Clubs at Schools and Universities

Start a Peace through Music Club at Your School

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has”. –Margaret Mead

A college club can help raise funds to advance the work of our program or provide volunteer opportunities for our US-based or international programs.  The organization also provides an excellent academic example of the impact music education can have in trauma-affected populations.  Here are 10 suggested steps on how to change the world by organizing a club at your school.

Step 1:

Identify a club leader. This person should be responsible, committed, and above all, passionate about improving the lives of young people affected by war and intolerance.

Step 2:

Learn the rules of starting a club at your school. You’ll need a place to meet and also may need to find a teacher at your school to act as an advisor. Some schools also require new clubs to write a constitution (your goals and purpose).

Step 3:

Once your club is officially formed, let us know! We would love to provide assistance in any way we can. Just send us an email at info@peacethroughmusicinternational.org

Step 4:

Decide on a time your club will meet, for example, every Thursday during lunch. Next, decide on a date for your first meeting. Be sensitive to other club meetings and student events.

Step 5:

Get some fabulous club members who are also passionate about improving the lives of refugees through music. Make fliers and posters, advertise in the school bulletin or calendar, write a newspaper article about current refugee issues and invite others to help make a difference through your club. Your school may have additional opportunities for spreading the word—like a club fair.

Step 6:

Have your first club meeting. We recommend showing The Teaching Children Peace Promo Video. Also be prepared to answer typical questions about what the Shropshire Music Foundation is, what countries it works in, and what the children in these countries are facing.

Step 7:

Decide what goals you’d like to accomplish (for example: “Let’s raise $1,000 by the end of the school year," or "Let's provide enough volunteers to fill all weekly shifts at the Salt Lake City Peace through Music program," or "Let's initiate a research project measuring the effect of music education on Ukrainian refugee mental health" or "Let's raise enough to buy 30 harmonicas"). Then, brainstorm ways you can help accomplish your goals.

Step 8:

Here are a few ideas:

  • Become Participants in the Practice for Peace Program: This program works kind of like a walk-a-thon, except instead of running miles, participants practice music. Students get sponsors (friends, family, neighbors) to pledge money (like pennies, nickels, dimes) for each minute they practice during a selected month. Practicing isn’t restricted to music, participants can also practice sports, dance, cheerleading, etc. instead. Get more information and download a Practice for Peace Kit here.
  • Hold a Benefit Concert: Get together one or more of your favorite local bands, choirs or musicians for a fantastic concert for a good cause. Find a venue, advertise like crazy, and then ask for donations or charge admission. Don’t forget to show the Teaching Children Peace Promo Video during the show.
  • Pennies for Pennywhistles: Organize a fundraiser collecting people’s pennies and pocket change to go towards buying pennywhistles for the children in our programs.
  • Hold a Music, Poetry, or Art Contest Using the Theme Peace: This is a great way to spread awareness about how expression through art and music can perpetuate tolerance and peace—which is what the Foundation is all about.
  • Hold a Bake Sale Fundraiser: Get your club members together to have a bake sale after school. Your Rice Krispy treats can change the world!
  • Organize a Rummage Sale Fundraiser: Ask for donations of clothing, furniture, toys, and “stuff” from your fellow students or community members. Then find a proper venue, advertise, and sell everything you can. Items can also be sold on eBay if you can’t collect enough for a full-fledged rummage sale.
  • Have Liz Shropshire, the Foundation’s Director, Speak to Your School: It may be possible to have Liz Shropshire visit your school for an assembly presentation. Find out the proper channels to present the idea to school administration, and then ask The Shropshire Music Foundation for help with submitting a information about the presentation and possible dates.
  • Get more ideas by downloading one of these documents:
    Ways For College Students to Raise Money For SMF
    Ways for High School Students to Raise Money for SMF

Step 9:

Tell us about what you’re up to and send us pictures! We’ll feature your club on our social media platforms. Email us at info@peacethroughmusicinternational.org

Step 10:

Have fun! And remember that all your hard work is going to a noble cause that will help improve the lives of war-traumatized children through music.