Who We Are
VISION
To engage world citizens in activities that promote global peace
MISSION
To advance peace & understanding amongst all the nations, cultures and religions of the world through the creation of rose gardens that become magnets for youth & community activities
About the Organization – A Worldwide Effort
International World Peace Rose Gardens (IWPRG) is a catalyst for peace in diverse communities around the world. The nonprofit organization was incorporated in 1988 for the purpose of creating beautiful rose gardens for peace on public, accessible sites. The gardens become magnetic centers where people gather, enjoy beauty and are inspired to be better persons and world citizens. The projects, including IWPRG youth programs, have impacted millions around the world.
Planted on some of the most cultural, historic and sacred grounds of the world, the following World Peace Rose Gardens and sister gardens have been created to focus on different peace themes:
Lake Shrine-Gandhi World Peace Rose Garden
Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine
Pacific Palisades, California, U.S.A.
Peace and Harmony between Cultures & Religions
Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park
Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A.
Peace through Nonviolence
Sister Garden: University Park,
Magnolia Historic District
Stockton, California, U.S.A.
Peace through Nonviolence
Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Mexico City, Mexico
Friendship between Mexico and the United States
Sister Garden: National Sanctuary of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Sacramento California, U.S.A.
Friendship between Mexico and the United States
Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi
Assisi, Italy, Europe
Universal Peace with All Creation
California State Capitol Park
Sacramento, California, U.S.A.
Peace for Women, Children and Families
Sister Garden: Jinan, China
A project of the Jinan-Sacramento Sister Cities Corporation
Peace for Women, Children and Families
School World Peace Rose Garden: Southport Elementary School
West Sacramento, California, U.S.A.
Embracing the Diversity in Our School Community
About the Co-Creators
“TJ, The Rose Man” David and Sylvia Villalobos, began cultivating their dream for peace in 1984 by planting the first World Peace Rose Garden at the site where Gandhi’s ashes are enshrined on the beautiful grounds of the 10-acre Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine in California. The visionary team combined Mr. David’s love and expertise of roses and his business background with Ms. Villalobos’ passion for learning, cultural and interfaith appreciation and her organizational skills. Since the incorporation of the organization in 1988, the co-creators have volunteered more than 52,000 hours.
