Story #109: Eric Dawson, Founder of Peace Games and Lifelong Supporter of Youth

Eric Dawson ‘96 was the visionary founder of Peace Games, a program he co-founded in 1992 through PBHA. At just 18 years old, Dawson created Peace Games as part of his work-study project, motivated by his own experiences with violence during his childhood. What began as a one-day festival for children to explore and share their vision of a peaceful world soon evolved into a comprehensive, 10-week curriculum that was integrated into Boston Public Schools. The program’s focus on social-emotional learning and peace-building resonated deeply with students and educators alike, creating a foundation for the larger social change work Dawson would later lead.

“I often joke that I still have my freshman year Work-Study job. Having begun a program at PBHA that I still work with has, of course, had a tremendous impact on my life, but just as important, I know that if it weren’t for PBHA I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to take the kind of risks I’ve been able to professionally.” - Eric Dawson

This program has not only inspired countless youth, but the handful of students and adults who have volunteered with it as well. In PBHA’s 2023 Alumni Survey, a 1995 grad shared:

“Volunteering with Peace Games allowed me to look at competition in a different way. No one needs to win.'”

Since its inception, Peace Games has grown into a global movement, inspiring young people to become changemakers and advocates for peace and justice. In 1996, the program incorporated and expanded its work to address whole-school climate change, fostering environments where peace, inclusion, and empathy were prioritized. Dawson’s commitment to youth empowerment continued with the creation of Peace First, a global nonprofit supporting young changemakers in over 160 countries. With Peace First, Dawson provided mentorship, training, and resources to help young people lead projects that tackle pressing social issues. Today, Dawson is the CEO and founder of RIVET, a micro-financing platform for young social innovators, continuing his mission to support and amplify youth-led solutions to global challenges. Through Peace Games and his ongoing work, Eric Dawson’s legacy as a leader in youth empowerment and social justice remains an inspiration for generations of young activists.

Read more about Eric Dawson and his history with Peace Games here.