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Five Peace Actions

By Julie Lillie

At a time when headlines are filled with escalating violence, war, deepening division, and uncertainty across the globe, it can feel difficult to hold onto hope. Yet, across the world, people take action for justice and peace every day. Making space for mindful practices, being compassionate and kind are daily peace actions we can all embrace.

I am proud and humbled to be connected with so many amazing Peace Ambassadors who take responsibility to promote justice, peace and to empower others to do the same. A little of the story behind how I came to know so many amazing Peace Ambassadors!

In 2021, my colleague, Carey Seeley, introduced me to the nonprofit organization World Citizen Peace and their Five Peace Actions, which have since been an anchor in my life and work. When Carey introduced me to these peace actions, I had a deep knowing that there was something special within the promise and possibilities within each phrase.

The Five Peace Actions are:

  • Seek Peace Within Yourself and Others

  • Reach Out In Service

  • Protect Our Environment

  • Respect Diversity

  • Be a Responsible Citizen of the World

At the time, Carey was a school principal, and through leadership coaching we explored how to bring peace education and these Five Peace Actions to life within the children, educators and families. The peace actions inspired us and encompassed our personal hopes for living in harmony within ourselves and the world, as well as aligned to our goals of evolving education. We joined as co-authors and Empowering Peace and Justice Education: An Actionable Framework for Elementary Educators and Learners was published by Routledge in September 2025. This hope-filled and actionable book guides readers in embedding peace education in their life, classroom and school culture. And, you may have guessed, the actionable framework centers the Five Peace Actions!

‍These Five Peace Actions also serve as the anchor for my consultancy, The Peace Pad, LLC. The Peace Pad is for anyone who is passionate about peace & justice education and wants to make a positive impact in their learning environments, organizations and communities - at all ages and stages.

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My relationship with the Five Peace Actions expanded again in the summer/fall of 2025, when the organization who created them decided to dissolve and asked if I would carry on their mission and work with the community of Peace Ambassadors.

‍With joy, I share that we have just launched the Home - World Citizen Peace Ambassador Center a new 501c3 nonprofit organization keeping the strong mission to ‘Empower People To Create a Just and Peaceful World’. World Citizen Peace Ambassadors are united in their commitment to amplifying, working, living and being in alignment with the Five Peace Actions.

‍Whether you’re a teacher, parent, community organizer, activist, entrepreneur, artist, faith-based leader, academic, leader or lifelong learner – you can join the movement and make a difference!

‍Promoting peace isn’t just the work of diplomats, governments, leaders or international organizations -- everyday people are the foundation in which just, positive peace is possible.

We invite you to join the movement, become a Peace Ambassador! https://worldcitizenpeace.org/

www.thepeacepad.org | www.worldcitizenpeace.org

Julie@thepeacepad.org | Julie.Lillie@worldcitizenpeace.org

Author Bio: Julie Lillie is a peace and justice-centered educational consultant with 19+ years in teaching, curriculum design, leadership, and strategy. Founder of The Peace Pad, LLC and Director of the World Citizen Peace Ambassador Center, she advances peace and justice education across all ages and stages. Co-author of Empowering Peace and Justice Education: An Actionable Framework for Elementary Educators and Learners, she emphasizes just peace, nonviolence, trauma-informed care and culturally relevant pedagogy. Julie is a PhD student in Educational Policy and Evaluation at Arizona State University. All of Julie’s efforts amplify and anchor to Five Peace Actions.