The Teens Acting for Peace (TAP) program has completed another successful school year. During the 2002-2003 school year, high school students have been modeling and teaching the Pledge of Nonviolence to elementary age children using creative methods such as role play, song, small group discussion, and games. These young students are learning to respect each other, be good listeners, forgive others when they are hurt, and act with courage, even when it’s not popular.

TAP Cincinnati completed its second year and is looking to new things for the upcoming school year. TAP will now be offered as a course for high schoolers at Purcell Marian, greatly increasing the amount of time the youth can focus on the Pledge. Moeller HS will initiate the program during the 2003-2004 school year with a 2-day training. TAP leaders are also exploring ways to collaborate with Xavier University in promoting TAP throughout the city.

In St. Louis, Cardinal Ritter Prep concluded a two year relationship with its elementary schools and will make presentations at three new schools next year. In the former elementary schools, eighth graders will be trained to continue to work of TAP within their own schools. St. Louis University High is now fully involved in the TAP program and has established relationships with three other elementary schools.

This year Kansas City saw the first involvement of public schools in that area in the TAP program. It has been a success and new public schools are being recruited. Due to the current national climate of war and terrorism, TAP director Jim McGinnis was able to do assemblies in the Kansas City TAP elementary schools, encouraging young students to act courageously for peace and enabling them to assist Iraqi children caught in the midst of the war.

School leaders in Sioux City, Iowa and Little Rock, Arkansas have expressed interest in developing TAP programs in their area.

Good work TAPpers everywhere!