Who We Are
About Hope for Colombia
Hope for Colombia is a youth-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to building lasting peace in communities affected by violence in Colombia. We empower citizens to develop sustainable solutions by equipping them with essential tools and support. Through collaboration with local leaders and organizations, Hope for Colombia drives social development, fosters dialogue, and creates transformative change from the grassroots level.
Colombia has over 9 million victims of armed conflict, more than 400 social leaders killed in 2023 alone, and the highest rate of internal displacement in Latin America, affecting over 7.6 million people.
We build lasting peace
Colombia has faced over six decades of violence, making it one of the most dangerous countries in Latin America and the world. At Hope for Colombia, we believe lasting peace must be built from the ground up by empowering ordinary citizens who understand their challenges. We give individuals a voice, placing them in the driver's seat of their own peace-building process.
OUR APPROACH
WE SUPPORT COMMUNITIES FROM THE GROUND UP
WE TRUST LOCAL PEACEBUILDERS
WE STRENGTHEN PEACE THROUGH RESEARCH
We believe that lasting peace grows from the roots of each community. Our approach empowers those living the realities of conflict, shifting power to local voices. Through in-depth conflict analysis, we work hand-in-hand with community members to develop sustainable solutions from the ground up.
Rather than imposing a rigid framework, we embrace a flexible, collaborative approach—listening to and working closely with local communities. By trusting in the knowledge and resilience of those most affected by conflict, we ensure that solutions are deeply rooted in their lived experiences, fostering sustainable, community-driven change.
We understand that sustainable peace cannot be rushed. While we prioritize a bottom-up approach, we also recognize the vital role of government institutions in peacebuilding. Our research and insights guide these institutions to effectively support communities, harmonizing both top-down and grassroots efforts to achieve lasting peace.
“...to end violence from war—and address lesser conflicts at home—we have to fundamentally change the way we view and build peace.”
(The Frontlines of Peace, Autesserre, 2021)
In one of Colombia's most conflict-ridden regions, the courage of local citizens to reject armed violence and declare their community a neutral peace zone demonstrates the profound impact of grassroots action. Today, San José de Apartadó stands as living proof that lasting peace can flourish through the bravery and resilience of ordinary citizens.
