Our Core Values
At the Peace Education Center of the Hudson Valley (PECHV), our work is guided by three interwoven pillars that inform how we build peace, justice, and community: Holistic Earth Care, Relational Existence, and Global Consciousness. These values are not isolated concepts but are deeply intertwined, shaping how we approach education, activism, healing, and systems change. Below, we share how each of these pillars guides our vision and actions.
Holistic Earth Care
We recognize the Earth not as a resource to be extracted but as a living, breathing community to which we belong. Holistic Earth Care is rooted in the understanding that environmental justice is inseparable from social justice. We are committed to climate action, ecological regeneration, and uplifting Indigenous knowledge systems. Our programs reflect a commitment to land-based education, stewardship, and interdependence with all living beings. Through gardening projects, climate-focused youth programs, and community collaborations, we aim to regenerate our connection to the land and promote sustainable practices that honor the Earth and future generations.
Relational Existance
We believe that peace and justice begin in relationship—with ourselves, each other, and the more-than-human world. Relational Existence calls us to recognize our interconnectedness and interdependence. This means centering care, empathy, and mutual responsibility in all we do. From restorative circles to community discussions, our work is grounded in co-creation and transformative relationships. We honor the lived experiences of all people and strive to create spaces where everyone can be heard, seen, and valued. This value invites us to dismantle systems of domination and build communities rooted in love, equity, and collective care.
Global Consciousness
We strive to cultivate an awareness that transcends borders and embraces a planetary perspective. Global Consciousness means understanding the historical and ongoing structures of violence and injustice, and working to heal and transform them. We draw from the fields of peace studies, decolonial education, and spiritual activism to build a culture of peace that acknowledges and addresses global interconnectedness. Whether in our interfaith conferences, educational workshops, or community partnerships, we are committed to supporting liberation movements, resisting militarism, and fostering critical hope. This value asks us to act with integrity and compassion on behalf of a more just and peaceful world for all.
“We are all relatives. What we do to the Earth, we do to ourselves.”
— Robin Wall Kimmerer