NATIONAL PEACE GROUP SPONSORS MONKS' 'WALK FOR PEACE,' ISSUES URGENT CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS AS PILGRIMAGE ENTERS MISSISSIPPI
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- Dec 4, 2025
- 4 min read
NATIONAL PEACE GROUP SPONSORS MONKS' 'WALK FOR PEACE,' ISSUES URGENT CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS AS PILGRIMAGE ENTERS MISSISSIPPI
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEW YORK — (Dec. 4, 2025) —
The Youth Peace and Justice Foundation (YPJF), also known as the Uvalde Foundation for Kids, was founded in 2022 following the Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde, Texas, to promote resilience, non-violence, and social justice among youth.
The Foundation today announced its ongoing commitment to sponsor the remainder of the 2,300-mile “Walk for Peace” pilgrimage, launching a national fundraising initiative to ensure the mission's continuation and requesting direct volunteers as walkers enter Mississippi.
The "Walk for Peace" is a 2,300-mile (3,700-kilometer) pilgrimage undertaken by a group of Buddhist monks from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C., with the mission of promoting unity, mindfulness, and compassion across the United States.
URGENT CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS IN MISSISSIPPI: EXPENSES COVERED
With the "Walk for Peace" pilgrimage approaching a crucial and remote section of its journey, the Youth Peace and Justice Foundation is issuing an urgent request for local support:
* Current Location: The monks are currently moving through the Jonesville, Louisiana area.
* Distance to Mississippi: They are approximately 90-110 walking miles from the Jackson, MS, area, and are expected to enter the state over the next few days.
* The Need: Volunteers are needed to deliver water and basic sustenance supplies as the monks journey Eastward through Mississippi from Jackson. Safety team members to check on the walkers will also receive compensation from the foundation.
Concordia Parish Asks Drivers To Be Cautious As Monks Pass Through:
As the monks enter through Jackson the foundation is asking drivers to be attentive.
Crucially, the Youth Peace and Justice Foundation is covering all approved expenses (including supplies and logistical costs) for volunteers who can assist with this critical on-the-ground support.
Individuals or groups able to assist with this mission are asked to contact the Foundation's coordination team immediately at the number provided below.
Solidarity with the Walk for Peace
The "Walk for Peace" is a 2,300-mile (3,700-kilometer) pilgrimage undertaken by a group of Buddhist monks from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C., with the mission of promoting unity, mindfulness, and compassion across the United States.
The monks’ pursuit of peace, loving kindness, compassion, and unity through a demanding physical journey mirrors the core tenets of the YPJF.
This decision is based on the profound, unwavering commitment of the monks to their cause, which the foundation views as an unparalleled demonstration of the same resilience and non-violence the YPJF seeks to foster.
The national nonprofits demonstration of commitment came into sharp relief following the Nov. 19 incident near Dayton, Texas, in which a vehicle struck the group’s escort car, pushing it into the walking monks. The most severely injured, Bhante Dam Phommasan, recently underwent surgery to amputate his leg but has shown profound acceptance and determination for the pilgrimage to continue.
As of this week, the remaining monks have resumed their trek and are currently moving through Jonesville, Louisiana.
Foundation Reaches Out, Launches Initiative
The Youth Peace and Justice Foundation has reached out to the Walk for Peace group through available channels to confirm their offer of support. In addition to vowing to cover the remaining major logistical costs, food, etc. of the pilgrimage, the foundation is launching an immediate national fundraising initiative to support the monks’ long-term medical care, rehabilitation for Bhante Dam Phommasan, and enhanced safety measures for the rest of the journey.
Donations can be made directly through the foundation’s dedicated channel:
Donations will be directly vetted, receipted, and distributed to the journey costs as well as recovery for Bhante Dam Phommasan.
Statement from Foundation Founder Daniel Chapin
Daniel Chapin, Founder of the Youth Peace and Justice Foundation, and himself a veteran of extensive pilgrimages including a Walk Across America in 2010 and a Walk Across Oahu, spoke to the profound connection he felt to the monks' mission.
"The courage and perseverance displayed by Bhante Dam Phommasan and the entire 'Walk for Peace' Sangha is a powerful living sermon on peace and justice," said Chapin.
"The tragic reality is that every community across this nation has suffered the pain of gun violence. Because of this shared experience, every community can relate to this journey of resilience and peace in their own way. To continue walking after such a devastating event is a singular demonstration of brave, spiritual endurance."
Chapin concluded, "We cannot allow this physical hardship to halt this vital message. The Youth Peace and Justice Foundation is proud to financially ensure the remaining miles of this pilgrimage are completed. We see their walk as an ultimate demonstration of justice—acceptance of hardship and the relentless pursuit of peace for all."
About the Youth Peace and Justice Foundation
The Youth Peace and Justice Foundation (YPJF), also known as the Uvalde Foundation for Kids, is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering the next generation to become leaders in peace-building and social justice. Founded in 2022 following the Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde, Texas, the YPJF promotes the values of resilience, non-violence, and compassionate engagement to address global conflicts and foster unity.
The Youth Peace & Justice Foundation
Uvalde Foundation For Kids
Volunteer and Media Hotline: 254-499-8027
Alternative Website: www.theuvaldefoundation.com
Charity ID 88-3268749
