ACTIONS: What actions have been
undertaken by your organization to promote a culture of peace and
nonviolence during the first half of the Decade?
|
For Progress and Obstacles, see international report by Pathways to Peace which makes an annual report of Peace Day activities, from which the following is taken:
ARIZONA
Earthdance Festival’s Arizona Portal was scheduled to coincide with the International Day of Peace. (2003-2004)
ARKANSAS
REGARD
(Recognizing Everyone’s Gifts and Respecting Diversity) On September
21st, there will be a bell choir in which the youth of Hot Springs will
be called to participate even though they may not know anything about
music! The skilled choir director gives a color to every participant
and they ring their bell only when she shows their color. There will
also be the brass ensemble and we will all sing together. A Mayor and
city manager spoke, and a guest speaker, an attorney from Little Rock.
Peace building activities include signing the "May Peace prevail on
earth" 12 feet banner, which will be displayed later in a convenient
place in the city. People will show how to make peace cranes, etc.
Flags from different countries will be brought in during one of the
canticle. Religious leaders of various denominations will pray for
peace in the world. Every year there were several hundreds persons who
came to this beautiful Peacebuilding Community Observance celebration.
(2004)
CALIFORNIA
The Academy For Future Science created
and disseminated a "Prayer for Peace, visualization for all those on
the Path of Peace." (2003)
A Course In Miracles International
held a Global 24-hour Peace Vigil meant to demonstrate the power of
prayer and spiritual awakening as a means to Peace within the world. It
is a request to join in sharing the vision of International Day of
Peace. The mission of The Course in Miracles is to advance a Vision for
all people on earth of our Divine Purpose to be united in Peace and
Love with all humanity in the recognition of our oneness and equality
in the sight of God. (2003)
Mata Amritanandamayi Center, San
Ramon Ashram held a grand ceremony in coordination with the worldwide
call by Amma for world prayer together on the International Day of
Peace. More than 200 devotees sat in silent contemplation after
chanting 1000 Names of Divine Mother imbibing Amma’s vision of peace
and harmony. Each one wrote individual prayer sand carried them to the
base of the Peace Pole on the patio, which had been blessed by Amma
earlier in the summer. The Pole is made of cedar, a wood sacred to the
Native American tradition, and on the 4 sides of the Pole are written
the words "May Peace Prevail on Earth" in four languages-Malayalam,
English, Spanish, and Arabic. Each devotee lovingly scooped a handful
of mud to plan the prayers, intentions, and anchor the Peace Pole in
the earth, chanting in their native languages: Choctaw, Arabic,
Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, French, and more. They were consciously
linked with a global network of more than 200,000 other peacemakers,
churches, synagogues, civic centers and homeowners who have planted the
International peace pole to affirm, remember and deepened the
commitment to anchor and expand the vibration of the Earth now. (2004)
ARTSHIP
Foundation and its affiliate the International Peace University offered
their "Talismans of Peace: Creating a Self-help Resource" designed to
address the needs of mediators and participants in a conflict
resolution situation. The Talismans are made during a mediation or
conflict resolution process as expressions of what had been what had
been done and learned during the mediation. This activity was offered
in Union Square, San Francisco, in conjunction with the International
Day of Peace event put on by the Unity Foundation. (2003)
Berkeley
Christian Science congregations reached out to other faith communities
and congregations in the San Francisco East Bay by organizing a prayer
service for IDP, and helping to reactivate the Bay Area Interfaith
Council (BAIC), by researching addresses for all Berkeley Congregations
through the California Council of Churches’ denominations directory and
the Pluralism’s Project’s online directory. (2004)
Center for
Spiritual Enlightenment: Rev. Ellen Grace O'Brian, Spiritual Director,
offered the invocation at the opening of San Jose, California, City
Council meeting in recognition of the International Day of Peace.
Everyone attended was asked to observe a moment of silence followed by
prayers for peace in all nations of our world. The San Jose City
Council and the Mayor of San Jose offered a proclamation recognizing
this International Day of Peace. There were also prayers for peace
offered in recognition of this day at an evening gathering at the
Center for Spiritual Enlightenment in San Jose. (2004)
Earthdance:
On Saturday, September 18, 2004, in conjunction with the International
Day of Peace, the Earthdance Foundation joined dancers, music lovers,
meditators, yoga practitioners, and peace workers in a synchronized
Global "Prayer for Peace," the world's largest simultaneous music and
dance event, including public events and house parties. The defining
moment of each Earthdance event is a synchronized link-up, (12 midnight
GMT) when every event around the world joins in "The Prayer for Peace"
at exactly the same time. Those who could not attend a regional
Earthdance event were invited to join in this historic celebration by
simply hosting a peace gathering in your home. Those who registered on
their website were recognized as an official Earthdance event on the
Earthdance global map. PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES IN 2004: Argentina,
Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria,
Canada, Chile, China, Cyprus, Columbia, Denmark, Dominican Republic,
England, France, Germany, Ghana, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Ireland,
Israel, Italy, Japan, Mexico, The Netherlands, New Caledonia, New
Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Panama, Philippines, Poland,
Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland,
Tanzania, Ukraine, USA, United Arab Emirates, Venezuela, Yugoslavia.
More than 50 demonstration projects and 23 published scientific studies
have shown one clear result: "Whenever attendance at a peace-creating
assembly has increased, violent crime, warfare and terrorism have all
decreased. Just as radio stations radiate music through the underlying
electromagnetic field, so groups of peace-creating experts appear to
radiate harmony and peacefulness through an underlying field of
consciousness." (2004)
Everest Peace Project’s goal-- to promote
a global community of peace, education and understanding-- inaugurated
their 2005 Mt. Everest Climb For Peace with a teambuilding Peace Climb
of Mt. Shasta on September 21. In line with the UN goals, they paid
special attention to this day in which all nations and people of the
earth are encouraged to observe a 24-hour period of global ceasefire
and nonviolence and to recognize the importance of peace and
cooperation. (2004)
Give Peace A Vote, a Santa Monica non-profit
project working to celebrate the International Day of Peace, and
encourage Votes for Peace among the more than 20 million people
regularly meditating and practicing yoga in the United States. (2004)
Global
Peace Foundation held "PeaceFest: A Sacred Festival of Global Peace and
Harmony" in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, Sept. 25. (2004)
Hear
the Voice of the Children Project, Oxnard, involving asking children to
complete "Peace is ...." in one sentence which was placed on a small
flag and sent to the UN as a "Voice of the Children" for the "WE THE
PEOPLES" INITIATIVE for IDP. (2003)
The Institute of Noetic
Sciences (IONS), Petaluma, held their conference in Palm Springs and
concluded with a World Peace Flag Ceremony, conducted by the World
Peace Prayer Society. Pathways To Peace facilitated a workshop entitled
The Art and Practice of Peacebuilding. (2003)
International Day
of Peace NGO Committee, Pathways To Peace, coordinated the online
petition of support for the United Nations International Day of Peace
on September 21: "We pledge to do all that we can to keep peace in our
hearts, and share the spirit of peace in our homes and our communities
on Peace Day and during the Countdown To Peace, beginning Today. May
Peace Prevail On Earth! (2004)
The International World Peace
Rose Gardens, Sacramento, organized a procession with 3 peace doves and
the throwing of rose petals in the Rose Garden after repeating "May
Peace Prevail on Earth" three times. This was followed by a "Women of
Spirit Ceremony," whereby women of different faiths read their favorite
passage on peace from their treasured books. A speech by Sylvia
Villalobos and UNA representatives was given followed by messages of
peace by 3 youths, proclamations by the Governor and the mayor of
Sacramento. A rose was offered for 40 different conflicts going on in
the world to someone in the audience. A moment of silence as well as
entertainment by Hmong flute dancers ended the ceremonies. Three
different TV stations covered this event. Cosponsors included: United
Nations Association Interfaith Service Bureau Roots & Shoots (2003)
The website photos of the 2004 procession and festival also shows
similar glorious events, along with children planting words of peace in
flower boxes. (2004)
The Los Angeles Heart Meditation Project
offered a Peace Meditation to the public at the Getty Museum for
invoking love into the national heart center of the USA. (2003)
Meditation
Mount, Ojai, offered an inspirational program connecting with all
others around the world praying for peace. A World Peace Flag Ceremony
was held and children of Ojai carried the flags as all affirmed "May
Peace Prevail on Earth." The ceremony involved young people carrying
flags across the room, as each country on the planet is blessed by the
words "May peace prevail in ...(each country of the world)." Details of
Peace gardens and Peace Poles that Partnerships in Peace has planted in
Atlanta Georgia. There was Celtic harp, didgeridoo, guitar, songs for
peace, meditation, a peace poem, and finally a World Blessing on the
terrace. Everyone received a peace button and sticker as they "passed
on the Peace." (2004)
Mill Valley Seniors For Peace were
featured in "Seniors for Peace" a 25-minute video documentary on this
group of politically active seniors living at the Redwoods Retirement
Community who are deeply committed to issues of peace and justice. The
video premiered at the Mill Valley Film Festival in October of 2003.
The group continues weekly outdoor Peace vigils. (2004)
New
Dimensions Radio broadcast the programme "Peace is a Verb" throughout
the week beginning September 15 2003, in honor of the International Day
of Peace. The broadcast featured Marilyn King, two time Olympian and
founder of Beyond Sports, Jean Houston, author of dozens of books
including "A Passion for the Possible" and "Manual for the Peacemaker:
An Iroquois Legend to Heal Self & Society", Avon Mattison, Founder
and President of Pathways To Peace and one of the founding visionaries
of the International Day of Peace, and Robert Muller, former Assistant
Secretary General of the United Nations and Chancellor Emeritus of the
University for Peace.
(2003)
New Vision United Methodist
Church, URI San Francisco Peninsula CC: On September 19, 2004, they
celebrated the September 21st United Nations and United Religions
Initiative (UN/URI) International Day of Peace. The church was
decorated on one front wall with a 'peace banner.'- multicolored with a
white dove in the center, made by HanneLore Nepote, and on the other
front wall was a blue and white UN flag. The children and youth were
told about living with love and the meaning of the UN Flag, and the
young people placed flags of other nations in front of the altar. A
sermon on 'The Serenity Prayer' focused thoughts toward prayerful
peace. Following the service, the congregation gathered in the patio
around the 6-foot 'peace pole,' which was surrounded by the
international flags - moved there from the sanctuary by the youth. A
lighted peace sign hung over the Fellowship Hall door. The adult and
youth choir and congregation sang several interfaith songs, and entered
the Hall for a special luncheon. There was a descriptive display of the
history and overview of the United Nations and of the United Religions
Initiative. They shared the fact that the morning's interfaith service
and peace event had been a truly heartwarming experience - exemplified
in a quote from Sojourners Magazine: "Nothing that I can do will change
the structure of the Universe. But maybe, by raising my voice I can
help the greatest of all causes - goodwill among men and peace on
earth." Albert Einstein (2004)
Peace Team: Olympian Marilyn
King, invited people to become part of the Advance Peace Team preparing
for the launch of the on the IDP 2004. Peace Team members established
daily practices to achieve a goal of peace and they will share the best
of these next year. People are asked to engage in the "Olympic Minute"
envisioning the "gold medal" of what Peace looks like. One idea
included using the Pathways To Peace Peace Card with the vision of
Peace. (2003) Marilyn gathered people at her home in Oakland to honor
the International Day of Peace (IDP) 2004, to be in thoughtful
reflection and conversation about what we mean by peace, where we are
relative to peace and how we can be most effective in our daily
activities in moving toward that goal. The group began to identify and
assemble the team of people involved in creating an exemplary IDP in
Oakland 2005. (2004)
The Red Vic Peace Center Bed and Breakfast,
San Francisco, hosted an International Day of Peace House Party for
friends and supporters of Dennis Kucinich. (2004)
Sandhi
Institute, Berkeley, sponsored a fundraiser and a celebration near the
International Day of Peace, on their peace and reconciliation work (via
Nonviolent Communication training and facilitation) in Sri Lanka. (2004)
San Rafael Dominicans erected a new Peace Pole and gathered together for prayer on the IDP. (2004)
ThinkPEACE.net’s
First Annual "Stand-Up For International Peace" Twenty-four large
comedy clubs in 24 cities participated. 2005 is shaping up to be much
bigger and better with participation from not only North American
Comedy Clubs, but enthusiasm from clubs in Europe and Australia as
well. To bring awareness to the UN's International Day of Peace,
thinkPEACE.net is signing up Comedy Clubs worldwide for "Stand-Up For
International Peace" (a night of comedy in recognition of the
International Day of Peace). (2004)
Tribal Elders of Community Congregational Church (CCC), Tiburon, held a day of Prayers for Peace. (2003)
United Religions Initiative (URI)
"Ground
Zero," New York City: Members of Roots and Shoots, with flying Giant
Peace Doves, were joined by the Secretary-General who rang the Peace
Bell at the UN to begin the commemoration for the International Day of
Peace. A small group led holding the Peace Doves, and walked and prayed
at Ground Zero to remember those who died at this site and those who
die and are injured by violence everywhere. Together they recognized
the International Day of Peace Resolution that calls for ceasefire and
nonviolence as we called for peace, justice and healing in our hearts,
our nation and the world. They walked to St. Paul's where the
observance concluded by ringing their Bell of Hope. The group included
representatives from the World Peace Prayer Society; students from the
Hewlett School; and a few members from the Wisconsin based Course in
Miracles. The four from St. John's Episcopal Church in Cold Spring
Harbor brought their giant Peace Dove via the Long Island Railroad and
subway to be part of the observance. The event concluded at Our Voices,
Our World, a festive celebration and live webcast to culminate 11 Days
of Global Unity organized by We, the World. Presenters and
entertainment included a World Peace Flag Ceremony. Across the street
from the United Nations, while heads of State were speaking at the
General Assembly, an Interfaith Service for the International Day of
Peace was organized by the Tillman Chapel of the Church Center for the
United Nations, Religions for Peace-USA and the World Council of
Churches. (2004)
In San Francisco, URI began observing the Day
of Peace since early morning on Sept. 20, in solidarity with our
sisters and brothers farther to the east who are a day ahead of us. The
URI Executive Director shared lunch with the head of the Islamic Center
of San Francisco, and they lamented so much hatred, so much destruction
and death in the world, but they rejoiced in the interfaith friendships
that have blossomed in San Francisco and that are blossoming around the
world; and they shared a commitment to continue to plant the seeds of
those friendships, trusting that they will increasingly bear the fruits
of peace, justice and healing for all. (2004)
URI network also
offered their new URI Interfaith Peacebuilding Guide to the global
community to celebrate the International Day of Peace, 2004. This Guide
is to be a helpful tool, full of practical skill-building activities
for those who can put them to effective use. It is for people of
diverse faiths who have been strangers (or worse, enemies) who become
friends and allies dedicated to peace, justice, and healing. The guide
has been designed for groups that are just starting out in their life
together, as well as those that are more established and yet seek to
strengthen their planning and sharpen their skills for building
interfaith understanding and taking action. It can also be used by
single-faith groups that want to reach out to other faith groups or
would like to bridge differences within their own religious or
spiritual community. For purchase or comprehensive overview, go to http://www.uri.org/peacebuilding/guide/.
The
Unity Foundation organized a special event in Union Square beginning
with a minute of silence and an address by the Executive Director of
Pathways To Peace. The backdrop for the event was a large outdoor
exhibit of museum quality art by members of the Artists’ Guild of San
Francisco, presenters of the celebration. The Presidio Children’s Dance
Theatre performed, as did the folk rock group, "United Soul." Among
other Bay Area world music groups featured were, Ancient Future, the
Snake Band, and the Nigerian Brothers. (2003)
Council on
Indigenous Nations (COIN), Santa Cruz, began a project in June 2004
that concluded on September 21st, with an International World Peace
ceremony. During that period, international youth from organizations
interested in alternative building and peace activism were invited by
The Midnight Strong Heart Society out to Wounded Knee, in the Sovereign
Lakota Nation, to work side by side mutually learning to build a
sustainable modern village and culture, including a Youth Athletic
Center and Lakota Dream Model Home Unit. (2004)
CONNECTICUT
New Haven held a Peace Vigil was held on New Haven Green (2004)
Curriculum
of Hope for a Peaceful World, newsletter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society’s
Standing Committee on a Curriculum of Hope, published information in
their Fall 2004 newsletter alerting membership to the International Day
of Peace on 9/21 and providing information on a variety of
international programs and websites related to peace. (2004)
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Global
Coalition for Peace organized the first Peace Parade, with over 500
participants, floats, banners, speakers, music, in Washington DC. They
have also sponsored an International Day of Peace Forum, gathering
representatives from the five major faith traditions (Hindu, Jewish,
Buddhist, Christian, and Muslim) to discuss the role of non-violence
and peace in each one. The forum was hosted by Imam Musa, and held in
his masjid (mosque) in SE Washington, DC. (2004)
World Peace
Prayer Society (WPPS) At the Smithsonian Institute’s opening on 9/21 of
the National Museum of the American Indian, more than 20,000
representatives of the indigenous peoples of the Americans gathered for
a procession on the National Mall, which included a double sided banner
reading " May Peace Prevail on Earth" in English on one side and Lakota
on the other. The group carrying the banner reported much applause and
an outpouring of gratitude. (2004)
FLORIDA
DWIJ "Only
Hearts" project, an art/peace project was designed online and used
successfully by teachers and parents in many parts of the world, and
presented the works of youngsters in a number of cities during
September to coincide with the International Day of Peace. In May of
2005, they plan to bring the beautifully arrayed peace messages of US
youngsters to St. Petersburg, Russia where they will be exhibited
alongside the creations of St. Petersburg school children. (2004)
SUN
Symphony (Symphony for the UN), now of Pompano Beach, held concerts in
support of Peace and the work of the United Nations for International
Day of Peace. (2003) World Peace Prayer Society (WPPS):
The
Gainesville Monthly Meeting of the Society of Friends on Sept. 21
rededicated a Peace Pole at a Peace Social at their meetinghouse. The
history of a Day of World Peace was delivered, and a prayer.
Individuals were invited to recite May Peace Prevail on Earth in many
languages, and a song was offered, with lighting of candles to close,
followed by social time with dessert and coffee. (2004)
In
Sarasota a lovely World Peace Prayer Ceremony included over 35 people.
There were free yoga classes throughout the day to cultivate
"individual peace." There was live music with peace songs performed.
Each person left uplifted and united in the spirit of peace. (2004)
ILLINOIS
Brahma
Kumaris Learning Center, Watertown: for Peace held an evening of
reflection and conversation on the subject of "Living Peace in
Extraordinary Times," with a reflective meditation on peace from 7:00 -
7:30pm, followed by a panel discussion and open dialogue. (2004)
Hospital
Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis and the 13 Executive Vice
Presidents of the Hospital Sisters Health System Hospitals participated
in the IDP on 9/21, with a ceremony at the Motherhouse in Springfield.
Following a prayer service and a gathering around their Peace Pole, the
group posed with flags of all nations where the hospitals sisters have
served in their 160-year history: India, Tanzania, Japan, Poland,
Germany, Taiwan, Haiti, China, USA, Czech Republic and Korea. (2004)
Keeling-Puri
Peace Plaza Celebration recognized the International Day of Peace, in
its second annual event, celebrating the diversity and cultural
heritage of the Rockford community. The Montessori Learning Path
presented a mosaic to the Plaza during the opening ceremony. Many
groups participated, including musicians and square dancers. (2004)
Peace
Journey Project held an International Day of Peace Concert Event to
support the Peace Journey, guiding global friendships among youth
through technology. (2004)
Lockport’s Ludwig School 4th and 5th
graders had an assembly on the afternoon of Sept. 21 in honor of Peace
Day. A student from each of the 19 classrooms read, "What I can do to
make the world, our town, or our school a peaceful place." They sang
two patriotic songs, and the students waved a flag of the US or another
country, or a dove or crane, in the air. (2004)
The Peace
School, Chicago, held a Peace Day Celebration including cultural
performances of dance, music and theater. The highlight of the day was
a noontime Call to Peace for all the countries of the world. A minute
of silence was observed for World Peace, followed by non-denominational
prayers for World Peace directed at specific nations and areas of
conflict around the globe. To connect with the UN’s International Day
of Peace they asked the Chicago Mayor to proclaim September 7th through
21st as Peace Days in Chicago. They also scheduled various
Peacebuilding activities in Chicago public schools for the week
preceding the International Day of Peace, featuring art projects such
as "Mandalas for Peace in the World", or "Gratitude to Nature". (2003)
The Peace School celebrated again this year with the City of Chicago
Peace Days from Sept. 7 to 21. On the 18th, they held an
open-to-the-public celebration at the Peace School. A noontime
observance followed by a call to peace with flags highlighted the
event, along with cultural performances. (2004)
MARYLAND
World
Peace Prayer Society (WPPS): Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapolis
held an evening vigil for the IDP which began with drumming and a
re-dedication of a peace pole, followed by a potluck feast. (2004)
MASSACHUSETTS
Kripalu
Center for Yoga dedicated a Grand Opening first monthly class at a
Unitarian Society Church, Newton, on Sept. 21, to International Peace,
with lighted candles, and dancing for peace! (2004)
World Peace Prayer Society (WPPS)
On
the Sunday before IDP, celebrations were held at The Peace Abbey in
Sherborn, in a collaborative effort including the Coalition for a
Strong UN, Citizens for Global Solutions/New England, and the UN Assn.
of Greater Boston. The group meditated on the Peace Seeds in the Chapel
then did a brief walk in the neighborhood with the Stonewalk memorial,
gathering at the Gandhi statue on the grounds of the Abbey. At the
conclusion, they shared solidarity bread under the banner "May Peace
Prevail on Earth." (2004)
On Sept. 21, at the Brahma Kumaris
Learning Center for Peace, a celebration was hosted in the Boston Area,
including opening prayers for Peace.
MICHIGAN
S.A.V.E.
(Students Against Violence Everywhere) at the Flint Southwestern
Academy High School raised awareness for the International Day of Peace
by contacting local media stations, the mayor’s office and other
sources of support. (2003)
World Peace Prayer Society (WPPS)
At
Sangren Hall, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, on the IDP, there
was a short noontime ceremony to honor the IDP and to dedicate one of
two permanent Peace Poles. The poles bear the inscription "May Peace
Prevail On Earth" in six languages. (2004)
Dominicans of Grand Rapids hosted a prayer service on the IDP around a Peace Pole, beginning with the sounding of bells. (2004)
MINNESOTA
The
Peace Project Of The First Unitarian Society Of Minneapolis invited
people to observe the United Nations International Day of Peace and to
join their Children’s Letter-writing campaign in which children were
given the opportunity to write to President Bush and their governor
asking them to make the IDP a National Holiday (Observance). They also
observed the IDP with a Forum about UN Revitalization, and Assembly and
classes focused on Peace, A Peace Pole Dedication ceremony, and a
"Peace On The Hill" celebration during which the Minneapolis Mayor
designated the day a Day of Peace for the City of Minneapolis followed
by music groups and free Ice Cream. (2004)
MONTANA
Ideal Spring International Foundation held a special Peace Vigil at noon on the IDP in Victor. (2003)
NEW HAMPSHIRE
World
Peace Prayer Society (WPPS) For the fourth consecutive year, the
Waldorf School in Wilton hosted a WPPS ceremony for students, faculty,
and guests at Pine Hill School and High Mowing School, on 9/22, in
honor of the International Day of Peace. Children from grades K-8
participated as flag bearers while high school students assisted
faculty members by introducing the regions of the world and singing in
the choir. (2004)
NEW JERSEY
Partners in Kindness,
Tenafly, presented a talk by Shmuel Greenbaum on his personal response
to terror after his wife, Shoshana, was murdered by a suicide bomber in
2001 in Jerusalem. As a response, he started the Daily Dose of Kindness
e-mail, which now reaches over 15,000 subscribers: "Kindness has been
my personal response to terror." The organization's aim is to encourage
people around the world to do an act of kindness each day. (2004)
NEW YORK
Amnesty
International USA’s "DARFOUR DAY OF ACTION" was announced for the week
of September 21, the UN International Day of Peace, calling Amnesty’s
activists around the country to draw attention to the dire situation in
Darfur through vigils, demonstrations, community photography exhibits,
and other actions. Their "Sudan Action" page website provided resources
and materials on Darfour. (2004)
The Aquarian Age Community
organized a talk by Nickolai Parker at the Quest Book Shop, New York
City, entitled "The International Day of Peace: Becoming the Change we
Seek." Attendees were encouraged to bring candles so that the World
Peace Flame (created in 1999) could be lit after the talk, helping the
network of over ten million people who have lit their candles from the
original flame, to grow. This World Peace Flame is a reflection of and
a symbol for the eternal spiritual essence at the heart of each
individual. (200?)
The Art of Living Foundation sponsored the Bhakti Band at an evening Peace Concert at Union Square (2004).
Franciscans
International invited a prominent peacemaker to share her vision with
New York area Franciscans, from experiences as a nonviolent observer in
the West Bank, which gave the NY IDP participants a new respect for
civilians caught in the Israel-Palestine conflict. Numerous other
Franciscan groups celebrated the IDP, including at least seven
communities in North and South America, and US prayers around newly
planted Peace Poles with 24-hour vigils. (2004) International Day of
Peace Vigil sponsored an InterSpiritual Ceremony for Peace at Union
Theological Seminary, in the James Chapel. IDP Vigils took place in
over 50 countries and in many cities in the USA, as the organization
continued its grassroots, global undertaking "To encourage worldwide,
24-hour spiritual observations for peace and nonviolence on the
International Day of Peace, September 21st in every house of worship
and place of spiritual practice, by all religious and spiritually based
groups and individuals, and by all men, women and children who seek
peace in the world." The vigil was held at the Central Park Band Shell
in NYC on 9/19 and hundreds of people of all ages gathered to put forth
their positive messages and prayers for peace. It opened with a Native
American invocation, followed by sacred water blessing and vibrational
music from crystal bowl tones. Music for peace was performed from many
cultural traditions, and children presented art for peace projects.
Many faith traditions presented prayers for peace, and a closing World
Peace Prayer Ceremony with the flags of all nations was held as all
sang a song together. (2004)
The Lifebridge Foundation, long a
supporter of global peace building efforts, publishes a semi annual
newsletter, The Bridging Tree, which reaches about 8,000 people, among
them NGO's registered with the United Nations. The most recent issue,
Summer/Fall, 2003, was dedicated exclusively to the International Day
of Peace. It featured articles by well-known Peace builders and
activists. Organizations represented by these articles include,
Pathways to Peace, The World Peace Prayer Society, Share the Spirit of
Peace Youth Summit, Nuclear Age Peace Foundation, The Hague Appeal for
Peace and The Peace Company. The proposed U.S. Department of Peace was
also supported. This issue also published an extensive list of various
global peace prayer vigils, peace pledges, proclamations, and sample
letters with information on how to participate and spread the news
about this important international observance. (2003)
Million
Voice Choir anticipated participation from well over a million children
and adults throughout the world on Sept. 21, 2004, at 9:00PM in every
international time zone, creating a musical "wave" around the globe
singing a "peace anthem" "We Rise". The finale was in New York City
with an evening global webcast. (2004)
The NGO Committee On
Spirituality, Values And Global Concerns, called a gathering for the
ringing of the noon-time Peace Bell and organized a Silent Circle for
Peace, in loving memory of all those that gave their lives for peace.
(2003)
Pax Christi International and Pax Christi Metro New York,
a region of the international Catholic peace movement, were witnesses
to peace on 9/21 by distributing fliers with a slice of bread as a
symbol of peace to passersby along East 42nd Street in Manhattan, New
York City. Their flier stated that "there will be peace when the hungry
are fed," and it will suggest ways people can help achieve the
Millennium Development Goal of the UN to cut world hunger in half by
2015. They gathered at the Isaiah Wall, across from the UN, at 4:45 PM
for a brief prayer, and then spread out along 42nd Street to extend
their message. (2004)
Share The Spirit of Peace Youth Summit:
September 19-21, had 43 young peacemakers from 21 countries participate
in a weekend gathering to commemorate the International Day of Peace.
The Summit opened at the UN with the International Day of Peace
observance. These participants held their country’s flag as the
Secretary-General rang the Peace Bell and then led the Messengers of
Peace from the Peace Bell ceremony into Conference Room 4 with a
procession of flags. After the morning at the UN, their program
continued with a bus tour of NY City, a full Saturday of workshops and
the World Peace Festival on Sunday. As part of the application process,
they were asked to have events in their home countries for the
International Day of Peace. Even though many of the applicants were
unable to come to NY, IDP events were planned in over 40 countries. The
organizers of the Share the Spirit of Peace Youth Summit were: A Course
in Miracles International, Children of the Earth, Global Youth Action
Network, Kantor Family Foundation, Lifebridge Foundation, Miracle
Corners of the World Inc., Pathways To Peace, Temple of Understanding,
The World Peace Prayer Society, UN Office of the Special Representative
of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, United
Religions Initiative, U.S. Fund for UNICEF, Vermont Peace Academy,
Vermont Peace Institute, Young General Assembly and We, The World.
(2003?)
Triangles/Lucis Trust: This world service activity
published an article on the IDP and on the International Day of Peace
Vigil in their Planetary Network column of their September 2004
newsletter, including names of groups supporting this initiative. (2004)
We
The World/Rick Ulfick Productions developed a public information and
action campaign to create a Culture of Peace and celebrating a
sustainable future promoting social, economic and environmental
sustainability, with partners in more than 100 cities worldwide. "11
Days of Global Unity" sponsored concerts, festivals, broadcasts, and
public signings of the Global Declaration of Interdependence,
culminating in a large celebration of speakers and music in NYC on IDP.
(2004)
World Council of Churches’ initiative called "Decade to
Overcome Violence: Churches Seeking Reconciliation and Peace
(2001-2010)" sent out a press release urging churches representing 550
million Christians worldwide for the first time to mark Sept. 21 as the
International Day of Prayer for Peace. A first meeting between the UN
secretary-general and the WCC general secretary resulted in a welcome
of the WCC initiative to invite the Council's member churches to mark
the International Day of Peace with prayer services. There was also an
event at Tillman Chapel at the Church Center for the United Nations,
along with Religions for Peace-USA, and the World Council of Churches.
(2004)
World Peace Prayer Society
In Amenia, five
thousand people gathered at the World Peace Sanctuary two hours north
of New York City for the 13th annual World Peace Festival. The day’s
theme was "Celebrating the International Day of Peace," with many
activities and stirring musical performances for all faiths and all
ages. The high point was the World Peace Prayer Ceremony, sending a
prayer for peace to every country of the world as its flag was raised.
(2003)
The Church of Gethsemane in Park Slope, Brooklyn, hosted
their second Annual International Peace Day Interfaith Celebration. Six
faiths were represented (Hindu, Islam, Christian, Buddhist, Jewish,
Humanist) and nine local religious communities. The Church, a
Presbyterian congregation founded by prisoners, ex-prisoners, and their
families, hosted 120 people for the days events, that included other
community programs in the interfaith workshop service can peace pole
dedication, with music, children’s procession with peace signs and
banners, and chanting. During the final song, all processed out the
front door into the garden to dedicate the World Peace Prayer
Society’s Peace Pole, with 8 languages reflecting neighborhood members.
There was a wonderful community spirit and spiritual connectedness
among everyone present. It was truly a day to remember. Neighbors
passing by thanked the Church for planning the Peace Pole. (2004)
World
Puja offered a Global Weblink Connection for the World Peace Festival
in Amenia, NY and the International Day of Peace, Central Park, NY. The
webcast began with Healing Planetary Tones and ended with a Song for
Peace. (200?)
World Goodwill, Lucis Trust, invites friends and
co-workers to observe the International Day of Peace as part of their
international program to advance right human relations through
community and education. (200?)
Dominican Sisters of Hope and
Mariandale Retreat and Conference Center, Ossining celebrated the
International Day of Peace, with a prayer service on Tuesday, September
21, 2004 at 11:30 am. They gathered around the peace pole in front of
the main entrance. (2004)
The Sisters of Saint Joseph of
Rochester, NY spent time in prayer throughout the day, had personal
remembrances at the Motherhouse Peace Pole, played chimes at noon and
at seven PM, involved others in our parishes and places of work, and
held a special 7:00 PM Prayer for Peace in the Motherhouse Chapel, 150
French Road. The public was invited to join the service. (2004)
Mohawk
Valley Peace Coalition held an event for Sept. 21st at the Utica Public
Library, beginning at 6 p.m. with the flying of the Peace Dove (puppet
or kite), built at our annual Peace Camp this summer, followed by a
festive occasion with conversation, refreshments and a talk by Dr.
Oliver Club will address us on "The Disastrous Continuity of American
Foreign Policy." (2004)
NORTH CAROLINA
United Religions Initiative (URI):
Greater
Ashville: Eighty-five people representing eight faith traditions
participated in an event sharing peace stories from different faith
traditions in a local Catholic church, through (200?) The Charlotte
Cooperation Circle of Charlotte, North Carolina, United Religions
Initiative (URI), observed UN International Peace Day again in 2004,
and the event was covered on local public radio during the 1-hour
morning talk show "Charlotte Talks." (2004)
OHIO
Everyone
at Saints Cosmos and Damian School, Cleveland, celebrated the United
Nations International Day of Peace by gathering in a circle in front of
the school around their flag pole, to pray for peace with the prayer of
Saint Francis and the Beatitudes, sign petitions, and sing songs ("Holy
Ground," "Christ Be Our Light"). Their church bells rang at noon, (2004)
Secular
Franciscan Order's Holy Trinity Region Fraternity's Peace and Justice
Commission sponsored a Peace and Justice International Day of Peace
Prayer Service, at 5:30 PM, on September 21, 2004, immediately
following the OFM friars vesper prayers at 5:15 PM, in the chapel of
St. Anthony Friary and Shrine, 5000 Colerain Avenue, in Cincinnati,
Ohio, USA. (2004)
OREGON
Portland’s Mayor signed a
proclamation for International Day of Peace in Portland: "Whereas there
is a growing support within our state for the observance of the
International Day of Peace, which affirms a vision of our world at
peace, and fosters cooperation between individuals, organizations, and
nations; Whereas, citizens need to work toward converting humanity’s
noblest aspirations for world peace into a practical reality for future
generations."(200?)
PENNSYLVANIA
World Peace Prayer
Society (WPPS): Pax Christi of the Alleghenies Young Adult Forum
celebrated IDP by dedicating a Peace Pole at Saint Francis University
on IDP, 2004. The dedication concluded readings, prayer, music, and a
candlelight procession to the Peace Pole, which has 8 languages with
the message "May Peace Prevail On Earth. (2004)
The State
Governor signed a Proclamation for a Day of Peace throughout
Pennsylvania on September 21, 2004, to "encourage all citizens to join
in this commemoration by volunteering in their community, observing a
minute of silence, or with a unique expression of peace." (2004)
LEPOCO
Peace Center, the Lehigh-Pocono Committee of Concern) created a special
calendar for September 2003 listing the International Day of Peace.
(2003)
SOUTH CAROLINA
Hilton Head for Peace held an early
evening 1-hour Peace Vigil commemorating the 22nd International Day of
Peace, September 21, 2004 on Hilton Head Island at the intersection of
Hwy. 278, Marshland, and Folly Field Roads. (2004)
TEXAS
EarthPax
made available its World Peace Plan 2010 and other Peace Ideas by
Robert Muller. "After having successfully survived World War II and
worked for 37 years at the United Nations, I believe more and more in
ideas, dreams and plans for a peaceful world. At the age of 80, I am
therefore offering the world the following World Peace Plan
2010."(2003?)
Pin Oak Middle School, Bellaire, Theatre Arts and
Visual Arts Programs prepared students for a series of "puppet dramas"
dealing with the subjects of children of war, disease, neglect, etc.
The students themselves are creating the stories, scripts, and puppet
art for the theatrical productions as they learn daily about world
events and the issues of children seeking peace in the world. Peace
posters and banners will be displayed throughout the school. (2004)
South
Texas Alliance for Peace and Justice, and Texans for Peace observed the
International Day of Peace at Del Mar College, East Campus, Free Speech
Zone, Corpus Christi, Texas. The program included an Interfaith
observance of the International Day of Peace with music, speakers for
peace, and a candle light ceremony. (2004)
World Peace Prayer
Society (WPPS) On the IDP, Creative Life Spiritual Center, Spring,
hosted an event and ceremony with a Peace Pole dedication. The ceremony
commenced with John Lennon’s song "Imagine" as well as other folk songs
and religious hymns. (2004)
UTAH
United Religions
Initiative (URI) Utah CC: Peace messages delivered by more than a dozen
well-known Christian leaders and peace-makers from all over the world
who support the initiative called by for the World Council of Churches
(WCC) in the frame of its Decade to Overcome Violence are presented in
inspiring two-minute video messages, that are also an affirmation of
the churches' and faith communities' work for peace and justice. This
World Council of Churches initiative links to the International Day of
Peace declared by the United Nations General Assembly, a world-wide
effort intended as a day of global cease-fire and nonviolence, and as
an opportunity for education and raising public awareness. (2004)
VERMONT
Great Falls Peace and Justice organized an evening candlelight vigil on Sept. 21 in downtown Bellows Falls, Vermont. (200?)
The
Peace Company produced and distributed by email a special article
entitled, "A Living Instrument of Peace." about the United Nations and
the International Day of Peace, by its Founder Louise Diamond. (200?)
Shanti
Sewa Ashram initiated The Youth Club of Peace, Burlington. A poem
competition was given about Peace and non-violence. There was also an
art competition based on the same topics. Garden and decoration
activities were performed in the school for peace with the involvement
of the eco-club of the school. Ringing of the bell on the 21st at 12:00
noon then a visit to the Samata Sikchya Niketa School for the disabled,
orphans, poor and others who are on the outskirts of society, singing
peace songs and cheering up the students. Talks with the students on
peace and nonviolence, recited poems and played peace games. (200?)
Vermont
Peace Institute Inc., Northfield inspired and helped coordinate a
series of Peace Summits to impulse Peace. The third in the series, a
3-day event entitled, "Share the Spirit of Peace International Youth
Summit," honored the International Day of Peace. (200?) Vermont Peace
Academy, Plainfield, Goddard College, organized 50 students to travel
to the UN for the International Day of Peace program. In the afternoon,
a videoconference from the UN to high schools throughout Vermont
featured youth at the Share the Spirit of Peace Youth Summit from
Israel, Serbia and Montenegro, Liberia and Rwanda. Vermont students
reported being very inspired. As one said, "You have to start with your
own person to create inner peace and then say, ‘I want the world more
peaceful.’ There’s not just one solution to get a peaceful Earth.
Hopefully we will find not one way but many ways to make this a more
peaceful world." In June, VPA held a press conference inviting all
Vermonters to participate as a community in the 100-Day Countdown to
Peace culminating on IDP. (2003) At South Burlington, in cooperation
with the VT Interactive Learning Network (ILN), Vermont Peace Academy
sponsored "Educating for Peace in a Post 9-11 World", a statewide
videoconference for students and adult, linking high schools around the
state for a day of special videoconference programs on Sept. 21st, the
U.N. International Day of Peace. (2004)
VIRGINIA
Institute
for Multi-Track Diplomacy (IMTD), Arlington, co-sponsored with other
NGOs the first Peace Parade in Washington DC, to honor the IDP, and
staff and Directors marched with other peace advocates, and proposed to
the Council of Ministers of the European Union to create a new post
called a "Commissioner of peace" to focus on the internal non-violent
conflicts already emerging in the recently enlarged 25-nation EU. (2004)
PEACE
X PEACE, Vienna, produced the documentary film, Peace by Peace: Women
on the Frontlines, and suggested public screening events and private
home viewings to commemorate International Day of Peace on September
21st. The film profiles women in Afghanistan, Argentina,
Bosnia-Herzegovina, Burundi and the United States who are building the
foundations for sustainable peace out of conflict and crisis. Focusing
on two women in each country, Women on the Frontlines celebrates their
courageous work. (2004)
WASHINGTON
Bicycle for Peace
Ride, Bainbridge Island: September 21, 2004 saw the first annual Peace
ride. "Cycling is an oil-free, quiet, healthful form of transport
promoting peace of mind." Dana Berg and family started a year ago (just
after the Iraq war started) cycling around the world to spread the word
that bicycling is one way to improve the peace of the world. They hand
out bumper stickers printed in 7 languages with this message and hope
to have them in all 191 countries and all 50 states. They cycle for a
month or more each year, depending on work commitments, camping,
staying at hostels or with friends. (2004)
Olympic Lights Bed & Breakfast, San Juan Islands observed and honored the International Day of Peace. (2003)
Whatcom
Peace and Justice Center, Bellingham, sponsored an IDP celebration that
included music and speakers from various faiths and was held in the
municipal court. (2004)
Women in Black, Olympia held a special
vigil from 5-6pm on Tuesday, Sept. 21, at Percival Landing in front of
the fountain, from 5-6pm. All women are invited to join us. All were
invited to wear black, and dress warmly for the silent vigil. (2004)
WISCONSIN
Candlelight
Coalition, Wauwatosa celebrated their third annual International Day of
Peace, to bring people together to create a culture of peace, one day
at a time. They met at the Wauwatosa Village center, starting with a
participatory drum circle led by Tom Gill from Rhythm For Unity,
followed by reflections on peace, a very special musical guest, a unity
walk, candlelight vigil and more--including a special focus on ending
the genocide in the Darfur region of Sudan. (200?)
Olympia
Brown Unitarian Universalist Church, Racine: The "Offering Poems For
Peace", brought together 20 local poets reading their own selections
with a small reception after. This will be an annual event, free and
open to the public (2004)
Peaceways-Young General Assembly
Secretariat, Reedbsburg, received reports on over 100,000 people being
involved in Hear the Children Day of Peace activities in 21 countries.
Celebrations were varied and ranged from a small number of people
praying and fasting for peace all day to peace rallies and marches to
national television broadcasts reaching thousands of people. "Hear the
Children Day of Peace"-- an international day created by an
international body of children themselves, the Young General Assembly,
who observe their day on the International Day of Peace to show their
support for the United Nations goal to achieve world peace. At the
Fifth Annual Young General Assembly Session in Abuja, Nigeria, the
children wrote 105 project plans to help achieve the 21 targets of the
United Nations document A World Fit for Children, and on September 21,
2004 many of these project plans were initiated. (2004)
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