Feedback

SCHOOLS

Teacher Feedback

“Thank you for including my school in a venture which empowers children to create and increase their self-esteem. My students left this experience with a positive outlook, because they realized their potential is endless. Absolutely marvelous!” Robin J. Miller, Art Teacher/NYC Visual Art Facilitator, The Philip J. Abinanti School (PS 108), Bronx

“My students' participation in the project has been rewarding and memorable. From the moment I introduced the posters to my five hundred students, I have not stopped learning from them and they from each other. Every child produced a poster where they were free to reveal their innermost desires. Their sensitivity, humor, and profound care for the world touched me deeply. From those posters you invited several of my students to participate in a master class with artist, Faith Ringgold. Several of the students chosen are fifth graders. These students are struggling with their own identity and the transition into middle school. Participating in this workshop has helped to solidify their uniqueness as young artists. Thank you so much for the opportunity.” Susanne Cranston, Art Educator/Art Therapist ATR, The Children's School (PS 372), Brooklyn

“This art program was very exciting and enriching for my children. The children spent the afternoon working with Mrs. Ringgold. The information and insight that they gained was invaluable and will mold and shape their work for a lifetime.” Amiyr Barclift, Art Teacher, The Clara Cardwell School (PS/IS 308), Brooklyn

“There was a focused community of learners. They saw their art ideas being taken seriously. I hope the students will go back with their deeper understanding of peace and diversity and be leaders for their classmates. My school has a very diverse population so this kind of activity is perfect to inspire community.” Caroline Heffron, Art Teacher, Benson Elementary School (PS 200), Brooklyn

Parent Feedback

“My child was inspired to create art for peace because he was able to recognize that different children of all backgrounds were participating in the activities.” Nancy B

“The workshop encouraged my child to be creative and express herself because of the free and encouraging atmosphere.” Isanna G

“The workshop encouraged my child to perform at his best because it allowed him to be himself.” Yolanda W

“I believe the workshop strengthened my child’s confidence and self-esteem because she was allowed to think on her own.” Michael P

“The most important thing my child learned about the diversity of New York City is even though we come from different places, we’re basically the same.” Yolanda W

“This workshop helped promote my child’s aspirations and dreams for the future because of the foundation it gives her to go on.” Edward J

Student Feedback

“We are the peacemakers of tomorrow, today.” Patricia L, 10

“Even though you’re from a different culture, your hearts are still the same.” Yathin L, 10

“Everyone is a piece of the puzzle.” Nicole S, 9

“Peace is treating people equally and fair.” Gabriella J, 8

“Not to leave anyone out.” Jessica B, 10

“It’s terrific to be different.” Brittani P, 9

“Everyone is not so different.” Mehroz A, 11

“We aren’t so different after all.” Trenton B, 10

“Say peace in different languages so that we can spread it.” Patricia L, 10

“You don’t only have to write to show peace. You can draw it.” Mehroz A, 11

“Draw and care about peace.” Victoria P, 11

“The InterRelations Collaborative has developed a comprehensive educational program that is demanding and doesn't "dumb down" the students but treats them with the respect that their talent as young artists and exceptional students merits. The video, What Will YOU Do For Peace?, is an educational film of the very highest order. It should be seen in every classroom in New York City.” Claire Beckman, Parent of Taylor Morgan, The Children's School (PS 372), Brooklyn

COMMUNITIES

agency feedback

“Our youth organizers met dynamic youth from all over the city and began to feel connected to a wider network of youth. The experience offered our young people all of the five elements essential to fostering resilience in young people. It has been engaging and challenging, with real world impact and tangible results. The program offered an unusual consistency of continuity; it is rare that a youth development opportunity is available to our young people which spans their entire high school years. Every one of the young people is now a college student and performing at a high level of success.” Susan Matloff-Nieves, Assistant Executive Director for Youth Services, Forest Hills Community House, Queens

Student Feedback

“It has been wonderful to participate in this project with everyone else from different parts of the city. When I saw the story quilt hanging on the wall of ACA Gallery, I felt I have accomplished something big. I think this has helped all of us involved with the Peace Book and the Peace Quilt to be better members of society.” Jessica L, 19

“When I saw the Peace Story Quilt exhibited at ACA Galleries, I felt proud. I will continue to help inspire others and make a difference in someone’s life.” Linda L, 15

“The Peace Quilt was a once in a lifetime experience and gave me something unique to write about on my college applications.” Samuel C, 16

“I felt proud when I saw the Peace Story Quilt at ACA Galleries. I look back at how far we have traveled since we first started this project and I am amazed at its process. I will tell you how I have changed, how it has benefitted my academic career, and what I do at Syracuse University. I am an Ambassador for the Multicultural Living & Learning Community where I spearhead the planning committee. I am working on one project called “Talk2me2knowme” that celebrates dialogue and cultural understanding across the campus. I am a peer leader, a role model and a mentor to the Leadership and Academic Excellence Program targeted to produce successful and balanced student leaders. I can certainly say that the Peace Book and the Peace Story Quilt are an integral part of who I have become. That is why I chose to travel back home five hours by bus from Syracuse to New York City so I could see the Peace Quilt IN PERSON!” Jennifer Z, 19

“My professor at college read the class a beautiful book called What Will You Do For Peace? When she read the first paragraph I started to cry. I got caught up down there that day and it was devastating to me. I almost lost my life that day and it conjured up painful feelings. I just realized sitting in that classroom hurtful feelings were still inside of me. This book is special to me now because it will help children to understand what happened on 9/11 and help to teach the children how to love and respect one another in spite of our difference. Your book should be in every classroom in America.” PT

COLLEGES

Student Feedback

“I had the opportunity to relate to people of different cultures and backgrounds and see the world from their perspective.” Kingsborough Community College

“I have learned that in order to recognize and appreciate differences, we must first take as a given one similarity: we are all human. This is a bridge in the building of relations.” Williams College

“I learned that people of all cultures have different customs but they all have a common goal: peace and equality.” New York City Technical College

“Everyone has common ground – we just have to find it and build from there.” Williams College

“The exchange of cultural items had so much impact on the sharing of cultures.” Kingsborough Community College

“Sharing a cultural object was very helpful not only in learning more factual information, but to gain respect for the pride that people have in their heritage.” Williams College

“I'm coming away with a story from each person's life.” Miss Porter's School

“The stories we shared really forged a bond between us and helped me think about how each one (feeling/story) related to my life in some way.” Williams College

“I was impressed by the power of using personal experience rather than hypothetical or political discussion.” Connecticut College

“One gets to be in another person's shoes.” Queensborough Community College

“The readings were very moving. Despite differences across cultures, there are common themes and threads that tie all our experiences together.” Williams College

“We all have the common bound of being human. All.” Williams College

“From the bumper sticker activity, I learned things that I never knew before.” Miss Porter's School

“The role-playing was very powerful as was the display of signs. I had my eyes opened.” Williams College

“The role play was really helpful because we dealt with real issues.” Wesleyan University

“Role plays portrayed real situations, not made-up.” Baruch College

“The role plays were most helpful because we shared personal experiences, but these experiences took on universal meaning because they made me realize how all emotions are universal.” Williams College

“Role-playing was helpful because it really makes you think how others are seeing the same situation in different ways.” Williams College

“All aspects reinforced the idea that one must look inward as well as outside. We need to step outside of ourselves and look at things from a different perspective.” Connecticut College

“An opportunity to interact with people I might have never met were it not for this event.” Wesleyan University

“The training was set up in a way that everyone took part.” Medgar Evers College

“I loved the intimacy of the breakdown groups. I also liked that they were diverse groups.” Connecticut College

“Interesting to learn about the people in our group. Found things that I never knew.” Connecticut College

“Everyone is human. Doesn't matter what race or culture we are.” LaGuardia Community College

“In all activities, I noticed that communication is really important.” Connecticut College

“I saw in action the effects of getting to know others and how contact can bring one closer to understanding and empathy.” Williams College