About Us

The Ripple Effect Education (TREE) is a peace organization, founded in 2016, located at the Kindred Credit Union Centre for Peace Advancement at the University of Waterloo.

TREE develops curriculum and facilitates social-emotional, activity-based programming, workshops, and education on Conflict Resolution, Peace Building, and Social Justice for all ages.

Our mission is to equip children, youth, and adults with the tools they need to transform conflict, seek justice, and uphold positive peace in their communities.

Let us help!

TREE’s interactive and evidence-based workshops, programming, and education result in communities, workplaces, schools, and classrooms where all identities can thrive, and experience:

overall wellbeing
positive mental health
a sense of belonging
self-regulation
an increase in creativity, focus, and productivity
skills for resolving conflict in peaceful and just ways

This transformative approach contributes to a reduction in violence, oppression, hate, racism, and harm.

What We Do

TREE’s interactive and evidence-based workshops, programming, and education result in communities, workplaces, schools, and classrooms where all identities can thrive, and experience:

overall wellbeing
positive mental health
a sense of belonging
self-regulation
an increase in creativity, focus, and productivity
skills for resolving conflict in peaceful and just ways

This transformative approach contributes to a reduction in violence, oppression, hate, racism, and harm.

Our programs are rooted in four foundational concepts:

Principles of Peace

Exploring concepts of peace and guiding participants through practical skills for peace building
in their communities

Principles of Conflict

Analysing conflict in order to transform into healthy and constructive situations and relationships

Relationship with Self

Cultivating the ability to compassionately manage emotions through mindfulness and self-awareness strategies

Relationship with Others

Developing skills for empathy, celebrating differences, effective communication, and meaningful connections

TREE Memberships and Awards

Core Collaborator of the Kindred Credit Union Centre for Peace Advancement, University of Waterloo
Children and Youth Planning Table of Waterloo Region
Stronger Philanthropy
Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce
Preferred Vendor of Ontario Camps Association
Waterloo Region Executive Director Network
Alliance for Peacebuilding
Global Peace Education Network
Member of Region of Waterloo Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan
Honourable mention award for Impact on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion from the UWaterloo’s CEE Employer Impact Awards

Territorial Acknowledgement

TREE’s members work, live, and play on the traditional territory of the Chonnonton, Anishinaabe, and Haudenosaunee Peoples, specifically the Mississaugas of the New Credit and since 1784, the Six Nations of the Grand River. We are situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land promised to the Six Nations that includes ten kilometres on each side of the Grand River.

Land acknowledgements do not exist in a past tense, or historical context; colonization is a current, ongoing reality. We, at TREE, are actively building our awareness of our present participation in colonization, and are intentionally taking action towards Decolonization, Reconciliation, Relationship-Building, and Indigenization.