CISV Midwest Ohio Creates Change Toward Peace Through UNESCO-Approved Education Programs
(10-28-25) In a world often divided by conflict, Children’s International Summer Villages, commonly known as CISV, is pioneering a transformative approach to peacebuilding through innovative educational initiatives. By harnessing the power of UNESCO-approved programs, this local chapter is equipping the next generation with the tools for understanding, empathy, and global citizenship, proving that change begins at home and can ripple outward to create a brighter, more harmonious future. CISV is a global organization with a mission to educate and inspire action for a more just and peaceful world. At the heart of all CISV programs is friendship, in line with the founding belief that peace is possible through inter-cultural friendship, cooperation, and mutual understanding.
The CISV Midwest Ohio chapter is based in Troy and serves youth ages 7 and older throughout Auglaize, Champaign, Clark, Darke, Greene, Mercer, Miami, Montgomery, Preble, and Shelby counties with monthly chapter meetings & social events, community service projects, and camp-based opportunities. The chapter currently has opportunities for youth & teens (ages 11+ in 2026) and adult Leaders (paid position for ages 21+ in 2026) to apply for domestic and international programs as a representative of the United States during the summer of 2026. If you or someone you know fits these criteria and are looking for a life-defining summer experience with new friends, applications are being accepted now through December 31, 2025. Scholarships are available for those who qualify.
CISV gatherings are where laughter fills the room and friendships bloom across all ages, creating a vibrant community where everyone from 7 to 107 can find their place! Picture energetic icebreaker games that get everyone giggling, collaborative art projects where different generations share creative ideas and experience CISV’s four areas of content. The magic happens when younger members team up with older participants for scavenger hunts, storytelling circles, or friendly competition in international games that spark joy and connection. The infectious energy comes from knowing that everyone belongs, everyone contributes, and everyone leaves with new friends and unforgettable memories. At CISV, fun isn’t just an add-on – it’s the heart of how lasting friendships are formed and how people of all ages discover the joy of being part of a truly inclusive community, learning to be global citizens.
Having multiple inclusive friend groups creates a rich tapestry of belonging that strengthens young people in profound ways. When youth connect with diverse circles – perhaps teammates from sports, classmates in drama club, neighbors in their community, or peers who share their cultural background – they develop a more complete sense of identity and resilience. Each group offers unique perspectives, experiences, and forms of support, preventing the isolation that can happen when someone feels like they don’t quite fit into just one social circle. These varied friendships teach empathy, cultural awareness, and social flexibility while providing multiple safety nets during challenging times. Young people who belong to several welcoming communities learn that there are many ways to be valued and accepted, discover different aspects of their own personality, and develop the confidence that comes from knowing they have places where they truly belong. This network of inclusive relationships not only enriches their current experience but builds the social skills and open-mindedness that will serve them throughout their lives, creating a foundation for meaningful connections across all the communities they’ll encounter as they grow.
CISV creates a uniquely welcoming community locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally where young people from all backgrounds, cultures, and experiences come together to build meaningful friendships that celebrate diversity and promote understanding. Through local chapters in cities nationwide, youth find a safe and inclusive space where they belong, develop leadership skills, and connect with peers who share their passion for making the world more peaceful and connected. This supportive network empowers American youth to become global citizens while staying rooted in their local communities, fostering both personal growth and lifelong friendships that span cultures and continents.
CISV is an all-inclusive, 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization that relies heavily on grant funding, active volunteers, and generous donors for unwavering support. On December 2nd, the world will come together for an international day of radical giving known as Giving Tuesday. CISV encourages everyone to join the Giving Tuesday movement and reimagine a world built upon shared humanity and generosity. CISV believes real change starts within local communities that provide its people with knowledge, skills, attitudes, values, and the belief of a grand concept far greater than themselves to become catalysts of change toward peace. Together, we can create a brighter, more compassionate, and peaceful world for all. The organization has set an ambitious Giving Tuesday goal of $5,000 that will be earmarked for the annual cost of National Chapter Support Fees, International Membership Fees, and National Junior Branch Dues.
Founded in 1950 by University of Cincinnati psychology professor, Dr. Doris Twitchell-Allen; CISV consists of 22 chapters in the United States, 200+ chapters scattered throughout 62 countries around the world, and over 45,000 members worldwide. Following the devastation of World War II, Dr. Allen believed peace would be possible through unbiased children. From this conviction came her vision of bringing children together from all over the world to learn and respect each other’s differing and common values. In 1951, Allen realized her dream when delegates from eight countries gathered in Cincinnati for the first-ever Children’s International Summer Village. In 1979, Allen was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize – the recipient that year was Mother Teresa. Throughout its 74 years of existence, CISV has given more than 10,000 children and young adults the experience of their lives and the opportunity to build lasting friendships through its local, regional, national, and international peace education programs.
Peace education is a way of learning about issues that are the cause of social injustice, conflict, and war. The purpose of peace education is to provide participants with the attitudes, skills, and knowledge they need to become active global citizens who make a difference in their local communities and beyond. All CISV peace education programs focus on four educational learning objectives through an UNESCO-approved curriculum:
• Diversity – Explores the identity of the individual and asks us to consider ourselves within our own and the wider community.
• Human Rights – Considers how Human Rights affect every aspect of our lives and how violations can lie at the root of problems such as poverty, violence, and lawlessness.
• Sustainable Development – Looks for integrated ways to promote economic and social well-being, while protecting the environment through the responsible use of natural resources.
• Conflict & Resolution – Helps us understand how conflicts can arise, deliberately or otherwise, and what can be done to help bring peaceful resolution.
For a full list of upcoming CISV Midwest Ohio events and opportunities, go to http://www.midwestohio.cisvusa.org or email midwestohio@cisvusa.org for more information. You can also sign up for regular newsletters via the website. Follow CISV Midwest Ohio on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok, Snapchat, Pinterest, and YouTube. CISV Midwest Ohio is a local chapter within CISV USA (cisvusa.org) and CISV International (cisv.org).