Putting Peace First: 7 Commitments to Change the World

by Eric Dawson

Young people are hungry to change the world, but often aren't given the chance. This book empowers them to make change happen.

When he was just eighteen, Eric David Dawson co-founded the non-profit Peace First based on the idea that young people can change the world for the better--not someday, but right now. Twenty-five years later, Peace First has reached millions worldwide, teaching young people how to become peacemakers and create real change. Now, Dawson has written PUTTING PEACE FIRST, the handbook every aspiring peacemaker needs.

Using the inspiring stories of real life peacemakers, each chapter highlights a different aspect of peacemaking, from Opening Your Heart to Taking a Stand. With clear, step-by-step explanations of how each peacemaker achieved their goals, this book is a guide for anyone who wants to make a difference.

Genres: Nonfiction, Education

160 pages, Paperback

First published August 28, 2018

Reviews

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

With the writer being a founder and CEO of a company built on peacemaking this was a simplistic (not negatively) way to bring a little peace and kindness back into the world with actionable items and small steps to take after explaining his own journey.

It's an easy book to get through and you can read it whole or take pieces to inspire others on committing to positive change. It's a happier book that some others in this genre which was a bit of fresh air.

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although the case studies are high school students, the advice is applicable to organizers of all ages.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this to be an easy, inspiring read; written for young people, it was possible to read in one day and to immediately feel a rekindled passion for peacemaking. I look forward to reading it again with students and in smaller chunks so as to really internalize the message and the method of peacemaking, but more importantly to foster in our youth the knowledge that they can be problem solvers and peacemakers in their own lives and communities. Putting Peace First gives students the tools and the encouragement to do just that.

The first half of the book provides a framework of seven commitments to peacemaking that anyone can make, and uses seven real world examples to illustrate those commitments in action. There are prompts for starting the peacemaking journey at the end of each chapter: bite-sized chews that make peace work accessible and achievable. The second half of the book offers a step-by-step problem solving, workbook-type guide to help youth in pursuing a peacemaking project: starting with pinpointing problems, brainstorming solutions, team-building, attempting, failing, and trying again. This book is great for anyone who believes that they need to be the change they want to see in the world.

Bias disclosure: I did have the pleasure of Eric's mentoring and inspiration as I volunteered with an early iteration of what is now Peace First -- this book is entirely different to (though completely in the same spirit of) what we were working on some twenty years ago. It is one hundred percent in line with my current avocation with Girl Scouting, and I think this book is an excellent complement to the teaching/methods of Girl Scout leadership program as it exists today. I was not asked or encouraged to make this review; I do so because I think peace work and this message specifically to youth is important.

[Jesseka Staton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Knowing the author is the CEO and co-founder of Peace First, is what intrigued me into reading this book. I had to read this book as a school assignment based on self help. This book caught my eye out of all the options. I really enjoyed this book because it was easy to read. I grew up reading books formatted the same way as this one and it brought back that nostalgic feeling. I love how there are very personal stories from people who faced the ugly sides of society and how they overcame it. It was very inspiring to stick up and stand for what I believe in. I was very moved by the story about Wei from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. There is a lot I can do for others and even more I can do for myself; and this book helped me figure that out. I will continue to use the skills I learn from this book.

[Anne Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This would be an excellent book to read in a leadership or government class in high school or middle school. There are even activities to do and discussion points. It is very inspiring and REAL.

[Mary Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Practical information and inspiring motivation! Read my full review in the latest SLC!

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good information. Easy to comprehend. Personal stories connected to broader ideas makes this grand idea of peacemaking much easier to understand.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great YA book. Forget "what do you want to be when you grow up?" You're a capable person now. Practical steps and examples included.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved how positive this was! Broken up into really great action points from organization to interviewing folks, to figuring out solutions. A must-have for any activist teen.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book. I wish it were on Audible so I could have all of my kids listen to it.