INDIANAPOLIS — Indianapolis Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Aleesia Johnson put the district’s longstanding relationship with Peace Learning Center at the center of this year’s Better Way Business Breakfast—and described plans to bring its programs to more IPS students.
The Sept. 22 gathering at Gainbridge Fieldhouse brought together educators, business leaders and community supporters to hear how young people are learning to resolve conflict, build relationships and help create safer communities.
Peace Learning Center Board President Toby Miller welcomed guests and thanked the sponsors and partners who made the breakfast possible. He framed the morning around the people behind the work: young people, the educators who support them and a community willing to invest in their future.
Peace Learning Center Executive Director Tim Nation showed guests how the organization makes peace practical. Leading the room through a “peace fist” activity, he demonstrated a lesson taught to young people: their first response to conflict does not have to be their final response. Nation also recognized Tracy Ward Ellis for her leadership and partnership with Peace Learning Center.
Accepting the recognition, Ms. Ellis welcomed guests on behalf of the Indiana Fever and Indiana Pacers. She said the teams and the Simon family have invested nearly $1 million in Peace Learning Center since its founding in 1997, supporting its work to reduce violence and encourage kindness in the community.
Journalist Kit Hanley, who served as master of ceremonies, shared a personal connection to the mission. As an Indianapolis student, she attended Peace Learning Center field trips and retreats. She connected those early experiences to what she has seen while reporting on violence in the city: the relationships and skills people build before a crisis matter. Hanley also introduced a video about Peace Learning Center’s work training Indy Peace Fellows in conflict de-escalation and violence prevention.
Olivia Moore brought a young person’s voice to the program, giving guests the chance to hear directly from someone with firsthand experience of Peace Learning Center. Betsy Kelley of CFI 70 followed with a school perspective and introduced Johnson.
In her keynote, IPS Superintendent Dr. Aleesia Johnson traced the partnership between IPS and Peace Learning Center to its beginnings nearly 30 years ago. Thousands of IPS students have since participated in experiences at Eagle Creek Park, while Peace Learning Center has also brought programs into schools for students, educators and families.
Johnson then set out a vision for what comes next: “We are working together to expand Peace Learning Center programs to all middle and high schools and to reach thousands of our fourth graders in Indianapolis Public Schools.” She described communication, conflict resolution and understanding others as skills students need throughout their lives.
Closing the program, Miller invited guests to help Peace Learning Center expand its impact as the organization approaches its 30th anniversary. The breakfast made clear what that next chapter will take: students willing to lead, educators ready to support them and a community committed to giving more young people the opportunity.
Peace Learning Center thanks everyone who attended and the sponsors whose generosity helps make this work possible.
You can still be part of it
Wanted to attend but couldn’t make it? Donations are still open, and we are close to our $100,000 goal. Your gift helps more young people learn to resolve conflict, strengthen relationships and become peacemakers in their schools and communities.
CLICK HERE to make a donation to Peace Learning Center today!
Images from the Breakfast:
