The good news that is the common thread running through children in war-torn Iraq or poverty-laden India, is that they all still have hope. And Dina Fesler, the founder of Children's Culture Connection has discovered that when we give American children a taste of the world's cultures, it helps them connect with kids who have very little, and empowers them by showing that they, in fact, can make a difference in the lives of others.

When news of economic recessions and crazed holiday shoppers makes you wonder if the notion of ‘peace on earth' is really more than a greeting card cliche, take a minute to read the top ten accomplishments of the Children's Culture Connection in 2008. Kids helping kids moves us down the path toward universal peace.

Ten Signs of Peace on Earth, written by the Children's Culture Connection founder:

Children's Culture Connection is a nonprofit organization that helps children (and adults!) discover the richness of the world's many cultures with the goal of making  connections with, and raising money for, at-risk children throughout the world. 

(Thanks to Kelli Bickman for submitting the story! … Her mom works with the group.) Angel of Lights – photo by John Stone, eyeclectic.net