Changing Worlds began as a photography/oral history documentation project in 1996 and then in 2011 merged with The Shanti Foundation for Peace to expand the organization's programming to include arts-based peace and non-violence programming in Chicago and Evanston. In spring of 2019, Changing Worlds expanded its music offerings and welcomed the well-regarded programs of Foundations of Music.

Distinguishing factors of Changing Worlds' program delivery include:

An ongoing Commitment to Chicago's youth: This dedication is reflected in our staff’s fluency and experience in research-based best practices in positive youth development, arts integration, trauma informed arts practices, and learner-centered approaches that lead to measurable outcomes.
Thematic Units: Developed in response to social justice issues, Changing Worlds has a variety of thematic programs which respond to teacher's expressed needs for classroom interventions and align with student interests to ensure relevance and timeliness.
Cross-Cultural Connections & Personal Narratives: Changing Worlds is also devoted to amplifying student identity and voices to celebrate the ethnic/racial/geographic identities of our learners.

Back To School Campaign 2022

Team Members