Amala Foundation, Austin, TX

Years of un–layering and introspect bring most to this important fact: like attracts like. Black Swan Yoga of Austin, TX offered their studio to the Amala Foundation to host Keep Austin Peaceful, a party to celebrate the upcoming Wimberley, TX camp for 45 of Austin's 65,000 refugee children— 4th Annual Global Youth Peace Summit.
Volunteers and councelors, yogis, and new friends were all celebrated as Vanessa, founder of Amala Foundation, voiced her insight and experience after 10 years with the foundation.

She touched on our willingness to gather and how gathering can be done anywhere but must be done now with intent. The war within us and around our neighborhoods is more difficult to dissolve than the war of countries. It starts within.

I was invited to a volunteer meeting at the Amala Foundation sanctuary in South Austin. Tibetan flags, and large chimes, Cedar trees, and sweet smiles, burning Nag Champa, and safe breezes surround this enticing sanctuary, inviting all to enjoy peace— the peace that is felt through the simplicity and spirit of a home like the Amala Foundation.

Many arms opened to me as i walked in the door. Chai tea was passed from hand to hand and pillows lined the floor. We shared our talents and jobs and skills were partitioned off to the necessary places. All donations needed to complete preparations for The Summit; Verizon phones to use as walkey talkies, children's clothes, trailers, trucks, etc. were found within the glowing group of 40 volunteers. The power of community was reaffirmed within me as this collective of goodwill took place.

The 4th Annual Global Youth Peace Summit is an 8-day conference uniting 70 international, refugee, immigrant and local youth ages 12-18 as peace leaders of a global community. This year's Summit brings Austin’s youth together with refugee and immigrant youth from Iraq, Afghanistan, Cuba, Somalia, Bhutan, Iran, Burma, Colombia, Congo, Guatemala, Tibet, Cote d'Ivoire, Nigeria, Burundi, El Salvador, South Africa, Mexico, India, Nepal, and Thailand. About 80% of the youth who come to the Summit live in the Austin area.


The goal of the Summit is to challenge and inspire youth to extend beyond their cultural differences to create One Village united by values of peace, healing, respect, and service to others. Through activities, discussions, art, music-making, and special events, the youth will learn to communicate, to think and act with compassion, and serve others with love. The Amala Foundation partners with other peace-centered social change organizations to offer a truly inspirational event, including Urban Roots, the Indigenous People Institute, local artists, musicians, educators, and peace leaders.


The Summit is a place for healing. Many of the youth come from homes challenged by poverty, violence, and deprivation; some have witnessed the atrocities of war and have literally run for their lives; many have been uprooted from their native cultures and struggle to integrate into an entirely foreign world. Everyone in the Village is invited to speak about their experiences, to share their perspectives, and to find within themselves new inspiration to live as leaders for peace. The Amala Foundation offers scholarships to underserved and refugee youth in order to ensure that this powerful experience is available to all youth who are inspired to take part.

The 4th Annual Global Youth Peace Summit begins Friday, Aug 7th and ends the 14th.