Give your time. Grow a seed of hope.
Our workshops, community projects, and events run on people who show up. Whether you have one afternoon or one year, there is a place for you here.
Volunteer with us
The Greater Houston area has over 500,000 students, and many of them lack the social and emotional support they need. Over the past 10 years, we have reached them through workshops, teacher training, family circles, and youth-led community projects across more than 70 schools. Every one of those rooms needs people in it.
Pick what fits your time, your skills, and your season of life.
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Workshop support
Assist our facilitators in classrooms and community centers. Prepare materials, support small groups, and help keep the room warm and steady.
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Healing arts and creative projects
Help students paint, build, and make. Art created by children, for children, is how regulation and expression happen here.
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Community projects and events
Support youth-led service initiatives, the Friend of the World Leadership Summer Camp, fundraisers, and launch events.
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Skills-based volunteering
Offer what you already do well. We regularly need translation between English and French, photography and video, grant writing, design, and data support.
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Youth Council
For high school and college students who want a real voice in how our programs and digital tools are built. The Youth Council is active and open to applications.
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Global service
Once a year, members of the Be Peace – Be Hope core team travel abroad to serve alongside trusted local partners in schools, refugee communities, orphanages, and other community settings. These trips are generally reserved for the core team and selected project partners, depending on the needs of each initiative and destination.
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Group and corporate volunteering
Bring your company, congregation, Rotary club, student organization, or community group together for a meaningful day of service. Projects are designed around current community needs and may include hands-on activities, resource drives, creative projects, youth support, and other community initiatives. Contact us to discuss your group, available dates, and the service opportunity that would be the best fit.
What to Expect
We want you to know what you are stepping into before you commit.
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You will be trained.
You will not be handed a group of students and left to figure it out. Every volunteer working with young people is prepared with our trauma-informed approach and our safety practices before their first session.
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You will be supported.
You work alongside experienced facilitators. There is always someone to ask.
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Your time is respected.
We will tell you the schedule up front and give you notice when it changes.
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Consistency matters.
Trust grows when students see the same familiar faces and know they can count on you. Whenever possible, volunteers are asked to commit for the duration of a full workshop series so relationships can deepen and the experience can have a greater impact, unless the opportunity is specifically designed as a one-time workshop or special event.
Ages and consent: Age requirements may vary depending on the volunteer opportunity and the level of contact with young people. Volunteers under 18 must have parent or guardian consent and may be subject to additional supervision requirements. School-required community service hours must be approved by Be Peace – Be Hope in advance so that we can confirm the opportunity is appropriate and that any required documentation can be provided.
How to Get Started
Volunteers who work with young people complete the same safeguarding steps as our staff. This protects the children we serve and it protects you.
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Tell us about yourself
Fill out the volunteer form with your interests, your availability, and any skills you would like to use.
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Have a conversation
We will set up a short call to talk through where you would fit and answer your questions.
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Background check
Volunteers working with children and youth complete a background check before starting.
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Abuse prevention training
You will complete an approximately 90-minute online training covering abuse prevention, appropriate boundaries, mandatory reporting responsibilities, and the safeguarding standards we expect everyone representing Be Peace – Be Hope to uphold in every space we create.
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Orientation
We walk you through our safety procedures, confidentiality practices, incident-reporting protocols, and what happens in a typical session.
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Your first session
You will be paired with an experienced facilitator and eased in.
“Karine Parker with Be Peace – Be Hope continues to amaze me with her approach and methods in Social and Emotional Education and well-being. Arts are the perfect way of teaching Social and Emotional Education since Art comes from our emotional life. Karine Parker and Be Peace – Be Hope take my students on a reflective journey helping us to explore questions about what it is to be human and how we react to our given circumstances.”
Chris Perkins, art teacher, Hill Elementary
“Even though I joined the program later, it was an amazing experience for me. It really helped me express my ideas and emotions more easily and boosted my creativity. The program also allowed me to open up and make new friends who were so supportive and helped me with my artwork. I truly wish everyone could have this kind of outlet, it's been incredibly helpful in my everyday life.”
Khloe Franco, student, Hill Elementary
“Be Peace – Be Hope has been a meaningful experience for our family. We are grateful for the care, understanding of our culture, and emotional safety the team provides. The trust we built gave us the confidence to let our children attend the leadership summer camp, including spending time away from home.”
The Mohammadi family
“Participating in the Be Peace – Be Hope training was a deeply human experience. I learned to better understand my emotions, take care of myself, and build a more peaceful relationship with my students and colleagues. The hands-on activities and shared conversations gave me renewed hope and confidence in each person’s ability to create something positive, even in the midst of crisis.”
Antoinette, middle school teacher
“I find my own peace by drawing and taking deep breaths whenever I feel overwhelmed or shy. Drawing helps me express my feelings without having to use words, which is great because I'm pretty shy and don't always like talking in front of people.”
Karla, student, Hill Elementary
“Karine Parker with Be Peace – Be Hope continues to amaze me with her approach and methods in Social and Emotional Education and well-being. Arts are the perfect way of teaching Social and Emotional Education since Art comes from our emotional life. Karine Parker and Be Peace – Be Hope take my students on a reflective journey helping us to explore questions about what it is to be human and how we react to our given circumstances.”
Chris Perkins, art teacher, Hill Elementary
“Even though I joined the program later, it was an amazing experience for me. It really helped me express my ideas and emotions more easily and boosted my creativity. The program also allowed me to open up and make new friends who were so supportive and helped me with my artwork. I truly wish everyone could have this kind of outlet, it's been incredibly helpful in my everyday life.”
Khloe Franco, student, Hill Elementary
“Be Peace – Be Hope has been a meaningful experience for our family. We are grateful for the care, understanding of our culture, and emotional safety the team provides. The trust we built gave us the confidence to let our children attend the leadership summer camp, including spending time away from home.”
The Mohammadi family
“Participating in the Be Peace – Be Hope training was a deeply human experience. I learned to better understand my emotions, take care of myself, and build a more peaceful relationship with my students and colleagues. The hands-on activities and shared conversations gave me renewed hope and confidence in each person’s ability to create something positive, even in the midst of crisis.”
Antoinette, middle school teacher
“I find my own peace by drawing and taking deep breaths whenever I feel overwhelmed or shy. Drawing helps me express my feelings without having to use words, which is great because I'm pretty shy and don't always like talking in front of people.”
Karla, student, Hill Elementary
“Karine Parker with Be Peace – Be Hope continues to amaze me with her approach and methods in Social and Emotional Education and well-being. Arts are the perfect way of teaching Social and Emotional Education since Art comes from our emotional life. Karine Parker and Be Peace – Be Hope take my students on a reflective journey helping us to explore questions about what it is to be human and how we react to our given circumstances.”
Chris Perkins, art teacher, Hill Elementary
“Even though I joined the program later, it was an amazing experience for me. It really helped me express my ideas and emotions more easily and boosted my creativity. The program also allowed me to open up and make new friends who were so supportive and helped me with my artwork. I truly wish everyone could have this kind of outlet, it's been incredibly helpful in my everyday life.”
Khloe Franco, student, Hill Elementary
“Be Peace – Be Hope has been a meaningful experience for our family. We are grateful for the care, understanding of our culture, and emotional safety the team provides. The trust we built gave us the confidence to let our children attend the leadership summer camp, including spending time away from home.”
The Mohammadi family
“Participating in the Be Peace – Be Hope training was a deeply human experience. I learned to better understand my emotions, take care of myself, and build a more peaceful relationship with my students and colleagues. The hands-on activities and shared conversations gave me renewed hope and confidence in each person’s ability to create something positive, even in the midst of crisis.”
Antoinette, middle school teacher
“I find my own peace by drawing and taking deep breaths whenever I feel overwhelmed or shy. Drawing helps me express my feelings without having to use words, which is great because I'm pretty shy and don't always like talking in front of people.”
Karla, student, Hill Elementary
“Karine Parker with Be Peace – Be Hope continues to amaze me with her approach and methods in Social and Emotional Education and well-being. Arts are the perfect way of teaching Social and Emotional Education since Art comes from our emotional life. Karine Parker and Be Peace – Be Hope take my students on a reflective journey helping us to explore questions about what it is to be human and how we react to our given circumstances.”
Chris Perkins, art teacher, Hill Elementary
“Even though I joined the program later, it was an amazing experience for me. It really helped me express my ideas and emotions more easily and boosted my creativity. The program also allowed me to open up and make new friends who were so supportive and helped me with my artwork. I truly wish everyone could have this kind of outlet, it's been incredibly helpful in my everyday life.”
Khloe Franco, student, Hill Elementary
“Be Peace – Be Hope has been a meaningful experience for our family. We are grateful for the care, understanding of our culture, and emotional safety the team provides. The trust we built gave us the confidence to let our children attend the leadership summer camp, including spending time away from home.”
The Mohammadi family
“Participating in the Be Peace – Be Hope training was a deeply human experience. I learned to better understand my emotions, take care of myself, and build a more peaceful relationship with my students and colleagues. The hands-on activities and shared conversations gave me renewed hope and confidence in each person’s ability to create something positive, even in the midst of crisis.”
Antoinette, middle school teacher
“I find my own peace by drawing and taking deep breaths whenever I feel overwhelmed or shy. Drawing helps me express my feelings without having to use words, which is great because I'm pretty shy and don't always like talking in front of people.”
Karla, student, Hill Elementary
“Karine Parker with Be Peace – Be Hope continues to amaze me with her approach and methods in Social and Emotional Education and well-being. Arts are the perfect way of teaching Social and Emotional Education since Art comes from our emotional life. Karine Parker and Be Peace – Be Hope take my students on a reflective journey helping us to explore questions about what it is to be human and how we react to our given circumstances.”
Chris Perkins, art teacher, Hill Elementary
“Even though I joined the program later, it was an amazing experience for me. It really helped me express my ideas and emotions more easily and boosted my creativity. The program also allowed me to open up and make new friends who were so supportive and helped me with my artwork. I truly wish everyone could have this kind of outlet, it's been incredibly helpful in my everyday life.”
Khloe Franco, student, Hill Elementary
“Be Peace – Be Hope has been a meaningful experience for our family. We are grateful for the care, understanding of our culture, and emotional safety the team provides. The trust we built gave us the confidence to let our children attend the leadership summer camp, including spending time away from home.”
The Mohammadi family
“Participating in the Be Peace – Be Hope training was a deeply human experience. I learned to better understand my emotions, take care of myself, and build a more peaceful relationship with my students and colleagues. The hands-on activities and shared conversations gave me renewed hope and confidence in each person’s ability to create something positive, even in the midst of crisis.”
Antoinette, middle school teacher
“I find my own peace by drawing and taking deep breaths whenever I feel overwhelmed or shy. Drawing helps me express my feelings without having to use words, which is great because I'm pretty shy and don't always like talking in front of people.”
Karla, student, Hill Elementary
“Karine Parker with Be Peace – Be Hope continues to amaze me with her approach and methods in Social and Emotional Education and well-being. Arts are the perfect way of teaching Social and Emotional Education since Art comes from our emotional life. Karine Parker and Be Peace – Be Hope take my students on a reflective journey helping us to explore questions about what it is to be human and how we react to our given circumstances.”
Chris Perkins, art teacher, Hill Elementary
“Even though I joined the program later, it was an amazing experience for me. It really helped me express my ideas and emotions more easily and boosted my creativity. The program also allowed me to open up and make new friends who were so supportive and helped me with my artwork. I truly wish everyone could have this kind of outlet, it's been incredibly helpful in my everyday life.”
Khloe Franco, student, Hill Elementary
“Be Peace – Be Hope has been a meaningful experience for our family. We are grateful for the care, understanding of our culture, and emotional safety the team provides. The trust we built gave us the confidence to let our children attend the leadership summer camp, including spending time away from home.”
The Mohammadi family
“Participating in the Be Peace – Be Hope training was a deeply human experience. I learned to better understand my emotions, take care of myself, and build a more peaceful relationship with my students and colleagues. The hands-on activities and shared conversations gave me renewed hope and confidence in each person’s ability to create something positive, even in the midst of crisis.”
Antoinette, middle school teacher
“I find my own peace by drawing and taking deep breaths whenever I feel overwhelmed or shy. Drawing helps me express my feelings without having to use words, which is great because I'm pretty shy and don't always like talking in front of people.”
Karla, student, Hill Elementary
“In my Be Peace – Be Hope class, I learned that when someone says something mean, I can pause and take a deep breath. It helps me feel not so bad, and the words don't hurt as much. Then, I start to feel better again.”
Alondra, student, Hill Elementary
“In 15 years of teaching, and double that many types of trainings or workshops, meant to give educators the tools and a new perspective on how to best work together and reach our students in the manner in which they need; the Be Peace – Be Hope training has truly given us a method that is beautifully applicable to the everyday classroom!”
Heidi Aaron Rouse, Sugar Grove Academy Middle School
“Be Peace – Be Hope has made a difference for our whole family. I feel more comfortable sharing my emotions with my husband, and my children are learning to express their feelings instead of arguing. Now, when one says, ‘You hurt my feelings,’ the other apologizes. We even celebrated their kindness with a favorite treat.”
Marwa, parent
“Being in the program Hope and Peace has helped me to express my feelings through art without using words.”
Dennim, student
“Dear educators, come give your heart a pause, your mind some light, and your teaching renewed energy. In this training, well-being awaits you, hope calls to you, and every step we take together will help your strength grow.”
Carole Keldany, educator
“In my Be Peace – Be Hope class, I learned that when someone says something mean, I can pause and take a deep breath. It helps me feel not so bad, and the words don't hurt as much. Then, I start to feel better again.”
Alondra, student, Hill Elementary
“In 15 years of teaching, and double that many types of trainings or workshops, meant to give educators the tools and a new perspective on how to best work together and reach our students in the manner in which they need; the Be Peace – Be Hope training has truly given us a method that is beautifully applicable to the everyday classroom!”
Heidi Aaron Rouse, Sugar Grove Academy Middle School
“Be Peace – Be Hope has made a difference for our whole family. I feel more comfortable sharing my emotions with my husband, and my children are learning to express their feelings instead of arguing. Now, when one says, ‘You hurt my feelings,’ the other apologizes. We even celebrated their kindness with a favorite treat.”
Marwa, parent
“Being in the program Hope and Peace has helped me to express my feelings through art without using words.”
Dennim, student
“Dear educators, come give your heart a pause, your mind some light, and your teaching renewed energy. In this training, well-being awaits you, hope calls to you, and every step we take together will help your strength grow.”
Carole Keldany, educator
“In my Be Peace – Be Hope class, I learned that when someone says something mean, I can pause and take a deep breath. It helps me feel not so bad, and the words don't hurt as much. Then, I start to feel better again.”
Alondra, student, Hill Elementary
“In 15 years of teaching, and double that many types of trainings or workshops, meant to give educators the tools and a new perspective on how to best work together and reach our students in the manner in which they need; the Be Peace – Be Hope training has truly given us a method that is beautifully applicable to the everyday classroom!”
Heidi Aaron Rouse, Sugar Grove Academy Middle School
“Be Peace – Be Hope has made a difference for our whole family. I feel more comfortable sharing my emotions with my husband, and my children are learning to express their feelings instead of arguing. Now, when one says, ‘You hurt my feelings,’ the other apologizes. We even celebrated their kindness with a favorite treat.”
Marwa, parent
“Being in the program Hope and Peace has helped me to express my feelings through art without using words.”
Dennim, student
“Dear educators, come give your heart a pause, your mind some light, and your teaching renewed energy. In this training, well-being awaits you, hope calls to you, and every step we take together will help your strength grow.”
Carole Keldany, educator
“In my Be Peace – Be Hope class, I learned that when someone says something mean, I can pause and take a deep breath. It helps me feel not so bad, and the words don't hurt as much. Then, I start to feel better again.”
Alondra, student, Hill Elementary
“In 15 years of teaching, and double that many types of trainings or workshops, meant to give educators the tools and a new perspective on how to best work together and reach our students in the manner in which they need; the Be Peace – Be Hope training has truly given us a method that is beautifully applicable to the everyday classroom!”
Heidi Aaron Rouse, Sugar Grove Academy Middle School
“Be Peace – Be Hope has made a difference for our whole family. I feel more comfortable sharing my emotions with my husband, and my children are learning to express their feelings instead of arguing. Now, when one says, ‘You hurt my feelings,’ the other apologizes. We even celebrated their kindness with a favorite treat.”
Marwa, parent
“Being in the program Hope and Peace has helped me to express my feelings through art without using words.”
Dennim, student
“Dear educators, come give your heart a pause, your mind some light, and your teaching renewed energy. In this training, well-being awaits you, hope calls to you, and every step we take together will help your strength grow.”
Carole Keldany, educator
“In my Be Peace – Be Hope class, I learned that when someone says something mean, I can pause and take a deep breath. It helps me feel not so bad, and the words don't hurt as much. Then, I start to feel better again.”
Alondra, student, Hill Elementary
“In 15 years of teaching, and double that many types of trainings or workshops, meant to give educators the tools and a new perspective on how to best work together and reach our students in the manner in which they need; the Be Peace – Be Hope training has truly given us a method that is beautifully applicable to the everyday classroom!”
Heidi Aaron Rouse, Sugar Grove Academy Middle School
“Be Peace – Be Hope has made a difference for our whole family. I feel more comfortable sharing my emotions with my husband, and my children are learning to express their feelings instead of arguing. Now, when one says, ‘You hurt my feelings,’ the other apologizes. We even celebrated their kindness with a favorite treat.”
Marwa, parent
“Being in the program Hope and Peace has helped me to express my feelings through art without using words.”
Dennim, student
“Dear educators, come give your heart a pause, your mind some light, and your teaching renewed energy. In this training, well-being awaits you, hope calls to you, and every step we take together will help your strength grow.”
Carole Keldany, educator
“In my Be Peace – Be Hope class, I learned that when someone says something mean, I can pause and take a deep breath. It helps me feel not so bad, and the words don't hurt as much. Then, I start to feel better again.”
Alondra, student, Hill Elementary
“In 15 years of teaching, and double that many types of trainings or workshops, meant to give educators the tools and a new perspective on how to best work together and reach our students in the manner in which they need; the Be Peace – Be Hope training has truly given us a method that is beautifully applicable to the everyday classroom!”
Heidi Aaron Rouse, Sugar Grove Academy Middle School
“Be Peace – Be Hope has made a difference for our whole family. I feel more comfortable sharing my emotions with my husband, and my children are learning to express their feelings instead of arguing. Now, when one says, ‘You hurt my feelings,’ the other apologizes. We even celebrated their kindness with a favorite treat.”
Marwa, parent
“Being in the program Hope and Peace has helped me to express my feelings through art without using words.”
Dennim, student
“Dear educators, come give your heart a pause, your mind some light, and your teaching renewed energy. In this training, well-being awaits you, hope calls to you, and every step we take together will help your strength grow.”
Carole Keldany, educator
Other Ways to Help
Give
Your donation buys art supplies, trains educators, and funds workshops. Be Peace – Be Hope is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and gifts are tax deductible.
Partner with us
Schools, community organizations, and companies bring this work to more young people.
Join the team
We hire for paid and contract roles across programs, communications, and operations.
Spread the word
Share our work with a school, a parent, or a colleague who needs it.
Join the Learning Hub
Empower your social and emotional growth in the Learning Hub.
Play EsperHope
A video game where young people build life skills by living them, then carry those skills into their own communities.