Here’s what some people have said about why they have contributed to my work with Ultimate Peace:

Well, like any older person, I’ve seen many conflicts, wars and examples of human behavior that keep repeating. Will we ever learn? It has left me thinking it’s astonishing that the world keeps spinning. Then along comes Ultimate Peace and you. During the three summers at MST at UNH, I saw your brilliance, passion and joy for life. I remember teasing you about your choice of sport. Ultimate frisbee?!! Now it has gone to a whole new level, Ultimate Peace. And I deeply feel that only through programs like this, and people like you, will real change occur. Thank you.
– Maggie Woodward

“We donated to Ultimate Peace because we appreciate and value your contributions to building worldwide community and bringing people together through shared interests and joy. You have impressed us with your enthusiasm and commitment to this program and we are proud to support you!”
– Allie & J Nerenberg

“Josh’s energetic belief in the power of Ultimate is contagious. Josh’s commitment to young people and the sport of Ultimate is reflected in all he does at the local level here in Western Massachusetts, and reaches quite literally around the world with Ultimate Peace.  His passion for teaching, building community and the values reflected in the Spirit of the Game is evident in his many local and global endeavors. Our son has played on teams coached by Josh and in tournaments organized by Josh.  We have experienced, firsthand, the friendships, values, skills and fun that participation in Ultimate can bring. Through UP, Josh will bring these same opportunities to Israeli and Palestinian youth. We are delighted to have the opportunity to give back a small portion of what Ultimate has given to our family by supporting Josh’s work with Ultimate Peace.”
– Ultimate Parent

“Peace is the ultimate goal. One by one joining people, and in particular, young people is, to me, the only way to promote true understanding of our cultural similarities and mutual respect. Hard work and group problem solving linked with the joy of skill building on the field and in the community can perpetuate understanding. Josh can model and inspire. I saw this at work at St. Johnsbury Academy. The participants in Ultimate Peace can bring these ideals coupled with cooperative learning, and athletic prowess back to their home environments. I wish every young person had the opportunity to experience a program like this.”
– A former colleague of mine from St. Johnsbury Academy

“We were happy to support Josh and Ultimate Peace because we believe it’s an organization that makes real change. And we think Josh, and his passion for this effort and the sport, is the greatest. How could you not support a person and an organization like this?”
– A colleague of mine at Williston

“Ultimate Peace strikes me as an extremely timely, relevant and necessary endeavor in a world fraught with conflict. Josh’s passion for this sport and for this cause is energizing. I felt inspired to participate in this project and to support Josh — even from afar — in a way that would be meaningful.”
– A former colleague of mine from St. Johnsbury Academy

“I donated to Josh’s UP efforts because he is a extremely gifted teacher and can deliver, like few others could, on the promise of promoting peace through Ultimate.  I’ve played with and against, and coached against Josh… and he’s that guy that makes the Ultimate experience fulfilling and meaningful for everyone on both sides of the disc.  So, when I heard he was coaching at UP, I jumped at the opportunity to support those Israeli and Palestinian children who will have the good fortune of learning with Josh.”
– Vermont HS Coach

“I have watched Josh’s passion for Ultimate grow into a real vehicle for change. His participation this summer in “Ultimate Peace” seems to be a culmination of all that he is about. His mother and I are very proud of him, and have witnessed his positive influence on everyone around him.”
– My father

“I’ve been a fan of Ultimate Peace for a while, so I was thrilled to hear you were going. Glad to help.”
– Ultimate Parent

 

“Many years ago John Lennon wrote the hit song “Give Peace a Chance”. When Josh informed me about this unique summer program of Ultimate Peace Comp, immediately that tune came to my mind. Ultimate for Peace embodies this simple, yet profound concept: play a sport, interact socially, make friends with other young people of the same age, have fun. The UP program provides this great teenage opportunity for a wide range of kids. The YouTube clip shows the results: getting to know others of different beliefs and backgrounds and finding they were all the same in that they were having fun, and learning together.”
– Ultimate Parent

 

“We are so impressed with Josh’s passion for Ultimate and his commitment to developing SJA’s team and the sport as a whole.  It’s a pleasure to see the athletes competing hard on the field and doing so with a culture of friendliness, good sportsmanship and honesty.  It’s always amazing to see two players jump for the disc, as high as they can, and then immediately come to a consensual agreement about any foul.  The values of the sport and the lessons in dispute resolution should carry well to the Ultimate Peace program bringing the sport to conflicted areas. Josh is a tremendous ambassador for Ultimate and the values it represents.  This is why we are proud to support him.”
– Ultimate Parent

 

“We’re supporting Josh because of all he has done for youth Ultimate.  He has established youth teams, not only at St Johnsbury Academy but also at YCCs, Paidea Cup (youth girls),  Terminus (youth boys) and probably others.  He has established the St J’s Invitational Tournament, introducing thousands of high school athletes to a superbly managed, fun and spirit-filled tournament.  I’m sure there are ways he has contributed to Ultimate that we’re not even aware of!  He has inspired a generation of Ultimate players and coaches through his dedication, Spirit of the Game and positive attitude.  We are personally thankful to Josh for his influence on our kids over the years.  Many thanks to Josh for all he has done.”
– Ultimate Parent

 

 

More responses will be posted as they are sent in.