Youth & Family Empowerment
Peyvand Youth Empowerment Program (YEP) seeks to create a virtual and in-person safe, supportive, community of youth. Peyvand youth community members learn to successfully navigate cross-cultural communication, feel pride in their cultural heritage, and are inspired to become leaders in the global community. Our members are committed to the importance of meaningful diversity, inclusion, and representation. Community members find a sense of belonging within Peyvand youth. The aim of this program is to bring awareness, through general presentations and activities facilitated by volunteer professional staff to both parents and children.
Peyvand Family Empowerment supports families by providing parenting workshops, presentations from school faculty and counselors, and opportunities for networking and community building through cultural events and activities.
“Peyvand has created a safe space for youth to learn about diverse cultures.”
- Parent, Youth Empowerment Program (YEP)
Youth & Family Events
Bringing virtual and in-person Arts, Cultural & Educational events to our youth and their families
Upcoming Events
PEYVAND YOUTH ART WORKSHOP: A CREATIVE SPACE FOR THE YOUTH 12-17
SPONSORED BY KING COUNTY BEST STARTS FOR KIDS
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE SEATTLE PUBLIC LIBRARY
RSVS AT https://tinyurl.com/2dumk52j
PEYVAND YOUTH ART WORKSHOP: A CREATIVE SPACE FOR THE YOUTH 12-17
SPONSORED BY KING COUNTY BEST STARTS FOR KIDS
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE SEATTLE PUBLIC LIBRARY
RSVS AT https://tinyurl.com/2dumk52j
PEYVAND YOUTH ART WORKSHOP: A CREATIVE SPACE FOR THE YOUTH 12-17
SPONSORED BY KING COUNTY BEST STARTS FOR KIDS
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE SEATTLE PUBLIC LIBRARY
RSVS AT https://tinyurl.com/2dumk52j
Past Events
PEYVAND YOUTH ART WORKSHOP: A CREATIVE SPACE FOR THE YOUTH 12-17
SPONSORED BY KING COUNTY BEST STARTS FOR KIDS
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE SEATTLE PUBLIC LIBRARY
RSVS AT https://tinyurl.com/2dumk52j
Gaza Is Our Home is a profoundly personal documentary that peels back the layers of devastation within the Gaza Strip.
What began as an auto-generated slideshow on Monear's iPhone of his own trip to see his family in 2021, has since transformed into a feature-length documentary. Through a tapestry of intimate interviews, unfiltered personal footage, and raw storytelling, "Gaza Is Our Home" transcends political rhetoric and confronts audiences with the agonizing reality and ongoing cruelty thrust upon the film-makers own family. It is more than just a documentary... Rather, Gaza Is Our Home stands as a testament to the humanity behind the over 33,362 innocent lives massacred since Oct 2023... As the crisis in Gaza reaches unbearable levels, the film emerges as an unflinching portrayal of the human cost of conflict, laying bare the raw emotions, shattered dreams, and incomprehensible strength of those trapped within its suffocating embrace. Viewers witness the brilliant smiles and faces of innocence, abruptly contrasted with horrific losses, and stories untold. From childhood recollections to the present-day struggles of his family, the documentary navigates the tumultuous currents of Gaza's ongoing tragedy with an unyielding commitment to truth. Each frame representing a defiant declaration of the right to exist, to be seen, and to be heard in a world that has long ignored their cries. —Monear Shaer
Gaza Is Our Home is a profoundly personal documentary that peels back the layers of devastation within the Gaza Strip.
What began as an auto-generated slideshow on Monear's iPhone of his own trip to see his family in 2021, has since transformed into a feature-length documentary. Through a tapestry of intimate interviews, unfiltered personal footage, and raw storytelling, "Gaza Is Our Home" transcends political rhetoric and confronts audiences with the agonizing reality and ongoing cruelty thrust upon the film-makers own family. It is more than just a documentary... Rather, Gaza Is Our Home stands as a testament to the humanity behind the over 33,362 innocent lives massacred since Oct 2023... As the crisis in Gaza reaches unbearable levels, the film emerges as an unflinching portrayal of the human cost of conflict, laying bare the raw emotions, shattered dreams, and incomprehensible strength of those trapped within its suffocating embrace. Viewers witness the brilliant smiles and faces of innocence, abruptly contrasted with horrific losses, and stories untold. From childhood recollections to the present-day struggles of his family, the documentary navigates the tumultuous currents of Gaza's ongoing tragedy with an unyielding commitment to truth. Each frame representing a defiant declaration of the right to exist, to be seen, and to be heard in a world that has long ignored their cries. —Monear Shaer
Join Seattle Public Library & Peyvand Non-Profit Organization for a youth art workshop focused on creating self-portraits and handmade paper booklets known as “zines” with collage art materials to brainstorm ideas for the new year.
Art supplies & materials provided * No experience required
PEYVAND YOUTH ART WORKSHOP: A CREATIVE SPACE FOR THE YOUTH 12-17
SPONSORED BY KING COUNTY BEST STARTS FOR KIDS
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE SEATTLE PUBLIC LIBRARY
RSVS AT https://tinyurl.com/2dumk52j
Youth Art Workshop: Celebrate Shab-e Yalda at High Point Library!
Join Peyvand NPO & Seattle Public Library on Dec 22, 4–6 PM for a creative celebration of Shab-e Yalda — the Persian winter solstice festival marking the victory of light over darkness.
Youth ages 12–17 will explore the science of the winter solstice, learn about Persian poetry & folklore, and create festive art inspired by Yalda’s symbolic fruits and the night sky.
🎨 All art supplies provided.
📍 High Point Library
🔗 RSVP required — scan the QR code in the flyer!
Winner of Best Film, Best Screenplay, and Best Actor
at the Children’s Film Festival of Iran
Two boys, two distant shores—each searching for what was lost. Sea Boys is a tender story of loss, hope, and unexpected connection.
PEYVAND YOUTH ART WORKSHOP: A CREATIVE SPACE FOR THE YOUTH 12-17
SPONSORED BY KING COUNTY BEST STARTS FOR KIDS
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE SEATTLE PUBLIC LIBRARY
RSVS AT https://tinyurl.com/2dumk52j
This talk examines how Iranian musicians have turned to intercultural collaborations—since the aftermath of the 1979 Revolution and into the present—as a way to connect with the wider world. Through examples from Iran and its diaspora, it explores whether these encounters reflect modernization, inclusiveness, or both, and considers the line between cultural exoticism and genuine artistic exchange.
Hesam Abedini is an Iranian–American composer, performer, improviser, and educator whose work explores intercultural dialogue between classical Persian music, jazz, Western contemporary traditions, and computer music. A founding member of the Sibarg Ensemble, he is recognized for a polystylistic approach that integrates diverse musical languages through improvisation and new composition. His works have been performed by ensembles including the JACK Quartet, Del Sol Quartet, Eclipse Quartet, Hypercube, and loadbang.
This summer, Peyvand is proud to offer a unique opportunity for children to move, create, and connect through dance.
The Peyvand Summer Dance Camp is a week-long program designed for children ages 7–12, blending ballet, modern, and Persian dance in a nurturing and inclusive environment. Led by acclaimed dancer and choreographer Soraya Arjomand, students will engage in daily movement sessions and prepare for a celebratory performance at the end of the week.
Peyvand NPO in collaboration with the Bellevue High School MENA Club proudly present an evening of classical Persian music with the renowned NAMĀD Ensemble, featuring distinguished vocalist Mahbobe Golzari.
This special performance brings together four master artists whose musical dialogue bridges centuries of tradition with contemporary sensibility. The ensemble includes:
Get ready for a one-of-a-kind experience! Join Namad Ensemble's master musicians for an unforgettable, hands-on musical gathering. Sing along with beloved Persian songs, learn the secrets of classical Persian music, and experience the pure joy of making music together. This event is informal, interactive, and open to everyone. Don’t miss it!
Event in Persian. Registration Required.
Come see The Crowd at the 2025 Seattle International Film Festival.
"A sweet tribute to those leaving and those who have left." —Michael McKinney, The Stranger
Since the rise of recent social movements in Iran, there has been a new wave of filmmaking characterized by films that openly challenge the rules of state censorship. Such is The Crowd, a first feature from director Sahand Kabiri, who drew on his own experience to create this vibrant portrait of a younger generation who are determined to live life on their own terms.
Join us for a joyous Nowruz celebration as we welcome the Persian New Year with community, culture, and the electrifying rhythms of Siriya Ensemble—bringing the vibrant and soulful music of Southern Iran to Seattle!
Brought to you by Early Music Seattle and proudly sponsored by Peyvand Nonprofit and SISCA.
A Youth Empowerment Event
Nowruz, an ancient celebration of nature’s rebirth, the first day of Spring. It is a time of renewal, joy, and community! 🌿
We invite you and your youth to celebrate with us through the cherished tradition of egg painting, symbolizing rebirth and new beginnings. Let your creativity shine as we decorate colorful eggs together, embracing the spirit of spring!
This is a free, youth event. Whether you're familiar with Nowruz or discovering it for the first time, we welcome you to join us in this vibrant celebration of culture, art, and togetherness.
Join us for a storytelling session at the Lynnwood Library
We will share the story of Nowruz, an ancient secular holiday celebrating the first day of Spring by 300 million people across the globe.
We will have children art and culture activities following the storytelling session.
Nowruz, an ancient celebration of nature’s rebirth, the first day of Spring. It is a time of renewal, joy, and community! 🌿
We invite you and your youth to celebrate with us through the cherished tradition of egg painting, symbolizing rebirth and new beginnings. Let your creativity shine as we decorate colorful eggs together, embracing the spirit of spring!
This is a free, youth event. Whether you're familiar with Nowruz or discovering it for the first time, we welcome you to join us in this vibrant celebration of culture, art, and togetherness.
Gallery
Meet the Team
The team is dedicated in creating a safe, fun, and developmentally appropriate space for youth ages 12-18. Peyvand YEP is a space where youth can learn about their cultural heritage, explore their identity, and find community.