The Peacebuilders Initiative couldn't happen without the efforts of these outstanding people who share some essential qualities: They are dedicated to the Peacebuilders mission, they are exceptionally organized and hard-working and, above all, they love to work with teens! Here's the lowdown on the people behind this amazing project:

The Peacebuilders Advisory Board is an energetic group of Catholic professionals in the Chicago area who are dedicated to their faith and to the mission of the Peacebuilders Initiative. The Advisory Board works in close collaboration with the Peacebuilders staff to:

The Peacebuilders Initiative works closely with a network of Catholic high schools and religious communities in the Archdiocese of Chicago. Partner institutions help recruit students to participate in the program, support these students throughout the year as they work on their Peace Projects, and are invited to participate in continuing education opportunities at Catholic Theological Union. The continuity provided by the contact people at each partner institution helps integrate and enhance the Peacebuilders experience for each student.

Our Alumni Since the inception of Peacebuilders Initiative in 2003, we are extremely proud to have "graduated" six groups of young people from our program--more than 200 in all. Our alums can be found around Chicago and at great colleges and universities around the country.  

Peacebuilders Initiative Website
Statement of Purpose

The Peacebuilders Initiative Website provides a place for youth and adults to learn and talk about peacebuilding and social justice issues. The content on this site is created to explore relevant, timely issues and provoke thought about the challenges and triumphs of real-world peacebuilding. It is not intended to be political commentary or critique. Visitors are encouraged to respond to the content, offer opinions, and engage in respectful dialogue on the discussion boards.

Our goals are:

Mission Statement

Rooted in the church's mission of peacemaking and reconciliation, and inspired by the vision and passion of Cardinal Joseph Bernardin, the Peacebuilders Initiative seeks to encourage and mentor youth to awaken their minds and hearts toward ministry within the church as a lifelong vocation. We achieve this by building a dynamic and supportive community of high school students, adult educators and youth ministers where the youth's talents, leadership abilities, and passions are affirmed and cultivated.

Peacebuilders Initiative is a leadership and ministry program for high school youth. Begun in 2001 with funding from the Lilly Endowment, Inc., Peacebuilders Initiative is housed in Catholic Theological Union’s Bernardin Center for Theology and Ministry.

The Ripple Effect

Who is behind the Peacebuilders Initiative? Fewer people than you'd think. We call it the ripple effect. At the heart of the program is a small but diverse group – representatives at the Partner Institutions, members of the Advisory Board, and the Peacebuilders staff – who have offered their time and talents to this remarkable program, one that is destined to inspire a new generation of church leaders. These are caring men and women dedicated to the well-being of our world and our church.

Be a Peacebuilder!

"You're a part of the church here and now, and you have a contribution to make."
– Cardinal Joseph Bernardin, Archbishop of Chicago, 1928-1996

Have you ever thought of yourself as a peacebuilder? A leader? Someone who wants to make a difference in your school, parish, or community?