SUMMER PROGRAM
The flagship Summer Program is a powerful, unifying experience that starts our Hands on their journey to becoming agents of change. Each summer, Hands of Peace brings American, Israeli, and Palestinian youth together in Chicago and San Diego for a three-week dialogue-based experience. In dialogue sessions led by professional facilitators from the Middle East, Hands learn about “the other,” they share complicated and sometimes painful stories about the conflict, and explore peaceful solutions to foster equality, freedom and justice.
Plans for the 2022 Summer Program in Chicago and San Diego, July 6 – 25, are underway. If you’re interested in receiving an application or would like to be a host family nexts summer please email aroberts@handsofpeace.org.
SUMMER PROGRAM LAUNCHPAD
July 4-29, 2021
For four weeks, first-year Hands met virtually with other members of their delegation for eight 90-minute virtual sessions, giving them a firm foundation as they begin their journey as an agent of change. They participated in training and activities to learn about dialogue, listening, telling their personal story, and other essential peacebuilding skills. Summer Program Launchpad prepared Hands to have an even richer experience when they meet with other delegations in-person in 2022.
VIRTUAL XL LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
July 13-29, 2021
Hands of Peace planned a two-week XL Leadership Program in 2021 for selected second-year participants. XLs participated in virtual dialogue with XLs from the other delegations and received training in leadership and peacebuilding skills. This was a valuable opportunity to help Hands make the transition from dialogue to education as they learned how to apply what they learned about themselves and their fellow Hands in their first year. XLs also had the opportunity to mentor first-year Hands from their delegation, offering leadership opportunities and connectivity between cohorts.