The PeaceJam Foundation, whose goal is to inspire young leaders to engage in positive change individually and internationally, awarded Florida State University’s program with the inaugural Innovative Leadership Award.

FSU’s Center for Leadership and Social Change is the headquarters for PeaceJam’s Southeast affiliate. This outstanding award recognizes FSU students in PeaceJam for their commitment to transformative leadership.

Provost Sally McRorie accepted the award from Nobel Peace Prize laureate Tawakkol Karman on Friday, April 5, during PeaceJam Southeast's annual conference.

McRorie recognized FSU’s Center for Leadership and Social Change and Director Laura Osteen for bringing PeaceJam to FSU 11 years ago.

“On behalf of President Thrasher and the entire Florida State University community, I’m so grateful to accept this award,” said McRorie. “You are the people who have made this happen. Leadership is something we take a lot of pride in here — leadership for the right causes. I’m so proud of everybody who’s been involved in PeaceJam, both now and over the past 10 or so years.”

At FSU, PeaceJam partners with Leon County schools to bring service initiatives to students in grades K through 12.  FSU’s program also hosts over one hundred youth from the Southeast region during fall and spring conferences.

These conferences connect Nobel Peace laureates with youth to support positive community transformation.

FSU student leaders have actively participated in transforming the lives of over 10,000 students throughout the previous 11 Southeast conferences.

“It is the FSU PeaceJam students and alumni who we invite to lead our conferences across the world, to train other campuses and intern at our Nobel Peace Prize laureates offices,” said Kate Cumbo, the executive director of the PeaceJam Foundation. “They embody a truly remarkable spirit of innovation, commitment to inclusion and compassion.”

Bridgid Shannon, the community engagement coordinator for PeaceJam Southeast and the Center for Leadership and Social Change, acknowledged a variety of university leaders for the program’s success.

Shannon credits Rody Thompson, former community engagement coordinator for PeaceJam Southeast, and Mary Coburn, former vice president for student affairs, for building a lasting collaboration between FSU and PeaceJam.

“Southeast PeaceJam has been a frontrunner in developing infrastructure and mentorship engagement," said Shannon. "If all these people weren’t in the right place at the right time, PeaceJam wouldn’t be here at FSU. None of this could happen without our student leaders, coordinators, teachers and partners who form such a strong community dynamic.”

Student leaders of PeaceJam at FSU have the opportunity to serve in various positions. Coaches educate youth at local Tallahassee schools about Nobel Peace laureates and help them create service projects. The coaching staff designs curriculum for coaches to facilitate conversation and sense of safety while interacting with youth.

Student leaders can also serve as mentors during the annual PeaceJam Southeast Conference for middle school and high school students. They facilitate group discussion and learning while youth attend workshops, engage in local community initiatives and present their service projects.

Reef Landrum, a staff member and Jamily leader for PeaceJam at FSU, believes PeaceJam is central to the FSU community.

“The PeaceJam community here feels like everyone really accepts one another,” Landrum said. “Overnight mentor retreats and events throughout the semester help leaders to learn leadership techniques like facilitating discussion and cooperating with mentor partners.”

Landrum says that the social involvement and community outreach aspect truly helps create meaningful impact on a local and national scale.

“My favorite part of PeaceJam is how it helps challenge you to learn more about yourself,” said Landrum. “The people involved in PeaceJam are so open, supportive and always willing to listen, encouraging you to talk about things you probably never would have otherwise.”

 

To read this story in fusnews click here