Shared Values
Event #1
Wed, Nov 18, 2026
Thanksgiving Dinner with FCC Action
Event #2
Sun, Jan 10, 2027
Volunteering at a Soup Kitchen with FCC
Event #3
Sun, Feb 28, 2027
Spring Interfaith Harmony Gathering: Shared Meal & Dialogue
Training #3
Tue, Mar 16, 2027
Civic Leadership: Grassroots Advocacy & Public Messaging
Training #4
Tue, Apr 13, 2027
Digital Peacebuilding: Media Literacy & Algorithmic Awareness
Event #4
Fri, May 21, 2027
Youth Peace & Action Showcase: Presentations & Debates
Training #5
Thu, May 27, 2027
Mediation & Restorative Justice (optional standalone session)
Event #5
Program finale
Sat, Jun 5, 2027
End-Year Interfaith Youth Trip & Certificate Ceremony
Students who complete the program receive their certificates.
Looking back
2025–2026 program year
Questions about YPN?
Families and students can reach the Peace Islands Institute team about the Youth Peace Network.
infonj@peaceislands.org (201) 426-0689