The purpose of the National Peace Academy is to support, advance and nurture cultures of peace by conducting research and facilitating learning toward the development of peace systems – local to global – and the development of the full spectrum of the peacebuilder – inner and outer, personal and professional. In fulfilling this purpose, the National Peace Academy embodies and reflects the principles and processes of peace.

In the United States, we are experiencing a period of change of historic magnitude. We are troubled with a trillion dollar war, collapsing housing and financial markets, soaring energy prices, a homicide rate ten times that of other leading industrial nations, and a prison population that includes 1 in every 100 citizens. The nation is seeking solutions that are cost-effective, sustainable, and address root causes rather than merely symptoms.

Change of this magnitude requires learning, commitment, and action of equal magnitude, both personal and collective. There is a pressing need for structures and institutions to facilitate that learning, nurture that commitment, and make possible that action. The National Peace Academy is one of those institutions.

Programs & Projects

The National Peace Academy offers a variety of programs supporting the full development of the peacebuilder – inner and outer, personal and professional.

National Peacebuilding Peacelearning Certificate Program (NCP)

 The National Peacebuilding Peacelearning Certificate Program (NCP) provides opportunities for gaining breadth & depth in peacebuilding and peace education or for just testing the waters.  Students can take one course, sample a few, or pursue a personalized learning journey toward earning a certificate in Peacebuilding and Peacelearning.  Certificate Program courses are available online or as short, in-person intensives and are conducted in partnership with leading educators, universities, and peacebuilding organizations around the country.

Peacebuilding Peacelearning Intensive (PPI)

The Peacebuilding Peacelearning Intensive (PPI) is a weeklong summer program that provides a holistic introduction to peacebuilding in theory and practice.  The PPI also supports participants in the preparation of a peacebuilding project to take back to their home, workplace or community.   Be sure to checkout the peacebuilding stories of PPI alumni.

Peacebuilder Teleconference Dialogues

Peacebuilder Teleconference Dialogues brings distinguished peacebuilders and peace educators into dialogue with the NPA community. Each 60-90 minute teleconference introduces important and emergent issues and invites guests to engage with speakers through moderated dialogue and Q&A.   Free, advanced registration is required.

Peacebuilding Peacelearning Conference

The Peacebuilding Peacelearning Conference is a special 2-day event dedicated to bringing together peacebuilders from around the world to share their experiences and practical wisdom. The conference is also an opportunity to engage deeply into one of the 5 spheres of peace of the NPA program framework.

International Institute on Peace Education (IIPE)

 The International Institute on Peace Education (IIPE) is an annual program that brings together peace educators from around the world to network, build community, learn with and from each other, and to exchange best practices around a particular theme. The IIPE was founded in 1982 by Dr. Betty A. Reardon, well known as one of the founders of the field of peace education.  The week-long residential program is held in a different country each year.

Global Campaign for Peace Education

The Global Campaign for Peace Education is an informal network comprised of formal and non-formal educators and organizations from around the world, is also coordinated by the NPA. The Campaign helps to facilitate the exchange of ideas, strategies and best practices through a monthly email-based newsletter.