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our mission
Our mission is to use creative expression to promote understanding, cooperation and peace in a multi-cultural society. The underlying principle of our organization is that the mosaic of our modern world can be a source for inspiration rather than conflict.
We are dedicated to bringing together young people to share their faiths, learn about each other’s culture and have fun together by expressing themselves through words, art and performance.
Our history
Founder Donna Yates, a board member of the Philadelphia-based outreach program We the Poets, recognized poetry as a powerful tool to combat the rise in hate crimes following the events of September 11, 2001. Seven years later, she drew on her experiences to establish a similar initiative in the Chicago area. Poetry Pals now operates in nine private schools representing Christian, Muslim and Jewish faiths, engaging students in grades 3 through 5. These workshops are designed to foster empathy and understanding in a multicultural society. For many participants, it provides their first opportunity to interact with peers from different religious and cultural backgrounds.
our impact
Since its inception, Olive Tree Arts Network has reached more than 5,000 students. Data show that students who have completed our program consistently demonstrate increased knowledge, empathy and confidence when meeting peers of different faiths. "Through this program, our students often learn that they have much more in common with people who are Christian and Muslim then they may have thought," said Suzanne Mishkin of Solomon Schechter Day School.