About Us

Karuna Center was founded in 1994 to address the growing global challenges of ethnic, religious and political conflict. Our first long-term project engaged us in post-conflict reconciliation between former neighbors after the devastation of the Bosnian war. As we approach our 15th anniversary in 2009, Karuna Center has worked in more than 20 countries around the world.

The Karuna Center for Peacebuilding, Inc. is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization. From our Amherst, MA office our staff of four professionals along with our Board of Directors, International Advisory Board, and group of twelve Peacebuilding Associates work to develop and implement programs around the world. 

In partnership with the School for International Training in Vermont, Karuna Center staff and Associates also lead a summer institute and series of graduate certificate programs known as Conflict Transformation Across Cultures (CONTACT).

In addition, we are a member of the Alliance for Peacebuilding, a network of peacebuilding organizations from the US and abroad, and an affiliate organization of the International Fellowship of Reconciliation and the Buddhist Peace Fellowship.