In 2006, Kids for Peace was founded in Carlsbad, California, by Jill McManigal and Danielle Gram. The organization has since transformed into a global movement with 135 participating countries, all working towards a more peaceful world.
Kids for Peace aims to build a community of caring and empowered youth who take action to help people in their own cities and worldwide. Board President Margi Malek shares the organization’s global impact.
“We have built schools in Kenya and planted gardens to nourish families,” Malek said. “Students in the U.S. have created kindness murals, and businesses uplift their workplaces through our Kindness Certified Company program.”
While Kids for Peace now leads projects around the world, the organization continues to host events in its home city, Carlsbad. On Sept. 21, 2025, the organization hosted PEACEFEST at the Carlsbad Strawberry Fields. An event to promote other nonprofit organizations, PEACEFEST brought the community together through music and art.
“Five youth bands were able to show off their talent and have a chance to win a big prize in our band jam, and 18 nonprofits were there to represent and share their own missions,” Program director and volunteer coordinator Megan Jansen said. “It was a genuine and heartfelt community-building event.”
Kids for Peace takes part in school activities, local projects, and community service, incorporating groups from different towns and cities. However, the organization faced a long period of hardship when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, halting collaboration and introducing challenges the organization was unprepared for.
“Most of our programs rely on gathering people together, so we had to pivot and offer opportunities for youth to put their love into action on their own, from home,” Jansen said.
Kids for Peace relies on donations to fund their global services and programs. Jansen says the Kind Coins Campaign, which is launched annually with the Great Kindness Challenge, enables Kids for Peace to continue their mission.
“Through this campaign, we have built schools in Kenya & Pakistan, a health clinic in Liberia, and playgrounds in hurricane-affected areas of the US,” Jansen said. “The last few years, we have supported the students at The Kids for Peace School of Kenya.”
The children who participate in Kids for Peace are the driving force behind the organization’s success. Jansen notes that her favorite part of the organization is being able to watch the kids spread kindness and acceptance in their communities.
“When they are into a project, whether it be spending time with the elderly at a senior living facility or tending to a garden, they influence those around them in such a positive way,” Jansen said. “They are examples of how doing good feels good and that is infectious.”
Kids for Peace will be celebrating its 20th anniversary on March 21, 2026. The organization hopes to continue making a worldwide impact by fostering a community that promotes kindness and compassion.
“It’s witnessing that spark of joy when someone feels truly seen, valued, and inspired to spread love further,” Malek said. “I love watching hearts open when children, families, and businesses realize the power they have to make a difference through kindness.”
