By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | June 3, 2025

Under the bright spring sun in Atlanta, neighbors, leaders, and youth marched side by side in the Peoplestown neighborhood—not for fitness but to take a bold stand for peace, — they walked for change.

The event, led by HWPL Georgia, was a powerful show of unity. According to Kim Thomas, Chief Branch Manager of HWPL Georgia, “A peace walk is a community-led effort. It’s a chance for people to walk side by side and show they want peace in their neighborhoods.”

HWPL, which stands for Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light, is an international peace organization dedicated to promoting peace and harmony worldwide. It is based in South Korea but has branches worldwide, including one in Georgia. The organization’s mission is to promote peace through three core areas: legislation, education, and community action.

Thomas said HWPL’s Georgia branch is working to create a “culture of peace” throughout the state. The goal is to turn Georgia from the “Peach State” into the “Peace State.”

“We want people to think about peace in their community,” Thomas explained. “Violence doesn’t just appear. It grows over time. But peace can grow, too. That’s what we’re trying to build—a culture where peace is normal.”

Tackling Violence at the Root

One of HWPL’s most essential tools is Peace Education. This 12-lesson program teaches children about respect, self-worth, and the value of life. HWPL offers the curriculum in after-school programs, school clubs, and other youth organizations.

“When kids learn these values early, they grow into adults who care about peace,” said Thomas. “We want to stop violence before it starts.”

The Peace Education program also helps educators. Teachers and youth leaders are trained first so they can pass on peaceful habits and thinking to the children in their care. Topics include coexistence, gratitude, respect, and being a law-abiding citizen.

Youth Leading the Way

HWPL Georgia also runs a youth program called PLAY, or Peace Leadership Academy for Youth. PLAY helps young people become leaders in peace education. The program utilizes literacy and leadership training to promote nonviolence and effective problem-solving.

Students in the PLAY program learn how to speak up for peace in their schools, homes, and communities. The goal is to build a new generation of peace leaders.

Another educational effort, the Peace Expedition series, helps young people develop skills such as empathy, teamwork, and social justice. These lessons prepare them to handle conflict and help others.

Peace in Action

HWPL believes peace isn’t just about words—it’s about action. That’s why HWPL Georgia also gives back to the community. They’ve donated:

• 2,613 items of clothing to families in need
• 18,725 hygiene products to support health and dignity
• 1,608 school supplies to help children succeed in the classroom

These acts of kindness help create stronger, safer communities. They also remind people that peace starts with caring for one another.

A Global Mission with Local Roots

HWPL isn’t just working in Georgia. Around the world, the organization promotes peace through international law, interfaith dialogue, and policy change. HWPL supports the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW), a legal document that aims to end conflicts and protect human rights.

Locally, HWPL Georgia brings people together through interfaith discussions, youth programs, and events such as the Peace Walk. These gatherings help neighbors connect, share ideas, and learn from one another.

“Our goal is to build peace from the ground up,” Thomas said. “Whether it’s through teaching kids, supporting families, or simply walking together, we’re planting the seeds for something bigger.”

The Peace Walk was just one event, but it sent a clear message: Georgians are ready to lead with peace. HWPL Georgia is helping them do just that—one step at a time.

A second peace walk will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2025. for more information or support before or during the event, please contact our Vendor Coordinator, Grace Brown at 770-335-4954 or our event coordinator Alex Leconte at 678-468-3278 or hwpl.us.atl@gmail.com.

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