Issues like bullying, body image, drugs, alcohol, vaping, self-harm, and suicide affect our youth’s physical and mental health.
The consequences of their actions can have devastating impacts on families and communities long term.

Very Influential

I would like to say first of all how grateful I am that you took time out of your busy schedule as our principal to book Dwayne Peace for our school, out of every assembly I have attended, I believe that this has affected everyone the most in a beneficial way. The assembly with the whole school was very influential and I feel that alone benefited everyone who attended because I myself know the mindset change that occurred the more he continued to speak. His real-life stories that he adapted to his information made everyone hear his words and wisdom with even more attention to the consequences. In line with how beneficial the assembly was, the small groups were life changing. Not only did the small groups change the way I looked at the students and staff of our school, but it also allowed me to see a whole new side to everyone in that room. I was shocked to hear about the life stories of those in my group and how much they deal with on a daily basis in their home life or even at school. At first, I was scared for the confidentiality, I am so grateful I was able to experience this session as it changed a lot of things in my life, and I cannot imagine the affect it would have on every student. I hope everyone will be able to get this chance by the end of the year and I would love to have Dwayne Peace at our school every year. Thanks.

Grade 11 Student, Northern Alberta Rural School – 2023

Small Group Session Was Very Good

My experience with the Dwayne Peace presentation and small group session was very good. I think that this is an experience that everyone deserves to participate in. I was surprised at how much everyone in the small group opened up and trusted each other, considering the difference in grades and social groups. I definitely expanded my knowledge on how much the kids in this school are enduring on a day-to-day basis and I am more aware of the kindness that I need to show to others. The kids that were laughing and goofing off at the beginning of the session slowly began to switch gears and become attentive listeners in the process. Most of the kids felt so safe that they shared personal details about their life and found comfort being in the presence of their peers. I would like to see Dwayne Peace come back to this school and more schools in this district. I definitely recommend it.  Thank you.

Grade 10 Student, Northern Alberta Rural School – 2023

A Wealth of Knowledge and Experience

Dwayne had our students and staff captivated as soon as he started to talk. He has a wealth of knowledge and experience and draws deep inside himself to share with all of us. It is a pleasure to have Dwayne come to our school and spend time with our community, we look forward to having him come back very soon!

High School Administrator, Northern Alberta Rural School – 2023

Not only educational, but truly life changing.

Participating in this workshop is not only educational, but truly life changing.  Dwayne is a fast-talking fountain of information who presents the facts without being dictatorial.  He opens participants eyes to the realities children face when trying to navigate high school.  He opens parents’ eyes as well.  Can’t thank you enough for the experience and can’t wait to have you back.

High School Teacher, Northern Alberta Rural School – 2023

I can’t express my gratitude enough. 

Dwayne, thank you so much for taking time to come to our school.  I really think you had a very positive and strong impact on many of us but mostly me.  I got to see and hear people in a whole new way.  I can’t express my gratitude enough.  When you told me you thought I was a leader it made my day and rocked my world.  The way you said it made me actually believe it like I never have before.  I could tell you meant it and that meant more to me than you can ever imagine.  You are so amazing at what you do and you’re such a caring person.  I hope we can meet again in the future.  Keep doing what you do!

Grade 8 female – unsolicited – 2024

Being Me…

I think the most important thing I learned is to help others and be myself!
– Grade 5/6 Student

This has been one of the best/emotional days of my life!

Today we had a guest speaker, his name is Dwayne Peace. He was a police officer who lives in Calgary who now speaks at schools about drugs, suicide, alcohol, and bullying. He touched a really deep place in my heart. I learnt a lot of new things like how to support someone who is having suicidal thoughts. He also told me that he believed in me and that I’m amazing. It has never felt so good to hear those words, they made me believe in myself. My social responsibility is that I feel I want to do that to other people. I want to boost their self confidence . I also want to be as positive as I can. I think the most important thing is that we are all equal. This has been one of the best/emotional days of my life!
– Grade 5/6 student

Right from the beginning I knew he was what my class needed.

Dwayne Peace visited my grade 5/6 classroom on a crazy Friday where the power was out, but luckily came on just before classes started. The hectic morning of wondering whether school was on or not really had everyone’s nerves heightened, not to mention it was Friday. When I met Dwayne for the first time, the first thing he said to me was, “your smile looks good on you”. Honestly, I will never forget that or the day i had with him and my grade 5/6 class. Right from the beginning I knew he was what my class needed. He has an empowering way of telling you the truth, lifting you up, and encouraging you to step out of your comfort zone because he believes you are capable of moving mountains, and making the world a better place. It only takes one person to make a change and he proves that with the impact he has left– not only on my students, but me as well. He’s inspired my students to make positive choices and has left the responsibility in their hands. I cannot thank him enough for his time and genuine impact.
– Jesse Sawka, Teacher at Hillmond Central School Grade 5/6

Grade 12 Student

Day you spoke: 11/24/15
Day my life changed: 11/25/15

Thank you for coming to the school and speaking.  Thank you as well, for the compliment – I will never forget it nor the fact that everyone has a story.  When you put the Kleenex box down, my heart started pounding.  I knew I had to go first.  I didn’t know I had gotten up until I was out of my seat.  You see, I’m a Christian so I believe it was God telling me that I needed to take the lead this time.

Smile, Laugh, Believe
You’re Trustworthy! You’re Helpful! You’re Amazing! You’re Outstanding!
“Never Give Up On A Dream”

You have helped me open my eyes and heart to people more than I have before.  I never knew what I wanted to do next year when I’m out of school but you have inspired me beyond belief to speak to people and help.  I want to make a change.  What happened in the group session opened doors up in my heart and life.  So, thank you so very much.  I’m so thankful to have met you.

Teacher – Bonnyville

The Dwayne Peace small group session was definitely one of the most powerful and eye-opening experiences I have been through in my teaching career. Being exposed to each student’s personal story was truly an amazing opportunity, which allowed me to grow both personally and professionally. As I enter the school each morning, the small group sessions act as a constant reminder that each and every student has their own story to bring to the table, and as an educator, that recognition, has the potential to move mountains.

Student

The Dwayne Peace presentation was extremely powerful. In the small group sessions, students were given an opportunity to have a voice. They discussed challenges that they were currently facing in life and everyone supported one another. This brought students closer together and gave students a sense of belonging and trust within the small group, which has extended through out the entire school.

Grade 12 Female Student

I don’t know if you remember me much but I go to the school that you were at yesterday. You haven’t really spoke to me since the last time you were at my school when you did the suicide and eating disorders. Yesterday I was going to stay after the presentation of alcohol and drugs presentation just to tell you that time when I spoke to you in grade 8 about 4 years ago. I was 15. But anyways that day you changed my life. I was about to leave everything, my life, my family, my friends. Until I talked to you. You helped me a lot and I didn’t even tell you my whole story. I just wanted to let you know that you were the reason I stayed. The reason I am still here. I am now 17 and still battling depression but I thank you so much. You are a life changer. Thank you again.

Grimshaw Jr./Sr. High School

Dwayne, Thank you so much for your efforts, caring and support for GHS. It is always an amazing week with you here. I know that the year will now be off to a good start and that many conflicts are on the way to being resolved. Much has changed here at GHS in the last ten years and it is because of people like you who do all you can to support and appreciate teenagers. Aren’t they truly wonderful beings – exasperating at times too! Please know that your words will live on this year as we get our new group going and have our reminder posters around the school. Do let us know when you are in our area again…we would love a visit and a reminder session! I will definitely remind our administrators of your amazing work.

Know that I so appreciate your positive nature and your optimism. You touch so many lives in such a remarkable way! Thank you for making a difference in all of my passion and efforts at GHS

– Aleeta Ploc, Principal

George Wood Learning Center

Our school is a small, special-setting school for students who are struggling with issues such as addictions, family conflicts, damaging peer pressures , and/or a variety of illnesses.  During the past ten years, we have invited Mr. Dwayne Peace to speak to our students many times, and his presentations have always had a powerful impact on the youth.  he talks to students about their choices and the effect those choices will have on their lives.  Dwayne connects effortlessly with students, and they find it easy to listen to Dwayne’s message because of his dynamic and inclusive speaking style.  Following a presentation, I frequently hear students around the school or in classrooms cuing each other on behaviour and choices by using some of the very same vocabulary used during the presentations.  I am confident that Dwayne has been responsible for positive changes in the lives of many of our youth and that they will remember his words well into adulthood.(more…)

Conseil Scolaire Francophone de la Colombie-Britannique (SD93)

We invited Dwayne Peace to one of our schools in 2012 and in 2013 to speak with our grade 7 to 12 students. The three hour presentation was interactive and thought – provoking. What a positive impact on the students ! On top of that, the small group sessions were professional and solution-focused. The whole process has enabled the staff and students to have more authentic conversations and as a result, we established structures and processes in place to ensure regular student feedback and involvement. Students have demonstrated a higher degree of involvement and commitment to their school life and they are taking ownership of their learning.
Thanks Dwayne!

(more…)

Student President

Dwayne Peace is not named the way he is for no reason – This man has chosen such a path that delivers eye-opening, heart-changing and mind-washing ideas and fundamentals of peace to the peers he so exuberantly exerts himself towards. His enthusiastic and well-approachable words and context give glimpses of what life would and should be like, as a student, to have a harmonious and completely positive background to learn, and really, flourish in. School should be a place no one is afraid to attend!

Not only is he giving absolutely wonderful help, advice, and direction to students and even adults he presents to, he stresses that the choice of the person is the person’s to make..which really challenges one’s ability to look inside oneself for the right and good answer. It may be true, that through this challenge, peers may end up feeling atoned and even as new people!

Dwayne has the awesome power to make people see, and realize the goodness, compassion and understanding- everything good that must be replaced with the hate and negativity that is all-too-common throughout a considerable amount of schools and people’s lives today. Many people undoubtedly will be affected in different ways by Dwayne Peace, whether more or less intensely- it’s completely up to one’s ability to take in what he has to say. The way I see it- If used to its fullest, his words can be truly heart-altering in power, and completely enlightening. He proclaims compassion, for everyone, to anyone… Why, in most cases, must we only hold compassion and care for someone only when we know what they’ve been through, or who they are? One of the many fundamentals Mr. Peace sees through is the act of showing these qualities towards anyone, no matter who they are, if we know them or not.

The life lessons, the concepts for students and people to build upon… Everything that Dwayne Peace shows his peers has the potential to truly change and save lives- he truly acts as a beautifully strong light in the darkness. A visit and presentation from him holds this, and so much more..it is time amazingly well spent!

Parent

I just want to thank you (and school council) for having Dwayne Peace speak tonight. I was shocked and amazed by some things, I laughed and I cried (alot)… He is a wonderful speaker, and I really think that you should have him speak again. I wish I knew how great he was going to be, I would have brought friends. It is an incredibly tough topic but he presented it so well and I am glad the kids saw and heard what they did today too. Drugs are not something to sugarcoat or step around. My son, Erik, came home and was very emotional talking about the presentation. He said it really “hit his heart”, and it took a lot for him not to cry at school – but he sure did when we were talking… Thank you… so much.

Student

I made you a promise that I would email you about everything going on in my life… I should most likely remind you who I am first though. My name is [name] you came and spoke at my High School on Thursday. I came up to you afterwards and you told me that you had your eye on me the whole time. The presentation you gave was mind blowing, everything you said to us, really sunk in. Usually we don’t bother to listen to speakers who come because they all say the same thing, but you really made everyone get into your speech. It was outstanding. I am sorry this email took so long, I guess I just put it off to long but I knew you were waiting for it, so here I am.

Teacher

Hello, just a quick note to say I appreciated the presentation. It is good to let the kids know that we as adults realize the difficulties of growing up in a complicated world and we acknowledge the challenges but we do not have to bend under these pressures if we are willing to recognize these situations and we are willing to change or get involved in making our school better than it was as we found it. Your presentation had high energy, laughter and music, 3 components that are essential in holding your audience’s attention.

Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School

Dwayne was able to create an amazing response within our entire school and especially within the groups of students that we worked with in the small-group sessions.

The program format that Dwayne uses is very simple, but as it is with many large-scale operations, these good results only come with a set of comprehensive and very carefully laid-out plans. Dwayne was involved in preparing us for what he hoped to accomplish in his week at Lindsay Thurber, for putting on an amazing week of work with the kids, and for answering questions and providing post-program support.

Our teaching staff reported a number of positive results that they were able to observe from this presentation. As an example, one teacher wrote, “Please know your efforts are appreciated. Working as I do with a minority population in our school, I am so proud you have chosen to take action. I am just a bit protective of ‘our kids’ and know that a lot of what Dwayne talked about affects them. We would be silly to think all of the things he talked about don’t happen in our school and within our community.” This program rings true with teachers and kids because the things Dwayne talks about DO happen.

Following the school-wide presentation, Dwayne worked in a small group format for the next four days. In groups of 25 students, which were prepared mostly in advance of Dwayne’s arrival, the main message of, “You don’t need to know someone’s story to have compassion, understanding and respect for that person,” was promoted. One participating student wrote me a note after spending a day with us in the small-group session, “First I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart! Today was really amazing! Feeling the group dynamic switch from strangers to friends was phenomenal. I feel such a connection with everyone who was in our group today, and I am really glad they’ve been brought into my life.” As a further testament to the power of these sessions, I had over one hundred student-contacts, looking for my counselling services, as a follow-up to these sessions. Remarkable!

If the results of the good work which was done in our small-group sessions was limited to impacting the small-group participants only, then this program might not have the potency that I am attributing to it. In contrast, I believe meaningful school-wide change came from this activity. In a follow-up to the program we had hundreds of “Random Acts of Kindness” recorded in our school, as we took note of what could happen in a community of 1700 students and adults if a positive focus was made.

Just as powerful was our student body’s reaction to a disgusting act of callousness which was promoted on the internet as kick-a-ginger day. On a school-wide announcement, one of our small group participants read the following words, “Yesterday we congratulated the students and staff of our school for recording 113 Random Acts of Kindness. Yesterday, as well, we are saddened to say that one student in our school reported that he was kicked by a multitude of students in what has been promoted as kick-a-ginger day. These acts of violence remind all of us that it is of utmost importance to RE-THINK our actions on a daily basis. Today, in the final day of our RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS campaign, we ask that you continue to promote kindness in our school, and that you take the time to record the wonderful things students and staff do for each other on a regular basis.” The school responded by recording over 200 acts of kindness.

I continued to receive a great number of e-mails, comments, and feedback from students, teachers, administration, parents, and staff about the differences that were being noticed in the students’ behaviours, demeanour, and in their choices. Following the Remembrance Day ceremony, it was noted that because of the work which was done with Dwayne Peace that our students’ behaviour at the assembly was better than ever. I cannot remember a presentation receiving so much feedback from such a wide array of staff, students, or parents.

– Brian J. Madill (B.Ed.; M.A.C.P.)
Counsellor Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School

Corporate

I just wanted you to know, that today’s safety meeting was an absolute success!! Your presentation was incredibly touching, informative and eye opening. I believe his inspiring passion for this topic, was felt by all that listened to him today. I wish you could have been there! Dwayne, just a personal thank you from me, and from all of us who were lucky enough to hear you speak today, thank you very much.