How to Participate
01
Fold
Make your origami crane using a single sheet of square paper. Any size. Any color. Any paper will do. We are folding with plain white copier paper to match the new USPS stamp! If you decide to do so as well, be sure to cut the paper into a square before you begin folding.
Folding guides are free and available HERE.
02
Write
Choose an intention to guide your message: Friendship, Love, Appreciation, or Forgiveness.
Write your intention on your crane or in your note. Express your love for a family member, your appreciation for a teacher or kind neighbor, or offer forgiveness to someone who needs to hear it. Asking for forgiveness from another is also a brave and meaningful choice.
You might also send a message of friendship to someone you are meeting for the first time through our Exchange List.
What you send—and to whom you send it—is always up to you.
03
Send
Mail your letter and crane to your chosen recipient. If you are in the USA, please consider using the International Peace Stamp. You may order the stamp HERE or purchase at your local post office.
04
Receive
If you’d like, upload a photo of your crane (and your letter, if you choose).
You’ll receive a Certificate of Participation.
Friendship = “Hey! I’m here for you.” | Love = “You make my heart happy.” | Appreciation = “You make a difference.” | Forgiveness = “I’m ready to make peace.”
A special option for U.S. participants
If you are mailing your crane from within the United States, you may wish to use the “International Peace” stamp, issued by the United States Postal Service in 2026. It will be available online HERE and at many post offices.
The stamp features an origami crane, folded by the founder of the Peace Crane Project.
For those who choose to use it, the stamp becomes part of the message.
Optional
Upload a photo of your crane & receive a certificate
Some participants choose to document their participation by uploading a photo of their folded crane.
If you upload a photo, you’ll receive a Certificate of Participation—perfect for classrooms, groups, and personal keepsakes.
Names may be first-name only if preferred, or simply a group name, or anonymous.
For classrooms, individuals, and community groups
Our activities are designed for groups of any size and age.
We encourage reflection, empathy, and hands-on learning, using only simple materials and flexible timing.
Adaptable for classrooms, groups, or individual participation
Works across ages and cultures
Supports social-emotional learning and arts integration
Friendship-Love-Appreciation-Forgiveness – Your thoughts and wishes take flight.
DISCLAIMER: The Peace Crane Project is not affiliated with or endorsed by the United States Postal Service. References to the International Peace stamp are for informational purposes only.