When Chad Ford and I launched Waymakers, we had a vision of bringing together people for peacemaking trainings all across the country (and maybe beyond!). Because we both live in Utah, as do so many of the amazing people participating in and supporting this work, it made sense for our two inaugural Repair gatherings to take place here — first in Provo, then in Salt Lake. But from the beginning, Waymakers was never meant to be a Utah-only or even Utah-centric project.
It’s time for Waymakers to hit the road!
On September 19, 2026, Waymakers is excited to be co-hosting a peacemaking gathering at the Visitors’ Center of the Washington, DC Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. If anyone has ever driven at night around the 495 beltway, you’ve seen the majestic temple lighting up the dark horizon. This will be a perfect setting for each of us to deepen our commitment to the vocation of peacemaking. As Martin Luther King Jr. famously said, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” Peacemaking is all about bringing greater light and love into a world of conflict.
Co-sponsored by the Visitors’ Center and the Heravi Peace Institute at Utah State University, “Peacemakers Needed” will be a half-day event featuring multiple keynote addresses and interactive workshops. You’ll learn practical, skills-based strategies from experienced teachers that can help you navigate interpersonal, interfaith, and political conflict with greater understanding and confidence. In addition to me and Chad, the gathering will feature these expert practitioners:
Judge Thomas Griffith, retired U.S. judge, United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit
Jim Ferrell, bestselling author of You and We: A Relational Rethinking of Work, Life, and Leadership
Ravi Gupta, Charles Redd Professor of Religious Studies at Utah State University
Maybree Spilsbury, Director of Peacemaking at Mormon Women for Ethical Government
This event is free and open to the public (ages 16+), but registration is required. Space is limited especially in the afternoon workshops, so be sure to register now…then invite your friends to do the same!
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
“Peacemakers Needed”
Saturday, September 19, 2026
1:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Washington D.C. Temple Visitors' Center
9900 Stoneybrook Drive
Kensington, MD 20895