The Peace Crane Project

Thoughts for Participation 2025

For newbies here, this Substack is mostly about The Peace Crane Project. We encourage students (and others!) all around the world to fold an origami crane, write a message on its wings, and then, through us, exchange it with another student somewhere in the world. It’s a simple concept that plays out in as many ways as there are participants. In addition to the cranes, some share videos, meet via Zoom, write penpal letters, and share information about their homes, families, and countries. Often, the teachers connect on an even deeper level and remain in touch for many years. The Project is just a framework, offering support for however educators and community leaders choose to employ it to bring the world together.

Na Caragol Primary School in Spain, participates in the Peace Crane Project

Just before the pandemic, we had nearly one million participants join us in a single year. It was our biggest year yet, and momentum was growing. And then, the pandemic. Schools closed. Everything went remote. Countries and classrooms withdrew into their own struggles. The last thing anyone wanted was mail from strangers. Our participation numbers plummeted.

We’ve been slowly building again now for a few years, and I’m hopeful we will someday meet and then exceed our previous numbers. But the challenges are many. The global mood has changed dramatically since the pandemic. More of our participants have been affected by war or political upheaval. Inflation has been brutal, boosting the cost of postage, dramatically in some cases. (Please consider an all-digital exchange, if postage costs are slowing you down. Or send only a few cranes to represent your group. Flatten them carefully and send them in a standard envelope. This will help!) The pressures to catch up the students who fell behind during the pandemic has also overwhelmed many. I hear it from many of you and hope this year is easier than the last one.

If you would like to help us rebuild, please take a moment to share the Peace Crane Project with every teacher and community leader you know. Now is the perfect time to sign up for participation on September 21, the United Nations Day of Peace, our biggest exchange day of the year. In addition to schools, we have connected senior living homes, scout groups, after-school programs, religious organizations, corporate teams, and a host of other unique groups - all are welcome!

From one of our most extraordinary teachers, Julie Fairweather at Na Caragol Primary School in Spain “We have really enjoyed participating once again in the Peace Crane Project and have made the most of all the new resources available such as the penpal letters. Our year 2 students were so excited to receive their cranes from the USA and to learn about the city of Baltimore. Our students at both ends are learning the song " One Crane " and looking forward to sharing experiences via e.mail”

The potential for all of us to build strong networks of ordinary people who believe a globally connected and educated population can be a force for peace and prosperity is right in front of us. My self-appointed role is to assist all of you in connecting for this common goal; however, I may be of assistance. Please let me know. Meanwhile, here are some links and info for you to share:

Here’s how to join us:

1. SIGN UP- Join the Exchange List 2025 HERE. (Joining this list will enable you to exchange cranes and greetings with another group in a part of the world of your choosing.)

2. Subscribe to us on Substack HERE. You will receive additional valuable information to help you make the most of the program.

3. We also have a Facebook group where you may find exchange partners, share tips and photos, ask questions, and chat with other members. (This can be a helpful resource to connect with other members and receive more immediate help and feedback.)

4. CHOOSE AN EXCHANGE PARTNER from the exchange list. You can see the list HERE, or wait to see if someone contacts you. We strongly encourage you to contact others. Find several groups on the list that you would like to exchange with. Send them an email. Describe your group and how you would like to trade. Regular mail? Or just via email? Would you also like to exchange pen-pal letters? Artwork? Videos? Once connected, it is up to you and your exchange partner to make it work for you. While we have few rules, we absolutely DO NOT TOLERATE anyone asking for donations, or using your contact information for any purpose other than Peace Crane Project activities. If you are contacted inappropriately, please let us know.

5. CHOOSE AN ADDITIONAL EXCHANGE PARTNER. Stuff happens. The mail is lost or delayed. A group is suddenly unable to participate for one reason or another. Having two exchanges doubles your odds of having a successful exchange. Too often I hear of groups that only selected one partner and then were left with no cranes in the mail for their students.

6. FOLD YOUR PEACE CRANES – get folding guides here.
   Want something easier to fold? Try our guides to folding a dove or heart! We even have coloring pages for the little ones.

7. SEND A PACKAGE – GET A PACKAGE
   Once you’ve selected your exchange partner, ask for their postal address! Send your artwork and messages to your exchange partner. Wait for their package to arrive! Hot tip! If you don’t have the budget for postage, trade via email – it’s free!

8. GET YOUR CERTIFICATE OF PARTICIPATION
   Send us a photo of your event, and we will send you a Certificate of Participation!

Thanks for your help in keeping the project growing and the dreams of our children in flight.

Sue