What do entertainer Bob Hope, Olympic champion Jesse Owens, Hallmark Cards founder Joyce Hall, and amusement creator Walt Disney have in common? A People to People heritage.

In 1956 these citizen leaders sat shoulder to shoulder with their friend, President Dwight D. Eisenhower, in founding an organization to promote world peace and understanding: People to People.

Eisenhower believed strongly in the power of the citizen ambassador. According to him, “the people want peace; indeed, I believe they want peace so badly that the governments will just have to step aside and let them have it.”

People to People organizes and promotes international and domestic journeys for students, athletes, and professionals. Journeys provide opportunity for elementary, junior high, and senior high school students to learn about the history, government, economy, and culture of the foreign and domestic destinations they visit. Junior and senior high school athletes have the opportunity to participate in international sports challenges.

In the broadest way possible, People to People is reaching out to citizens in all walks of life, whether doctors on a professional exchange in Russia to Ambassadors exploring Australia. Eisenhower’s vision of world citizenship is being upheld by People to People alumni.