Peace Builders A Documentary In-Production 2022-2025 Palestinian and Israeli teenagers from the Middle East forge relationships in the midst of the most devastating violence the region has experienced since 1948. Support our Film Project Introducing the Peace Builders In 2022/2023, they shared their visions for the future. The Teenagers These individuals were selected by their openness to find solutions and willingness to appear on camera. We hope we can learn from their stories. In 2024, captured the realities of life in Palestine/Israel and their efforts to chart a path forward amidst the war. Nama (left) and Shahd (right) Thekra "Since I was a kid [my mom] holds my hand, sits me down, and tells me 'You are strong. You have your own opinion, don't let anybody step on that." Following the Journey The documentary project spans the course of 4 years from 2022-2025 , as we witness these teenagers grow up, form bonds with each other, strengthen their resolve for peace, and confront the uncertain realities of their future. "I'm torn between not wanting to leave home, and a home that is toxic and violent." Tidhar "We're gonna miss The States but now is the important part, the part when you move what you learned here to your home. To your community." The documentary follows only the words expressed and actions taken by these teenagers. We understand these personal accounts do not make up the entirety of experiences of those suffering in the region. Our Approach "I feel like I really need to do something about this because I was born to stand for what's right and take action, and I don't want to be a bystander to what's happening." Coming Together We begin the film in Navasota, Texas in 2022 which is where these teenagers first meet as part of an annual peace-building institute. 2023, they return to deepen their commitment for peace . The film continues production in Nov 2024 in Palestine/Israel to have an up-close look of their peace efforts in a post-October 7 reality. Nama Shahd "You grow up feeling that there is this very big battle between one another and there is very distinct stuff that they blame each other for." Elon Jerusalem Peacebuilders Jerusalem Peacebuilders (JPB) is an interfaith, non-profit organization with a mission to create a better future for humanity across religions, cultures, and nationalities. Integral to that mission is the belief that the future of Jerusalem is the future of the world. To that end, JPB promotes transformational, person-to-person encounters among the peoples of Jerusalem, Israel, Palestine, and the United States. This film was not commissioned nor has any financial affiliation with The Jerusalem Peacebuilders institute. The Organization in Focus Learn about JPB Support our Film Help us complete the production of this documentary in 2024-2025. Your contribution supports: • Production Equipment • Production Assistant • Plane flight Palestine/Israel • Lodging in Palestine/Israel • Travel inside Palestine/Israel Your tax-deductible donation helps tell the stories of these young people finding solutions amidst the ongoing conflict. Supporters: Krista Calaway, Matt Heath, Chris King, Aliza Porat, Lavanya Rajagopalan, Kenneth Richstad, Barbara Richstad

A music video written and performed by Texas kids who love the library. Join our campaign and send us your own video about what the library means to you. Kids promoting libraries through art. Make art. Join the movement. www.myfriendthelibrary.com

Pilot Episode "Dreams so Real" Back to Mission and History "Dreams so Real" debuted on Houston Public Media (PBS Station in Houston) In the opening episode, “Dreams so Real,” Kylie, a painfully shy girl, tries to fit in and make new friends while goofy boys, high-fashion girls and two encouraging coaches try to keep everyone together. When they meet the world-renowned DJ Reborn, Kylie discovers what it truly means to take the stage with confidence. Not only do the kids on this television show experience the performing arts, but the viewers at home learn right alongside them. With step-by-step instruction, and the appearance of celebrity artists, Take the Stage takes the viewer on a new and exciting adventure into the world of the performing arts.

If you're an educator, parent, student or just interested in our programs, please feel free to reach out to us. We'd love to hear from you. Contacto Esta es tu sección de Contacto. Dígales a los visitantes del sitio web cómo pueden contactarlo y anímelos a comunicarse con cualquier pregunta o comentario. 500 Terry François Street, San Francisco, CA 94158 info@misitio.com 123-456-7890 Primer nombre Apellido Correo electrónico Mensaje Enviar ¡Gracias por enviar!

Closer to the Sun Dan talks about juvenile justice residencies. Anchor 1 Back to Juvenile Justice Residencies In Summer 2022, the teenagers at the Harris County Juvenile Probation Department conceptualized, wrote, acted and produced an autobiographical film entitled “Closer to the Sun” which was inspired by Tupac Shakur’s “The Rose that Grew from Concrete”. St. Philip Presbyterian Church’s Foundation provided a substantial grant for this filmmaking project along with Texas Commission on the Arts. Pastor John Wurster spoke to the congregation about the impact of this residency. And, Dan Gordon gave a presentation about this filmmaking residency and screened the film at St. Philip Presbyterian Church on October 2nd, 2022. He has returned to St. Philip's to give talks in 2023 and 2024.

Filmmaking summer camp in Houston, Texas for kids and teens. Narrative and Documnetary Filmmaking. HISTORICAL FILMMAKING June 8-12, 2026 Ages 9-13 CHANGEMAKERFILMMAKING June 15-19, 2026 Ages 9-13 DOCUMENTARY FILMMAKING June 29-July 10, 2026 Ages 13-17 NARRATIVE FICTION FILMMAKING July 13-17, 2026 Ages 9-13 SCHOLARSHIPS Camp Instructors: Bri Guerrero Dan Gordon 2026 Summer Filmmaking Camps with Gordon Education Exclusive Partner 15% Discount for Members of: The Heritage Society at Sam Houston Park St. Paul's United Methodist Church Houston Mennonite Church Designed for young creatives to discover their unique voices and create meaningful change in the world. No prior filmmaking experience required. Space is limited for all camps. Early Bird Specials end March 31, 2026. Scholarships available to make camps accessible for all families. HISTORICAL FILMMAKING CAMP June 8 – June 12, 2026 | 9am – 3pm at The Heritage Society, 1100 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002 | Ages 9 -13 Bring the Past to Life! Emerging filmmakers create an original time-traveling movie with an exclusive all-access pass to the Heritage Society's historic buildings and artifacts. Campers write, design, and act in an original production that bridges the past to the present while being mentored by professional filmmakers Dan Gordon and Bri Guerrero. Following a successful 2025 launch, Gordon Education is proud to continue its partnership with The Heritage Society to produce a one-of-kind film that uncovers Houston’s fascinating history. The camp concludes with a red-carpet film premiere on Friday, June 12th. Family and friends are invited to the screening to celebrate the campers' work, followed by a Q&A session with the filmmakers. Exclusive Partner Early Bird Tuition: $335 Standard Early Bird Tuition: $395 Standard Tuition: $490 Enroll by March 31 and save $155! REGISTER NOW HF CHANGEMAKERS FILMMAKING CAMP June 15 – June 19, 2026 | 9am – 3pm at Houston Mennonite Church, 1231 Wirt Rd, Houston, TX 77055 | Ages 9 -13 Want to the Change the World? Inspired by global social justice leaders, young filmmakers write and produce an original narrative film about the impact they want to make in their community and the world. Campers visit the Eternal Gandhi Museum to learn from luminaries who have led movements through nonviolent action and education like Gandhi, MLK, and Malala. Dan Gordon, veteran arts educator, leads these young changemakers as they define and amplify their voices. Special guests artists and peace activists lead interactive workshops to inspire campers to be catalysts for positive change. The camp concludes with a red-carpet film premiere on Friday, June 19th. Family and friends are invited to the screening to celebrate the campers' changemaking work, followed by a Q&A session with the filmmakers. Exclusive Partner Early Bird Tuition: $335 Standard Early Bird Tuition: $395 Standard Tuition: $490 Enroll by March 31 and save $155! REGISTER NOW CF DOCUMENTARY FILMMAKING CAMP June 29 – July 10, 2026 | 9am – 3pm (No camp July 3) at St. Paul’s School, 5501 Main St, Houston, TX 77004 | Ages 13 -17 Houston teens collaborate on a documentary examining gun violence as a national public health crisis through interviews with individuals personally affected, those in rehabilitation, and those actively working to make the community safer. In partnership with the nonprofit BYkids , this project gives Houston youth a powerful platform to present solutions and spark national change. The camp is led by experienced educator and children’s media producer Dan Gordon, and includes guest speakers and field trips in the Houston community. Select footage from this camp will be featured in a national PBS film. The program concludes with a red-carpet film premiere on Friday, July 10th. Family and friends are invited to the screening, followed by a Q&A session with the filmmakers. Exclusive Partner Early Bird Tuition: $635 Standard Early Bird Tuition: $750 Standard Tuition: $885 Enroll by March 31 and save $250! REGISTER NOW DC NARRATIVE FICTION FILMMAKING July 13 – July 17, 2026 | 9am – 3pm at St. Paul’s School, 5501 Main St, Houston, TX 77004 | Ages 9 -13 If You Imagine It, You Can Make it! Young storytellers unleash their wildest creative visions in this story-driven filmmaking camp. Whether their movie is set in outer space or under the sea, campers have full artistic license to bring their unique ideas to the screen. Led by professional Filmmaking Art Director Bri Guerrero, campers write, film, direct, and act in an original production using the "Hero’s Journey" as a roadmap to learn the essentials of storytelling. Family and friends are invited to the red-carpet film premiere on Friday, July 17th followed by a Q&A session with these young filmmakers. Exclusive Partner Early Bird Tuition: $335 Standard Early Bird Tuition: $395 Standard Tuition: $490 Enroll by March 31 and save $155! REGISTER NOW Summer Camp Partners Want to stay connected? Subscribe to our Newsletter! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook camp@gordoneducation.org (713) 906-3638 NF This offering by Gordon Education Initiatives has had a profound effect on our child's worldview- it has expanded, filled with empathy, compassion, and generosity for his fellow human beings. Of course, there are also the development of certain skills such as interviewing, filming, editing, organizing, coordinating, etc. All of these lessons, as well as the gained treasure friends during the fortnight of summer camp, are very much cherished by our son. - Michelle Tabile Ordoñez, Parent "I personally loved this camp; Dan Gordon is such an amazing person and teacher, as he is kind and compassionate. This camp has you go on field trips to so many unique places and the activities you can do at camp are entertaining. Especially because you get to bond and connect with other campers" -Henry, Camper "This camp was truly a transformative experience. The camp provided invaluable skills and sparked passion for storytelling within me. Mr. Dan and Erick were knowledgeable and supportive, which fostered a creative, collaborative environment for experimentation and growth. The hands-on experience with advanced equipment, learning about interviewing techniques, and developing a compelling narrative were particularly enjoyable. I am now more confident in my abilities and ready to apply what was learned to future projects. -Akaash, Camper The documentary film camp was such a great experience and opportunity for my child to engage with and experience the community around him. They got to explore Houston and enjoy many of its incredible multicultural offerings, which made the experience even more enriching. Dan and his assistant Erick were wonderful — their passion for what they do truly inspired the kids to explore the world around them in new and creative ways. I would highly recommend this camp to any parent looking for something cool, fun, and meaningful for their kids to do over the summer! - Caine Salazar, Parent