Soul Shoppe Programs

Vision
A world where people connect and support each other with empathy and compassion.

Mission
We empower communities by activating heart-centered peacemaking skills that lead to courageous action, connection and restoration.

Summary of the program
Soul Shoppe is entering the second year of delivering a new train-the-trainer model, our Peacemaker Trainer Certification Program. In this model, we train adult staff to build their own Peacemaker Program, where 4th-5th graders develop their self-awareness and communication skills while learning how to lead restorative conflict resolution interventions between peers.

We also help adults build their social-emotional capacity and knowledge of restorative practices, so they can best teach students, model behavior, and shape their community. Adult modeling of these skills is critical for student learning, and nationwide research shows that Social Emotional Learning (SEL) supports academic growth and mental health outcomes.

While this is our second year of training-the-trainer, it is built on over 20 years of Soul Shoppe history in the Bay Area. Since 2001, we have trained over 18,000 student Peacemakers ourselves, and are now hoping to increase our peacemaking efforts by training others to deliver our programming!

“This was one of the best virtual trainings I've attended, Soul Shoppe fills my heart. I left with hope and excitement.” -Stephanie Martinez, District Director of Student Programs, Daly City CA, August 2021

Funding Requested
$20,000

Contribution to peace and social consciousness
Conflict happens all the time, starting when we are just young children. The hurts we experience on the playground often stay with us through adulthood.

We believe that when kids and adults can understand their own feelings, learn to communicate them, recognize the perspective of others, and take a step toward peace by meeting each others’ needs and resolving the conflict, in this way we can create a more peaceful world.

Walking the Peace Path is central to our programs, and our Peace Path has been blessed by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.