Government Affairs

Over the last decade, in both the George W. Bush and William Jefferson Clinton administrations, the United States government has supported Seeds of Peace. According to President George W. Bush "If we are to build a brighter future for the young people of this world, then we must replace hatred and intolerance with compassion and understanding. Seeds of Peace offers hope in this vital mission. The organization brings tomorrow’s leaders together to accomplish minds and hearts one person at a time.” In 2003, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed a bipartisan resolution honoring Seeds of Peace for its promotion of understanding, reconciliation, acceptance, coexistence and peace among youth from the Middle East and other conflict regions. House Concurrent Resolution 288, introduced by Representative Tom Allen (D-ME) stated, "It is especially important to reaffirm that youth must be involved in long-term, visionary solutions to conflicts perpetuated by cycles of violence." It also stated that Seeds of Peace, "is a model of hope that living together in peace and security is possible." The resolution was co-sponsored by Representative Steve Chabot (R-OH), Joe Knollenberg (R-MI), Mike Michaud (D-ME) and 46 other bi-partisan co-sponsors. Seeds of Peace has also been featured in a number of other letters and resolutions over the years including several tributes to Seeds of Peace Founder, John Wallach. To view a tribute by Representative Joe Knollenberg, click here. [0] Another recent letter signed by 35 Senators, emphasized: “We are strong supporters of Seeds of Peace because of the kind of innovative and quality programs it represents. The United States has been involved in the pursuit of peace in many regions of conflict for many years and there is strong bipartisan support in Congress for this vital American foreign policy goal and national security initiative. While it is essential that the pursuit of peace lead to formal agreements, peace will ultimately depend on breaking down barriers and mistrust among people.” Senator Frank Lautenberg of New Jersey once addressed a group of campers saying, “Quite simply, the Seeds of Peace participants are succeeding where their leaders have not. They are willing and able to see the humanity of people they have been taught are their enemies.” In recent years, Seeds of peace campers have met with President George W. Bush, Vice President Richard Cheney, Chief of Staff Andrew Card, and former President Bill Clinton at the White House, and have been welcomed by Secretary of State Colin Powell, National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice, Deputy Secretary Richard Armitage, and former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright at the State Department They have also visited many Senator and Representatives on Capitol Hill. During a visit to the Department of State, Secretary of State Colin Powell said "It sounds so simple and sounds so possible, and it is, all of the young people who make up Seeds of Peace are living proof that people can change, that peace is possible, that attitudes can be changed. All of you are examples for others to follow, standards for others to reach. Seeds of Peace has given you a rare opportunity, a chance to challenge the stereotypes of your societies, to throw off old prejudices for acquiring new understandings to replace old opinions about enemies with new knowledge, about friends. This change of heart is the foundation of peace." Click here to read the text of Secretary Powell's remarks from 2004. [0] To read the text of Secretary Powell’s remarks from 2003, click here. [0] The Seeds of Peace Delegation have also been welcomed by the diplomatic community in Washington, DC including representatives from over 25 diplomatic missions. Seeds of Peace is frequently reported on by the Washington D.C. and government press. To read a recent article about Seeds of Peace from The Congressional Quarterly, click here. To view a produced story on Seeds of Peace that was produced by The Department of State, click here. [1] [1] We are pleased to announce that Seeds of Peace participates in the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC)--the annual fund-raising drive conducted by Federal employees in their workplace each fall. Each year Federal employees and military personnel raise millions of dollars through the CFC that benefits thousands of non-profit charities. The 2004 Seeds of Peace number for is 1305.