Kids As Peacemakers Inc.
Relations with the National Exchange Club

In July 2006, at the National Convention in Orlando, the National Exchange Club adopted the Kids As Peacemakers mural program, (formerly known as The Dove Campaign), as a National project after it had been selected as the “Youth Service Project of the Year.” There is a vital link between the two organizations – the prevention of child abuse for Exchange and the violence prevention efforts of Kids As Peacemakers, Inc.

John Chamberlain of the Exchange Club of Greater Newburyport, Mass., was the first person to recognize this relationship. John joined KAP at the first public announcement of its formation. He continues active participation in both organizations as Treasurer. John was instrumental in having the Exchange Club of Greater Newburyport assume responsibility for building stands for display of the murals. He subsequently sponsored Merle as a new member of Exchange. Club member Jim Noyes has since taken the leadership in building the stands and distributing the plywood panels. Marion Rizzo, a member of both organizations, plays a vital role in coordinating the program with participating organizations and in writing grant applications.

In 2004 and 2005, KAP presentations were made to New England District Exchange Club education conferences. As part of the presentations, a DVD of the Kids As Peacemaker mural program, produced by Doug Bozek of Adelphia Communications in Amesbury, scripted by Stuart Deane of the Exchange Club of Greater Newburyport, and narrated by local resident Jay Schadler, an Emmy-award-winning correspondent for ABC's Prime Time and 20/20, was shown. In addition, Stu wrote an article on the Kids As Peacemakers program for EXCHANGE Today, the magazine for the national service organization, of which led to the adoption of the program by National Exchange.

In 2006, the Exchange Club of Greater Newburyport agreed to co-sponsor the mural program with KAP and to assume full responsibility for 2007 and beyond. The KAP organization will continue to focus its efforts on this and other peace-making activities.