Plan for Peace Competitors

As the preeminent international service organization of the United States, the Peace Corps sends Americans with a passion for service abroad to work with communities and create lasting change. Volunteers develop sustainable solutions to address challenges in Agriculture, Community Economic Development, Education, Environment, Health, and Youth In Development. Through their Peace Corps experiences, Volunteers gain a unique cultural understanding and a lifelong commitment to service that positions them to succeed in today's global economy. Since President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps in 1961, nearly 250,000 Americans of all ages have served in 144 countries worldwide.

The United States Institute of Peace is a premier peacebuilding organization. Congress founded USIP in 1984 as an independent nonprofit corporation dedicated to promoting peace by preventing, mitigating and resolving violent conflict abroad. For over 40 years, USIP has provided those working for peace with proven approaches, practical policy research and a platform to convene diverse stakeholders. Because of USIP’s independent, nonpartisan status, it is a trusted intermediary and neutral interlocutor, able to convene and facilitate global peacebuilding efforts. USIP’s staff work at the Institute’s Washington, DC headquarters and on the ground in some of the world’s most dangerous regions. In pursuit of its mission, the Institute: - Develops tools and resources based on research and offers expert trainings for peacebuilders, including U.S. and foreign peace negotiators, mediators, diplomats and others so they are better equipped to work together to end destabilizing conflicts. - Designs field-tested peacebuilding plans, analysis and strategic gaming exercises for U.S. and foreign practitioners. - Serves the public by connecting them with resources on America’s role, heritage and commitment to peace. - Sends peacebuilding specialists to work with counterparts around the world to reduce conflict and advance peace. In connection with its research, education and training activities, USIP hosts and engages with a range of stakeholders who are committed to working for peace or learning about nonviolent resolution of conflict, including members of Congress, religious leaders, students, veterans, and leaders from around the world.

In countries affected by conflict and war, Women for Women International supports the most marginalized women to earn and save money, improve health and well-being, influence decisions in their home and community, and connect to networks for support. By utilizing skills, knowledge, and resources, she is able to create sustainable change for herself, her family, and community. Since 1993, Women for Women International (WfWI) has provided women survivors of war, and conflict with resources to move from crisis and poverty to stability and self-sufficiency. WfWI delivers these resources through a tiered, yearlong program that begins with direct financial aid and emotional support. Participants also learn about their legal rights; receive life-skills training such as health awareness, numeracy, budgeting and saving, decision-making and negotiation, and civic participation; learn business and vocational skills; and gain access to income-generating activities where they can apply those skills and begin moving towards economic stability. Along with helping more than 478,000 women in the past 20 years to rebuild their own lives and those of their families and communities after war, WfWI uses its voice to call global attention to the unique role that women play in advancing peace throughout society. WfWI works in Afghanistan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Iraq, Kosovo, Nigeria, Rwanda, and South Sudan. To learn more, please visit www.womenforwomen.org.