NEW YORK— On May 18, 2010, over 60 indoor cyclists and Peace First supporters pedaled for peace at SoulCycle, a cycling fitness center that has become a celebrity favorite, to raise money for Peace First, a national nonprofit that partners with schools in New York, Boston, and Los Angeles to build safe, effective school climates where children learn how to be engaged and active citizens.
The one hour Ride for Peace was led by Melanie Griffith, SoulCycle instructor and Peace First supporter. Along with Melanie Griffith, Peace First supporters Elizabeth Bohart, Claudia Bell, and Susan Thomson were also on-hand to host the event. Proceeds from the Ride for Peace will help Peace First fulfill its goal of growing to serve 5,000 children in New York this fall.
Peace First has had a presence in New York since 2005 and currently partners with four New York schools, PS 84, PS 185, Hudson
Honors
Middle School, and PS 191. Through Peace First, children learn how to cooperate, communicate, and resolve conflicts without fighting, as well as how to be engaged in the world around them through service learning projects.
PEACE FIRST Peace First, www.peacefirst.org, is a nonprofit (501(c)3)) public benefit corporation, which began as a response to the sky-rocketing youth homicide rates in the early 90s, that works in partnership with schools to build safe, effective school climates where children learn how to be engaged and active citizens. The heart of this program is a Pre-K-8 service-learning curriculum integrated weekly into the academic frameworks of the school, taught by young adult volunteers in partnership with the classroom teacher. This work is supported by intense coaching with principals and lead teachers to deepen their efficacies at supporting academically and emotionally successful young people.
SOULCYCLE (http://www.soul-cycle.com/) was founded by two women looking to find a complete workout that was inspirational for both mind and body. Today, they have five studios throughout the New York City area and their studio and trainers have been featured in publications like the New York Times, Vogue, and SELF Magazine, as well as on the Today Show and Live! With Regis and Kelly.