The Mosaic Project, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, works towards a peaceful future by reaching children in their formative years. We unite young children of diverse backgrounds, provide them with essential skills to thrive in an increasingly diverse society, and empower them to strive for peace.
We seed the future population of middle schools, high schools, and all the venues of adult life with thousands of individuals who can:
· appreciate others without diminishing themselves
· identify and respond constructively to prejudice and discrimination
· create and lead diverse teams
· resolve conflicts across different perspectives
· build inclusive, just, peaceful communities
Our Outdoor School
Our principal program is a dynamic, residential experience for 4th and 5th graders offered during the school week. Three classes, from schools differing markedly in socioeconomic and ethnic make-up, jointly participate in each 4-night/5-day session of our unique human relations outdoor school. While typical outdoor schools focus on environmental science, ours focuses on addressing issues of difference and on building self-esteem and community.
Our students never forget this inspiring learning experience. We reach them before negative attitudes surrounding difference become entrenched and enable them to live with, learn from, and befriend others with whom they would not ordinarily interact. Together in a beautiful, natural setting, they begin to recognize their commonalities and gain respect and appreciation for the uniqueness of all individuals, including themselves. They are encouraged to overcome ignorance and insecurities which can lead to fear of difference, prejudice, discrimination, hatred, and violence. We provide our students with the profound, personal experience of building an inclusive, egalitarian community across race, culture, and class barriers, empowering and inspiring them to create such communities throughout their lives.
Our Supporting Programs
In-School Workshops
To complement our outdoor school program, we partner with schools to coordinate ongoing in-school workshops that begin as early as kindergarten to prepare students for the residential experience. Most importantly, these workshops continue after the intensive residential experience to reinforce lessons learned.
The Youth Leadership Institute
We offer leadership training for high-school students who serve as mentors for the 4th and 5th graders at our outdoor school. The Institute?s curriculum addresses issues of difference while building leadership skills. The youth leaders undergo extensive training prior to arriving at the residential site. Once there, the training continues and they serve as cabin leaders for one session, putting theory into practice.
Custom Designed Workshops and Trainings
We create and facilitate programs specially designed for teachers, classrooms, and youth groups.