For over seven years, Co-founder/Director Tanya Cromartie-Twaddle and Co-founder/Coordinator Fidel Verdin have engaged thousands of Milwaukee’s young people in creative anti-violence programs. Teen and young adults are trained as community organizers and compensated for their work.

Organized as a grassroots effort to promote peace principles and provide an outlet for creative expression, the SOP Initiative challenges residents, the business community, educators and policymakers to support new, youth-led efforts for peace and safety in our city.

2009 promises to be the biggest year ever for our celebrated event. With more entertainment, a larger youth summit, headlining performers and Milwaukee's 1st Annual All City-People's Parade & Pageant, this is the don't-miss free event of the year for Milwaukee!

The Annual Rally - Milwaukee’s biggest Peace Party!

• Morning Press Conference
• Youth-Moderated Summit
• Milwaukee Public Theatre All-City People's Parade & Pageant
• Milwaukee Peacemaker Recognition Ceremony
• "Stop the Violence" Youth Performances Showcase
• Children's Play Area with carnival games, face painting, super slide, sports and more.
• Free food and giveaways for pre-registered groups.
• Special Guest Speakers including Mayor and Community Leaders
• Community Agencies Resource Fair and Program Exhibits

There are several ways to participate this year!

Register your, club, church group, childcare, summer camp, school, organization or senior group to attend. Admission is free and registered groups receive free lunch vouchers. Register by contacting Tanya @ or call 414-326-0507

Have your youth group perform on stage! Got a positive message to share through dance, drama, rap, song or poetry? We are seeking a few more performers! Call for details.

Summer of Peace Creative Writing Contest

Youth and teens ages 6-18 years are invited to address the questions " Why Should I be a Peacemaker? or What is a Peacemaker? Participants can write an original song, poem, or essay. Submissions must be between 50 and 150 words for ages 6-11 years, 150-300 words for 12-18 years. Typed or neatly written. Deadline is July 20Th.

Summer of Peace Art 4 Peace

Youth and teens age 6-18 are invited to illustrate what a peaceful community looks like and or illustrate the impact violence has on our community. Submissions may be any reasonable size (able to be delivered to the park and easily displayed) and done by individuals or as a group project. Traced or commercially copied work will not be accepted. Deadline is July 20TH.
Contact Tanya to receive Contest Application and info packet.
414-326-0507

Recruitment for the 2009 Mr. & Miss Peacemaker Wisconsin Pageant has started!

Do you know an outstanding youth leader who has what it takes to capture the crown?

Registration is open until June 25Th, 2009
Mr & Miss Peacemaker Wisconsin Ages 17-21 years
Mr. & Miss Jr. Peacemaker Wisconsin Ages 13-16 years
To qualify: Must be a Wisconsin resident for more than 2 years between the ages of 13yrs and 21 years old. G.P.A. 2.5 or higher 2 letters of recommendation from teacher, club or church official. Application fee is $25. Fee may be reduced or waived for applicants experiencing financial hardship.

The Competition!! !
The Mission of the Peacemaker Award is to honor young leaders and support the work of The Summer of Peace Initiative. 100% of Funds raised go to train future community organizers through the Summer of Peace Initiative Programming and to bottomline expenses for the annual celebration.

Contestants will be judged on the following:

• Interview
• Presentation Speech
• Community Service
• Demonstration of Leadership Skills
• Academic Achievement

Peacemaker Summer of Peace Fundraising efforts

Compete to win this honorable title and represent SOPI for a year of community events and media campaigns. Also, recieve a cash award, gifts and more.

Contact Tanya @ or call 414-326-0507 to request an application packet.

Vendor space is available to a limited number of applicants. Only $20 for nonprofits, youth serving agencies, community serving agencies and church organizations. $40 for sellers.

Contact Tanya @ or call 414-326-0507

Support our work!
Make a tax deductible donation to the Summer of Peace Initiative. Call Tanya @ 414-326-0507 for more information!

visit www.summerofpeace.ning.com

　
Thank you to our supporters! COA Youth & Family Centers, Helen Bader Foundation, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee, Milwaukee Public Theatre and many more!