HWPL Georgia Branch Hosts Second Annual “Peace Day at the Capital”

 

 

The HWPL Georgia Branch hosted its Second “Peace Day at the Capital” event at the Georgia State Capital in Atlanta on February 13, 2025. The event was attended by state representatives, community leaders and youth participants to discuss the way forward for peace initiatives, especially the importance of Peace Leadership Academy for Youth (P.L.A.Y) program to make Georgia a state of peace.

The Georgia State Capital was chosen as the venue for the event because January to March is the time of year when state representatives are intensively working on budgets and laws. This is an important opportunity for various organizations to meet face-to-face with legislators to share their goals and gain support. The HWPL Georgia Branch took advantage of this time to expand their network of government officials and gain support for their peace work.

 

 

The event was attended by 65 participants, including 9 prominent figures such as Representatives and Senators from the Georgia General Assembly. Notably, Community leaders including Coach D, Founder and CEO of Here2Help, Karen Mulzac Watkins, Former Board Member of Gwinnett County Board of Education, and Dr. Maya Taylor, Founder and CEO of Arrow Youth Leadership Council International, delivered meaningful speeches.

Dr. Maya Taylor, Founder and CEO of Arrow Youth Leadership Council International emphasized that children are inherently peaceful, stating “Children are born with innocence hearts and do not know how to hate or harm. However, as they grow, they learn hatred and violence.” She also emphasized the importance of active participation of youth in peace activities, suggesting that social wellness, socio-economic support, social justice and educational equity are essential for children to grow up peacefully.

 

 

A Particular note at the event was the presentation of certificates signed by Georgia state representatives to the graduates of the P.L.A.Y. program. A total of eight students were recognized for their completion of the program, marking a significant step in HWPL Georgia’s mission to implement peace education across Georgia’s schools.

The HWPL Georgia Branch plans to make Peace Day at the Capital an annual event and will continue to network with interested government officials to institutionalize peace across the state of Georgia. Through these strategic engagements at the legislative level, HWPL Georgia is working to create institutional support for implementing the PLAY program in all schools and counties across Georgia, ultimately establishing the state as a replicable model for peace initiatives across the United States.