PoM empowers educators to teach local PreK-8th grade students mindfulness, brain science, conflict resolution, and social justice. More young people are facing mental health challenges even as many lack access to social-emotional learning resources. PoM’s comprehensive curriculum equips them with the tools they need to manage stress, self-regulate, and build healthy relationships. Every year, more than 6,000 students participate in weekly lessons in schools across the city. Younger students practice mindfulness, establishing a foundation of care for themselves and others. As they grow in confidence, PoM introduces the neuroscience behind strong emotions and guides them through de-escalating conflicts. By grade 8, students are versed in applying these skills to address community issues and injustices. Reaching more kids where they are through digital programming, PoM is raising the next generation of peacemakers to transform the world.
Headquarters: DC-Ward 3
Where They Operate: DC-Citywide; MD-Statewide; VA-Statewide
Age Groups Served: Pre-K (3-4); Youth (5-11); Pre-teen/teen (12-17)
Population(s) Served: Individuals with Disabilities; Individuals who identify as LGBTQ; Low- to Moderate-Income Community Members; Men/Boys; Women/Girls; Students; Immigrants/Refugees
Schools They Work In: Ida B. Wells Middle School; Elsie Whitlow Stokes Public Charter School; Ross Elementary School; Horace Mann Elementary School; Lafayette Elementary School; Seaton Elementary School; Brookfield Montessori; St Andrews Episcopal School; Charles E Smith Jewish Day School; Bannockburn Elementary School; Groveton Elementary School; and many others
- Number of students we serve annually in the DC metro area:
3,500+ - Percent of Peace of Mind students who say skills help them inside and outside of the classroom:
97%
Awards & Recognition
Keynote address at National Network of State Teachers of the Year 2020
Commendation from the DC Board of Education for Peace of Mind founder Linda Ryden's work 2019
Press
- Teaching our kids (and ourselves) mindfulness to get us through the coronavirus anxiety
Fri Mar 20 2020, Washington Post
Mindfulness - especially compassion and metacognition - can help our kids navigate the emotional impact of Covid-19.
- What Brain Science Teaches us About Conflict Resolution
Wed Feb 5 2020, Edutopia
When Peace of Mind's founder noticed her kids fighting at recess, she turned to neuroscience and mindfulness practice to help them.
- Tyaja makes us think: DC peace teacher explores mindfulness in her latest children's book
Tue Sep 10 2019, The DC Line
Some of the most popular children's books teach lessons on colors, sharing & numbers. But what if they also offered lessons on mindfulness?
- New4Your Sunday: Peace at Mind
Sun Aug 11 2019, News 4 Your Sunday
How teaching mindfulness can benefit elementary school students
Budget (FY2023)
- $3 million or higher
- $1 million to $3 million
- $500k to $1 million
- The current budget for Peace of Mind is: Less than $500k
Catalogue charities range in size from $100,000 to
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