YSP Seminar and Midwest Launch

On March 9, Naria Gaarder, the Program Coordinator for Youth and Students for Peace (YSP), was invited by the Midwest Collegiate Association for the Research of Principles (CARP) chapters to present the Peace Designer seminar in Chicago. A total of 41 CARP members traveled from Michigan, Indiana and Illinois to participate. They learned about “Hyojeong,” which means “filial heart,” and its value as the foundation for a life of service in creating peace in the world. They then formed teams and created projects to address issues relevant to their local communities.

During the seminar, participants received a full day of training while going through the process of planning a Peace Project. When asked what they liked most about the seminar, one participant said, “I like that YSP is inspiring us to take action on the issues we see in our communities. If we want change, we have to be able to take charge and implement it ourselves.” At the end of the seminar, three students were appointed as YSP Coordinators for their CARP chapters and district to help follow up on the local projects.

The following day, the Chicago Family Church hosted the launch for YSP in the Midwest with the support of Midwest Subregional Director Rev. David Rendel and Rev. Kunihiro Sagisaka. An introduction to YSP was given, as well as a presentation of the Chicago CARP members’ peace project which was created during the seminar.

If you would like to host a local Peace Designer seminar, contact Naria Gaarder at naria@yspusa.org.