The Peacemaker's Code
Every hero follows a code—a promise to themselves and others to stand strong, act with kindness, and never let fear silence what is right. You don’t need a sword or magic to be brave. True courage comes from within.
If you choose to walk the path of a Peacemaker, remember these guiding principles. A peacemaker is not someone who keeps peace at the cost of themselves or others, a peacemaker is someone who is willing to stand for what is right, and willing to disrupt the peace today, to bring peace in the future. Here are just some codes, us peacemakers, live by:
1. Speak Up, Even When It’s Hard
Your voice matters. Whether you stand up for yourself or someone else, words have power—use them to defend, protect, and inspire. Maybe it is just a short, "that wasn't very nice," to a friend who insulted you or someone else, or a clear "Stop!"
2. Defend Those Who Need It
A true hero never stands by while someone else is hurting. Step in, stand beside, and show kindness to those who feel alone. This may be stepping in and speaking up, or it may also be stepping in and reminding the person they are worthy of love and respect.
3. Kindness is Strength, Not Weakness
Being kind doesn’t mean being silent. True strength is choosing to be compassionate, even when others are not. This may look like asking someone to sit next to you who is sitting by themselves, or asking someone how their day is.
4. Face Fear with Courage, Not Anger
Fear can make us lash out or shrink away. Instead, choose courage. Breathe, think, and respond with wisdom. Sometimes we may find that we act the bully when we are scared or feel threatened. When we feel that anger or fear rising in us, take three big breaths before responding.
5. Mistakes Happen—Learn, Grow, and Take Accountability
No one is perfect. Even heroes make mistakes. What matters is that you learn, grow, and keep moving forward. A big part of that is recognizing that you sometimes talk inappropriately to others. Own it. Apologize. Move on. I know there have been times I have spoken in a way that I am not proud of, I cannot take those words back, I can't go back and soften my tone. But I can apologize and remind myself next time to take three big breaths before acting.
6. Peace is Worth Fighting For
Sometimes, making peace means standing your ground and standing up for what’s right—even when it’s uncomfortable. Too many of us would rather keep the peace, because peace now feels comfortable. We choose to stay quiet, we don't want to stir the pot. But sometimes, the pot needs stirred, and we need to act.
Are You Ready to Live by the Code?
Every day brings a chance to show courage. Will you choose to speak up? To help a friend? To be the voice of kindness?
The world needs Peacemakers. And it starts with you. With your parents permission, feel free to click below if you have a story when you were brave and stood up for others or yourself, and your story might show up in our Secret Scrolls.
The Shield - Protecting Yourself - How to Deal With a Bully
Stay Calm
Take a deep breath. Showing fear or anger can sometimes give bullies what they want. Staying calm helps you think clearly and take control of the situation.
Use Confident Body Language
Stand tall. Confidence can make a bully rethink their actions. Remember, how they choose to behave is not a reflection on who you are; it is a reflection on who they are. If you feel safe, talk with a clear, confident voice.
Don’t Engage
Sometimes, walking away or ignoring mean comments is the best way to disarm a bully. You don’t have to respond to someone who wants to hurt your feelings. They often are looking for a reaction.
Get to Safety
If you feel unsafe, move toward a group of friends or an adult. Being with others makes you a harder target for bullies.
Tell a Trusted Adult and Document Behavior
It’s not tattling—it’s seeking help. Bullying thrives in silence. Share what’s happening with a teacher, parent, or counselor. Write down what happened, when, and where. This can help adults take the right action, and see that it is more than just a one time occurence, but a pattern of behavior.
The Sword - Taking Action - How to Stop a Bully
Tell a Trusted Adult
There’s no shame in asking for help. Talk to a parent, teacher, or counselor about what’s happening. You deserve support and protection. It is helpful to document actions of those who repeatedly treat you with disrespect and unkindness, so the adults understand the severity and frequency of the actions.
Stand Up for Others
If you see someone else being bullied, step in if it’s safe to do so. You could say, “Hey, let’s go somewhere else,” or show support by simply standing with them. Or you can approach the person being hurt afterwards, and show them compassion.
Call Out the Behavior
If you feel safe, tell the bully their behavior is wrong.
- “That’s mean. You should stop.”
- “You don’t need to be like that.”
Build a Circle of Allies
This may be friends your own age or an adult you can talk to. A friend is someone who is going to treat you with respect and kindness. If they don't treat you with respect, love, and kindness, they are not a true friend.
- Follow the Peacemaker's Code: Speak up, defend others, and choose kindness as your strength.