New York-Based Organizations
The following organizations based in the New York City area are engaged in peacebuilding, conflict resolution and/or mediation.
Advanced Consortium on Cooperation, Conflict and Complexity (AC4)
AC4 is an interdiscplinary consortium of the Earth Institute at Columbia University, dedicated to fostering a unique community of learning, experimentation and innovation for scholars, practitioners, researchers and policy-makers at Columbia University and across the globe.
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
The ACLU is our nation’s guardian of liberty, working daily in courts, legislatures and communities to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties that the Constitution and laws of the United States guarantee everyone in this country.
Americas Society is the premier organization dedicated to education, debate and dialogue in the Americas. Established by David Rockefeller in 1965, our mission is to foster an understanding of the contemporary political, social and economic issues confronting Latin America, the Caribbean, and Canada, and to increase public awareness and appreciation of the diverse cultural heritage of the Americas and the importance of the inter-American relationship.
Amnesty International is a global movement of people fighting injustice and promoting human rights. Currently the world’s largest grassroots human rights organization, we investigate and expose abuses, educate and mobilize the public, and help transform societies to create a safer, more just world.
Association for Conflict Resolution, Greater New York Chapter (ACR-GNY)
The Association for Conflict Resolution Greater New York Chapter, Inc. (ACR-GNY) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting and strengthening alternative dispute and conflict resolution, fostering the use of dialogue and contributing to professional development of the ADR field.
The Auschwitz Institute for Peace and Reconciliation (AIPR)
The Auschwitz Institute for Peace and Reconciliation (AIPR): building a worldwide network of leaders with the professional tools and the personal commitment to prevent genocide.
State University of New York Center for International Development (SUNY/CID)
The State University of New York’s Center for International Development or SUNY/CID is a leading university based international development center enhancing the knowledge and practice of governance and policy making.
Center For International Humanitarian Cooperation (CIHC)
The Center for International Humanitarian Cooperation (CIHC) was founded in 1992 to promote healing and peace in countries shattered by natural disasters, armed conflicts, and ethnic violence.
The Center for Understanding in Conflict
Through our understanding-based mediation and conflict resolution training programs you can learn to help people deal constructively with conflict, to reach better and more durable solutions. The Center, also known as The Center for Mediation in Law, offers Mediation Intensive courses, ongoing support groups, peer groups, and advanced training programs for lawyers and other conflict professionals.
The Center to Prevent Youth Violence (CPYV)
CPYV develops focused and empowering public health and safety campaigns that promote the simple steps parents, kids and others can take to prevent violence affecting youth.
City University of New York (CUNY) Dispute Resolution Center at John Jay College of Criminal Justice
Since 1993, John Jay College of Criminal Justice has housed the City University of New York Dispute Resolution Consortium (CUNY DRC), a university based academic center which serves as a comprehensive coordinating mechanism to advance research and innovative program development throughout the City University as well as the New York City metropolitan area.
City University of New York (CUNY) School of Law Public Interest Initiatives
CUNY School of Law is the premier public interest law school in the country. It trains lawyers to serve the underprivileged and disempowered and to make a difference in their communities.
Cluster, Inc: Westchester and Rockland Mediation Centers
We provide Mediation Services and related Trainings in a variety of areas including Community Dispute Resolution, Divorce, Custody and Visitation, Workplace, Restorative Justice, School Peer Mediation, Child Permanency Mediation, Special Education Mediation, and Eviction Prevention.
Community Mediation Services, Inc. in Queens, NY has a holistic approach to conflict resolution that touches many thousands of people each year. The organization offers basic mediation training, custody-visitation mediation training, a divorce mediation program, and a mediation apprenticeship program.
Coro is New York City’s premier leadership training program and a community of 2,000 alumni across business, government, schools and non-profits that is shaping our city’s future.
Council on Foreign Relations (CFR)
The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) is an independent, nonpartisan membership organization, think tank, and publisher.
Creative Response to Conflict (CRC)
Creative Response to Conflict (CRC) is a global non-profit organization that educates individuals and groups to transform conflict into positive and constructive experiences that contribute to building a just and peaceful world.
Crown Heights Community Mediation Center
The Crown Heights Community Mediation Center is a unique neighborhood institution that works to improve community problem-solving, collaboration, and inter-group relations in Crown Heights, Brooklyn.
The Dialogue Project is a conflict transformation organization. Our mission is to develop mutual trust, relationships and partnerships among ourselves – long time citizens, new immigrants, Palestinians, Israelis and people of diverse faiths and cultures.
Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) works in nearly 70 countries providing medical aid to those most in need regardless of their race, religion, or political affiliation.
Domestic Workers United (DWU) is an organization of Caribbean, Latina and African nannies, housekeepers, and elderly caregivers in New York, organizing for power, respect, fair labor standards and to help build a movement to end exploitation and oppression for all.
The EastWest Institute is a global think-and-do tank that devises innovative solutions to pressing security concerns and mobilizes networks of individuals, institutions and nations to implement these solutions.
The Fortune Society is a nonprofit social service and advocacy organization, founded in 1967, whose mission is to support successful reentry from prison and promote alternatives to incarceration, thus strengthening the fabric of our communities.
Foundation for Post Conflict Development (FPCD)
The FPCD is a United Nations affiliated organization that aligns itself with the ideals and goals of the UN. The FPCD focuses on nurturing these goals in post- conflict nations that are vulnerable and require extra assistance.
Generation Citizen strengthens our nation’s democracy by empowering young people to become engaged and effective citizens. Generation Citizen partners college students with classroom teachers to teach an action civics course in which teens solve problems they are facing in their own communities.
Global Campaign for Peace Education (GCPE)
The Global Campaign for Peace Education (GCPE) seeks to develop the capacities, in teachers and learners, to face challenges of unprecedented proportion: the continued development of weapons of mass destruction, armed conflicts between states and ethnic groups, the spread of racism, gender inequality, community violence, the huge and widening gap between the rich and the poor throughout the globalized economy, massive violations of human rights and the degradation of the environment.
The Global Security Institute is dedicated to strengthening international cooperation and security based on the rule of law, with a particular focus on nuclear arms control, non-proliferation and disarmament.
Called “one of the most ambitious social-service experiments of our time,” by The New York Times, the Harlem Children’s Zone Project is a unique, holistic approach to rebuilding a community so that its children can stay on track through college and go on to the job market.
Human Rights Watch is one of the world’s leading independent organizations dedicated to defending and protecting human rights. By focusing international attention where human rights are violated, we give voice to the oppressed and hold oppressors accountable for their crimes.
Idealist connects people, organizations, and resources to help build a world where all people can live free and dignified lives. Idealist is independent of any government, political ideology, or religious creed. Our work is guided by the common desire of our members and supporters to find practical solutions to social and environmental problems, in a spirit of generosity and mutual respect.
Immigration Equality is a national organization fighting for equality under U.S. immigration law for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and HIV-positive individuals. Founded in 1994 as the Lesbian and Gay Immigration Rights Task Force, Immigration Equality provides legal aid and advocacy for LGBT and HIV-positive immigrants and their families.
Institute of International Humanitarian Affairs (IIHA), Fordham University
The Institute of International Humanitarian Affairs (IIHA) was created at Fordham University in December 2001 to forge partnerships with relief organizations, offer rigorous academic and training courses at the graduate and undergraduate level, host symposia, and publish books relating to humanitarian affairs.
The Interfaith Center of New York (ICNY)
The Interfaith Center of New York (ICNY) seeks to make New York City and the world safe for religious differences by increasing respect and mutual understanding among people of different faith, ethnic, and cultural traditions and by fostering cooperation among religious communities and civic organizations to solve common social problems.
The International Crisis Group is today generally regarded as the world’s leading source of information, analysis and policy advice on preventing and resolving deadly conflict.
International Institute for Conflict Prevention and Resolution
The CPR Institute is an independent nonprofit that promotes innovation in commercial dispute prevention and resolution. By harnessing the collective expertise of leading legal minds and benchmarking best practices, it is the ADR resource of choice for multinational corporations with billions of dollars at risk. CPR is also a leading online destination for lawyers seeking superior arbitrators and mediators and practical ADR resources and solutions.
International Peace Institute (IPI)
The International Peace Institute is an independent, international not-for-profit think tank with a staff representing more than 20 nationalities, located in New York across from United Nations headquarters. IPI is dedicated to promoting the prevention and settlement of conflicts between and within states by strengthening international peace and security institutions. To achieve its purpose, IPI employs a mix of policy research, convening, publishing and outreach.
International Rescue Committee
The International Rescue Committee is on the ground in more than 40 countries, providing emergency relief, relocating refugees, and rebuilding lives in the wake of disaster. Through 22 IRC locations in cities across the United States, we help refugees resettle in the U.S. and become self-sufficient.
Kids Creative is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that offers arts based, peace education programs for Pre-K to High School age students through after school programs, workshops and summer camps.
Lokashakti: Power of the People
“Lokashakti is a nonprofit organization working to promote peace and social justice around the world. We believe that all power is in the hands of the people and that through collective nonviolent action we can free ourselves from injustice and war. By providing resources for networking, organizing, and education, we help empower groups and individuals seeking to create positive nonviolent social change.”
MADRE is an international women’s human rights organization that works in partnership with community-based women’s organizations worldwide to address issues of health and reproductive rights, economic development, education and other human rights. We provide resources and training to enable our sister organizations to meet these goals by addressing immediate needs in their communities and developing long-term solutions to the crises they face.
Meaningful World – Association for Trauma Outreach and Prevention (ATOP)
Meaningfulworld.com is dedicated to fostering a meaningful, peaceful, and just world in which every individual enjoys physical, mental, social, ecological, and spiritual health. Meaningful World facilitates this journey through providing information on formal lectures, opportunities for informal networking, organizing humanitarian outreach programs, conducting research and publishing.
NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc (LDF)
The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. (LDF) is America’s premier legal organization fighting for racial justice.
National Economic and Social Rights Initiative (NESRI)
In partnership with communities, NESRI works to build a broad movement for economic & social rights, including health, housing, education and work with dignity. Based on the principle that fundamental human needs create human rights obligations on the part of government and the private sector, NESRI advocates for public policies that guarantee the universal and equitable fulfillment of these rights in the United States.
National School Climate Center (NSCC)
NSCC’s mission is to measure and improve the climate for learning in schools to help children realize their fullest potential as individuals and as engaged members of society.
New York Center for Interpersonal Development
Founded in 1970, New York Center for Interpersonal Development (NYCID) is a not-for-profit organization on Staten Island that promotes the improvement of human relationships and the strengthening of communities as fundamental to achieving a civil society. We provide youth, community and professional development programs, as well as dispute resolution services that educate and inform the public about constructive problem-solving, effective communication and intercultural awareness. We also operate a training institute to teach these skills to others.
The New York City Anti-Violence Project (AVP)
AVP was founded in 1980 in Chelsea in reaction to neighborhood incidents of anti-gay violence. Today, AVP provides free and confidential assistance to thousands of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and HIV-affected (LGBTQH) people each year from all five boroughs of New York City through direct client services and community organizing and public advocacy. AVP was named a White House Champion of Change for its work on intimate partner violence within LGBTQH communities.
The Civil Court of the City of New York has jurisdiction over civil cases involving amounts up to $25,000 and other civil matters referred to it by the Supreme Court. It includes a small claims part for informal dispositions of matters not exceeding $5,000 and a landlord and tenant/housing part for landlord-tenant matters of unlimited amounts and housing code violations.
The New York Peace Institute is committed to promoting peace in our communities. Whether a dispute involves two people, dozens of people, or several groups, we can help. We work in three areas: 1) Dispute Resolution Services, 2) Mediator Training and Mediator Credentialing, and 3) Specialized and customized trainings for organizations.
New York State Dispute Resolution Association (NYSDRA)
Founded in 1985, the New York State Dispute Resolution Association (NYSDRA) is a not-for-profit association, serving the needs of the dispute resolution field and of consumers seeking quality conflict management.
Odyssey Networks, founded in 1987, is the nation’s largest multi-faith coalition dedicated to producing and distributing media that fosters understanding among people of different beliefs and perspectives and that enriches spiritual life. Odyssey-produced content can be seen on a variety of platforms including cable TV, the Internet, mobile smartphones, e-readers and tablets.
OneVoice is an international grassroots movement that amplifies the voice of mainstream Israelis and Palestinians, empowering them to propel their elected representatives toward the two-state solution.
Outward Bound Center for Peace Building
The largest and most successful experience-based outdoor leadership organization in the world, Outward Bound was founded over 60 years ago by celebrated educator Kurt Hahn to provide active learning expeditions that inspire character development and leadership. The Outward Bound community now consists of more than 40 centers operating in over 35 countries and works with an estimated 200,000 students annually.
The PeaceWomen Project promotes the role of women in preventing conflict, and the equal and full participation of women in all efforts to create and maintain international peace and security. We are a project of Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF), the oldest women’s peace movement in the world.
Red Hook Community Justice Center
Launched in June 2000, the Red Hook Community Justice Center is the nation’s first multi-jurisdictional community court. Operating out of a refurbished Catholic school in the heart of a geographically and socially isolated neighborhood in southwest Brooklyn, the Justice Center seeks to solve neighborhood problems using a coordinated response.
Right To Play is a global organization that uses the transformative power of play to educate and empower children facing adversity. It was founded in 2000 by Johann Olav Koss, a four-time Olympic gold medalist and social entrepreneur. Through sports and games, we help children build essential life skills and better futures, while driving social change in their communities with lasting impact.
Safe Horizon is the largest victims’ services agency in the United States. Since 1978, Safe Horizon has provided victims of domestic violence, child abuse, human trafficking, rape and sexual assault, as well as homeless youth and families of homicide victims, with a wide range of comprehensive support.
Sakhi for South Asian Women is an anti-domestic violence organization that works with the South Asian community in the New York metropolitan area. Sakhi uses an integrated approach that combines support and empowerment through service delivery, community engagement, advocacy, and policy initiatives.
Sanctuary for Families is the leading nonprofit in New York State dedicated exclusively to serving domestic violence victims, sex trafficking victims, and their children.
Save our Streets Crown Heights
Save Our Streets Crown Heights (S.O.S.) is a project of the Crown Heights Community Mediation Center and the Center for Court Innovation. This blog highlights the work being done by staff, volunteers, and community members to prevent violence in Crown Heights, Brooklyn.
Since 1993, Seeds of Peace has set the standard in international peace-building by providing exceptional young people and educators from regions of conflict with an otherwise impossible opportunity to meet their historic enemies face-to-face at our International Camp in Maine.
Social Science Research Council (SSRC)
The Social Science Research Council (SSRC) is an independent, nonprofit international organization founded in 1923. The SSRC nurtures new generations of social scientists, fosters innovative research, and mobilizes necessary knowledge on important public issues.
Soliya is empowering young adults to establish more cooperative & compassionate relations between their societies by combining the power of dialogue with the reach of new media. Our name, Soliya, integrates the Latin word for sun, sol, and an ancient Arabic word for light, iya ( ???? ). The name reflects our aim to bridge divides and shed light on cultural differences that too often seem inevitable and intractable.
Tanenbaum Center for Interreligious Understanding
Tanenbaum confronts religious ignorance and violence head-on with results-oriented programs that reduce hatred and produce real change in the way people think and act.
TeachUNICEF is a portfolio of free global education resources. Resources cover grades PK-12, are interdisciplinary (social studies, science, math, English/language arts, foreign/world languages), and align with standards. The lesson plans, stories, and multimedia cover topics ranging from the Millennium Development Goals to Water and Sanitation.
Tribal Link Foundation, Inc. was founded in 1993. The starting point of Tribal Link is that the world’s traditional peoples must survive. This can only happen with the help of the modern world, which is also the primary threat to their existence. Tribal Link matches the urgent needs of the world’s indigenous populations with the people and resources which can help them.
UNICEF is the driving force that helps build a world where the rights of every child are realized. We have the global authority to influence decision-makers, and the variety of partners at grassroots level to turn the most innovative ideas into reality. That makes us unique among world organizations, and unique among those working with the young.
Urban-Think Tank is an interdisciplinary design practice dedicated to high-level research and design on a variety of subjects, concerned with contemporary architecture and urbanism. The philosophy of U-TT is to deliver innovative yet practical solutions through the combined skills of architects, civil engineers, environmental planners, landscape architects, and communication specialists.
Its mission is to provide non partisan analysis of the Middle East peace process and to present policymakers in the United States, in the region and in the larger international community with balanced policy analysis and policy options to prevent conflict and promote stability, democracy, modernization and economic development throughout the region.
The Vera Institute of Justice combines expertise in research, demonstration projects, and technical assistance to help leaders in government and civil society improve the systems people rely on for justice and safety.
Voices of Women Organizing Project (VOW)
The Voices of Women Organizing Project (VOW) is the lead initiative of the Battered Women’s Resource Center. Our mission is to bring together survivors of domestic violence to improve the systems meant to provide safety and justice for abused women and their children.
WhyHunger is a leader in building the movement to end hunger and poverty by connecting people to nutritious, affordable food and by supporting grassroots solutions that inspire self-reliance and community empowerment.
Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom NY Metropolitan Branch
The Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom NY Metropolitan Branch works to create a transformed world at peace, where there is racial, social, and economic justice for all people everywhere through three three timeless arts: 1. Educating, 2. Connecting, and 3. Acting.
The Women’s Refugee Commission advocates for laws, policies and programs to improve the lives and protect the rights of refugee and internally displaced women, children and young people, including those seeking asylum—bringing about lasting, measurable change.
The World Economic Forum is an independent international organization committed to improving the state of the world by engaging business, political, academic and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas.
If there is an New York-based organization you believe should be listed here, please contact us at ac4info@columbia.edu.