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Organization: International Day of Peace in the United States
The following information may be cited or quoted as long as the source is accurately mentioned and the words are not taken out of context.
Posted: April 08 2010,06:42 If you wrote this report, you will find a button here that you may click
in order to make changes in the report.

Postal address of organization/institution

--

E-mail address of organization/institution

info@cultureofpeace.org

Website address of organization/institution

http://cultureofpeace.org

Telephone of organization/institution

1-413-329-7517

PRIORITIES: All of the organization's domains of culture of peace activity

EDUCATION FOR PEACE
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
HUMAN RIGHTS
WOMEN'S EQUALITY
DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION
UNDERSTANDING, TOLERANCE AND SOLIDARITY
FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION
INTERNATIONAL PEACE AND SECURITY

TOP PRIORITY: The organization's most important culture of peace activity


PARTNERSHIPS AND NETWORKS: What partnerships and networks does your organization participate in, thus strengthening the global movement for a culture of peace?

see website

ACTIONS: What activities have been undertaken by your organization to promote a culture of peace and nonviolence during the ten years of the Decade? If you already made a report in 2005, your information from 2005 will be included in the 2010 report.

2009:

Alabama

Fairhope: Peace vigil with Peace themed signs.

Arizona

Ajo: The 6th annual Peace Day in Ajo was a 2
day community event attended by an estimated
900 people. It began with a free pancake
breakfast. Murals decorated the town plaza
while the community created Peace-themed
chalk art. On the 21st, 200 marched in a
colorful multicultural Peace Parade composed
of origami cranes, giant peace dove puppets
and cultural costumes. It was followed by
cultural food vendors, dance troupes and live
music.

Mesa: Peace service at Interfaith Unity Church which included a message by Dr. Eileen Borris
whose international Peace work focuses on reconciling centuries old conflicts.

Phoenix: 2 day event which began with an opening by State Attorney General Terry Goddard, and
included music from Charter Arts School, organized by a Community Collaborative for Peace
Committee - more. The closing ceremony took place in Civic Park with drums, spoken word,
songs and by honoring visual Peace artists. 250 attended the 3rd annual Peace Day at Metro Arts
High School. Students planted Pinwheels for Peace, performed monologues, songs and poems for
Peace. Hundreds at the Arizona Center participated in a “Flashmob dance about Peace” – more.
100 attended a sunrise ceremony, Native American blessing and yoga at Japanese Friendship
Gardens – org: Az. Yoga Association. A Peace Visual Arts Exhibition was setup on the ASU
campus downtown. Annual Peace Festival at El Oso Park, with theater, music and team games.

Tempe: Concert with activities for all ages, food, and artwork took place. Performance of
memoirs of women who have served in the military. More.

Tucson: “Family Peace Day” at Nanini
Library in Pima County organized by the Nanini Library Teen Advisory Board.

California

Alamo: Sufi centering dance, a shalom and earth meditation, Peace pole dedication and social
time at San Ramon Valley United Methodist. Antioch: Open House for the Interfaith center and
library. Arcata: Movie night in Founder’s Hall presented by HSU Georgraphy Society.

Berkeley: MLK Civic Center Park daylong event
with moving and sitting meditation, yoga, video
installations, green & wellness exhibits, music &
spoken word, organized by Sit for Change. 11th
annual “Run for Peace” & “New Peace Festival”
featuring music, folk dance, kites and ethnic food
at Cesar Chavez Park, organized by UN
Association East Bay and Friends of World Food
Programme. A symposium on “Building Global
Peace" featuring Tom Miller, President of UNAUSA,
and other distinguished speakers on Peace.

Cambria: “Peace Through Art” event, “Peace pie mandalas” and other crafts. More. A silent,
meditative “Walk for Peace in Peace” on Main St.

Castro Valley: “Prayer for World Peace”
and the inauguration of AYUDH Peace Garden, as a symbol of Peace with nature. Crockett:
Opening of exhibit of “Gandhi, King and Ikedia” to connect their common themes and pivotal
episodes which led them to help the common people.

Culver City: Screening of “Pray the Devil Back to ####” at Clayton Library, by Center Theatre
Group. Cupertino: De Anza College’s main quad had speakers, music and guest performance by
Kiwi.

Davis: Candlelight vigil in Central Park. Participating org: Unity of Davis. Escondido: PLUS
(Peer Leaders Uniting Students), a group of Hidden Valley Middle School students, united the
school through activities such as face painting and Peace bracelets. Fremont: Diverse interfaith
group went to Holy Family Motherhouse to share prayers.

Grass Valley: 250 attended an ALL
DAY Peace sing-a-thon from 10am to 7pm featuring many singers, performers and drummers at
the Nevada County Peace Center.

Huntington Beach: Students at Golden West College experienced art, dance, movies, music and
met non-profit representatives. Isla Vista: UCSB students and community had a late night vigil
at the candlelit Chapel of St. Michael’s Church, with cider & sweets.

Los Angeles: CNVEP families enjoyed a picnic with non-competitive games, arts and crafts at
Griffith Park Shane’s Inspiration Playground. 200+ attended an educational conference for
parents who have children with disabilities. Campaign for Care distributed 300 kits with
blankets, blankets, stationary and more, to the homeless children & adults.

Mill Valley: Maya the Peace Clown told passer-bys about Peace in the week up to Peace Day in
downtown. Maya also hosted a class on inner peace & conflict techniques.

Oakland: 200+ attended “PURPLE Gala” (Prayer Unity Restoration Peace Love & Empowerment) featuring
COPE Community Choir and a complimentary dinner. More. Oceanside: Screening of “Pray the
Devil Back to ####” took place at City of Refuge Church.

Ojai: 500 attended “Living Peace in Ojai”, a 3 day
event which included a parade, NVC workshop,
Chalk4Peace, speeches, maskmaking, dances Dances
of Universal Peace, Peace prayer service, “Day After
Peace” screening and more. Oxnard: Concert in the
tradition of the 60s and 70s at College Park.

Redlands: Montessori and Grove School had an
assembly to share Peace thoughts, present a giant dove
and sing the Peace song.

Sacramento: Teach Peace Foundation’s annual awards dinner to recognize Peacemakers.

San Clemente: 100+ attended a musical concert which included American Idol contestant Kai
Kalama.

San Diego: Supporters of the Iranian community gathered at Balboa Park. 200 at UC
San Diego attended its 3rd annual Day of Peace event with music, food vendors, Peace & Justice
organizations, a Peace march and dove release. San Dimas: Event with videos, sharing & music
hosted by Tzuchi Foundation.

San Francisco: An estimated 60,000 attended the
11th Annual Power to the Peaceful Festival (9/12)
featuring Michael Franti, Alanis Morissette,
international musicians, 200 exhibitors, vendors and
speakers. Hundreds attended a Yoga and Brazilian
Arts workshop. 300+ attended “Global Action Forum
and Celebration: Empowering People to Create
Solutions to Poverty”, joined by Michael Franti,
CARE and other civic organizations who discussed
topics ranging from girls’ education, climate change,
hunger and food aid.   Mediators Beyond Borders
sponsored a presentation with Finding Common
Ground Dispute Resolution Center on recognizing
and responding to trauma of individuals and
communities. Meat Free Movement held one of
many “Peace begins on our Plate” events and petition
drives about the role of a vegan diet in building
Peace. Heartwalker Peace Project’s Peace Walk
started at Justin Hermann Plaza, along a 3.5 mile
route beginning at Justin Herman Plaza. A screening
of “Pray the Devil Back to ####” took place in the
Atrerra Condominium Building. “Age of Stupid” Film
premier took place the night before the UN’s climate
meeting (9/22).

San Luis Obispo: Gathering at The Creamery for music, drumming, singing, storytelling and a
Santa Lucia School presentation of a Peace Book Tree with pledges.

San Mateo: Dialogue and modern communications workshop, co-sponsored by Jewish-
Palestinian Living Room Dialogue of San Mateo at MLK Community Center.

San Rafael: A small group attended a live-food vegan potluck, organic gardening and Peace every
day meditation.

Santa Barbara: Windermere Ranch event including: planting seeds for Peace, a Peacemaker
meeting, tours of the ranch and picnic.
Santa Monica: 1000+ attended the 7th annual
“Day of Peace” festival at Santa Monica Pier
organized by Jane Gooddall’s Root’s & Shoots
organization - featuring music, entertainment,
celebrity guests including LA Mayor Antonio
Villaraigosa and Pierce Brosnan, arts & crafts,
pet adoptions, inspiring youth projects,
environmental exhibits, food drive and parade
with more than 80 giant Peace doves (25-foot
wingspans) made with recycled materials.
Roots & Shoots groups flew Peace
doves all over the world!

Ventura: An estimated 3000 attended the 3rd “Peace Love Fun in the Sun” Music Festival, which
included a hula hoop contest and Peace flag making. CPR had a candlelight vigil at the Peace Pole
at a public peace garden,

Woodland Hills: 50 attended a vegan pizza party & watched “A Delicate Balance”.

Colorado

Aspen: 600 Aspen Middle School students created Pinwheels for Peace & sang. Boulder:
Screening for “Pray the Devil Back to ####” and raised funds for Girls Education International in
Liberia at Old Main Chapel.

Denver: Interfaith prayers & cultural performances with Peace nonprofits at St. Cajetans Event
Center. Lafayette: Students at IB World School Centaurus High School had a sidewalk art
contest on the theme “Global Peace”. Winner donated money to Heifer Project.

Montrose: A weekend of Peace events including a Pole ceremony, “Hands for Peace”, films and
“Peace and Unity” dinner.

Connecticut

Newtown: Nearly 1100 students, faculty and
staff formed a giant peace sign while spelling out
“Peace” at Reed Intermediate School. The sign
was taken with the assistance of Newtown Hook
& Ladder Volunteer Fire company. There was a
schoolwide event in the morning to mark the
beginning of the school’s global unity theme.
Nearby schools also participated.

Hartford: “Hope Out Loud” Peace & Arts Festival featuring music, dance, Peace groups &
journalist Dahr Jamail. Peacemakers planted “columns of Light” near the Capitol Building –
more. Many watched “Letters Home”- performance on US soldiers in Iraq & Afghanistan.

New Haven: Community building festival of entertainment, yoga, and kid’s activities at the
UN/New Haven International Peace Garden. Putnam: Celebration in Rotary Park with music,
prayers of all faiths and vendors.

District of Columbia

Various DC restaurants participated in organizing “World of Culture Salon” with music,
movement, cultural speakers and entertaining guests. Busboys & Poets Bookstore/Restaurant:
Screening of “Soldiers of Peace”, organized by UN Association of National Capital Area. Proceeds
benefited interfaith Peacebuilders. New South film room: Screening “Pray the Devil Back to
####” by Women’s & Gender Studies, African Studies, Georgetown Conflict Resolution, Center for
Social Justice.

Florida

Aventura: 1000 at Aventura City of Excellence School focused on how art and culture build
community and a foundation for Peace. Bartow: A small group brought signs related to Peace
and stood along Ft. Blount Park sidewalk.

Cape Coral: A few hundred attended the 2nd annual “Peace Day in the Park” with music, dances,
artisans, hula-hooping, vendors, food, a raffle, and canned goods collection. Coral Gables: Ponce
de Leon Middle School held its 2nd annual Peace Parade.

Coral Springs: At the International Peace Garden, there was a walk and drum circle for Peace,
and children from local schools made Pinwheels for Peace with music. At NW Regional Library,
there was a talk show style conversation about Peace. At Royal Palm Christian Church, there was
an interfaith gathering to reflect and pray for Peace.

Englewood: Musical event with poetry, dance, drumming & crystal bowls.

Fort Lauderdale-Davie: Hal Pepinsky was welcomed as the main speaker at an event by the Students
Coalition for Human Rights.

Homestead: Community festival with food, music, entertainment and “Children’s Multicultural
Choir-deep South Dade”. More. Jacksonville: 2009 Meditation-A-Thon took place at Memorial
Park in Riverside.

Miami: Forum and telecast in Spanish to promote Peace and the environment. More. A
screening of “Invisible Children” was hosted by PressitOn.

New Smyrna Beach: Peace and art
event with many interfaith leaders speaking. Local folksinger led songs of Peace. Organizations:
Volusia Peace Center, United Church of Christ.

North Palm Beach: Gathering of Peace and Peace
Pole dedication.

Orlando: Week-long Global Peace Film
Festival, including panel discussions at
Rollins College. A Street Fair & 2nd
Annual Internatonal Pet Parade took
place at Baldwin Park. UN Association
UCF and students met outside the
Student Union for Peace Day.

Ormund Beach: Peace walk at Central Park
followed by a dedication of a giant
labyrinth.

Palm Harbor: Drumming for Peace, candle lighting & great invocation at Oak Trail Books.

Pinellas Counties: Candle lightings at any beach at sunset for a Peace Vigil.

Saint Petersburg: Drum Circle for Peace at Lakewood United Church of Christ.

Sarasota: Drumming and meditation for Peace at Turtle Beach, including presentation of Peace
Pole with 500 prayers & visions attached, to be presented to UN in 2010. More. Screening and
discussion of “Pray the Devil Back to ####” at USF. Peace Picnic to honor community elders who
have dedicated themselves to Peace at Church of the Trinity.

St. Augustine: Candle lighting and walk through Peace Labyrinth at United Church of Christ.
Tampa: Screening and discussion of “Pray the Devil Back to ####” at USF.

Winter Springs: Candle lighting and Peace Service at Unity Spiritual Life Center. Candle lighting ceremony with
Wings of Peace.

Georgia

Augusta: Peace Labyrinth ceremony, art workshops, food booths, kids games, acting and music at
Unitarian Universalist Church. 100+ attended. Decatur: Two screenings of “Pray the Devil Back
to ####” by Georgia Peace and Georgia for Democracy.

Hawaii

Honokaa: 3rd annual “Parade and Festival for the UN
Day of Peace”. This 2 day event culminated with a
parade of a “moving stage” of eclectic island performers,
musicians, dancers and more! Events also included a
“Sustainability in the Schools” forum, Organizations:
Peace Committee, Victory Over Violence. 1500+
attended. * “World Peace Effect Music Festival” at
Kalani Oceanside Retreat at Pahoa.

Honolulu: Montessori Community School participated in “Sing Peace Around the World” with
Montessori schools around the globe. Peace Ceremony at State Capitol Rotunda with keynote
speaker Betty Williams, 1976 Nobel Peace Prize winner & candle lighting. Kilauea: March for
peace with Kaua’i Pacific School students, & giant human Peace sign.

Waimanalo: 30 families from 5 countries at Weinberg Village Waimanalo, a transitional housing
program for homeless families, participated in their first annual “Village Peace Day” to address
inter-cultural conflicts. Cultures represented included Hawaiian, Micronesian, Tongan, Samoan,
Mexican, Peruvian and “local”. Included potluck, cultural dances and songs, and story-telling. As
each person arrived, they received a necklace with a rainbow colored Peace symbol. Children
prepared a big Peace symbol using painted handprints.

Idaho

Coeur d’Alene: Screening of “The Day After Peace” at the library. Idaho Falls: Songs, poetry, art
and meditation at Unitarian Universalist’s Peace Garden.

Illinois

Chicago: World Peace Flag ceremony with Consuls & students, speakers including Ron
Huberman (CEO of Chicago schools), world music and cultural performances at Daly Plaza,
organized by Chicago Build the Peace Committee (Photo: Walter Turn) Madero Middle School
students chalked a collaborative & symbolic path to Peace.

Flossmoor: “Peace: How do we get there?” conference on Peace-building & conflict resolution
skills, organized by Generations 4 Peace.

Geneva: Stories, meditation, knitting, reading of casualties, movie, discussion & speaker Kathy
Kelly on “Eyewitness to War, Witness to Peace” at Unitarian Universalist Society.

Glen View:
Students at Glenbrook S. High School signed petition for Peace and invited GBS community
involved in Peace activities to share their messages.

Hillside: Students at West High School planted Pinwheels for Peace as part of global stand for
“Whirled Peace”.

Mount Prospect: Peace walk, crafts, games, music & interfaith service at South
Church.

Naperville: Students at Brookdale Elementary recited Peace quotes and sang Peace
songs.

Rockford: Cultural celebration of music, dance, activities for kids at Peace Plaza.

Springfield:
Interfaith service at Third Presbyterian Church. Troy: Pinwheels for Peace displayed in front of
the library.

Indiana

Fort Wayne: Interfaith candlelight vigil and prayer service. 3rd graders made Pinwheels for Peace
while singing St. Francis’ song of Peace, wore Peace tags.

Notre Dame: Screening of “Pray the Devil Back to ####” at St. Mary’s College. Valparaiso: Lunch
and screening of “Peacemakers: Palestinians & Jews Together at Camp”, Peace Day cookout,
poetry at Valparaiso University.

Wichita: Poetry Slam and Socratic café followed by
balloon release.

Kentucky

Louisville: Prayer service for Peace at Presbyterian Church Headquarters.

Louisiana

New Orleans: “World Peace Day” was
celebrated in the State Capitol Building
Rotunda for the opening of “The Gandhi,

King, Ikeda: A Legacy of Building Peace
Exhibit”. There was a Peace Walk with
songs to St. Louis Cathedral, for
discussion of Peace.

On 1 October, there
was a forum at Southern University
Campus in Baton Rouge on “What World
Peace Means to You”. Organized by
“Louisiana World Peace Day” committee.

Massachusetts

Beverly: Peace Day meditation, Peace walk, poems with Heartlight Peace Ministries.

Concord: Peace vigil with poems and music. More.
Granby: 6th grade class at Granby School made Pinwheels for Peace to display at the school
entrance.

Menemsha: Pond Walk for Peace through Menemha Pond and creeks.

North Chelmsford: Keystone Montessori and families created Peace murals for MURAMID
display in Egypt, which is organized by international Art Miles Project.

North Dartmouth: Mike
Cambra of “Mission to Liberia” spoke about his first-hand experience in the needs of the Liberian
people.

Rockport: 3rd annual Peace Day Festival at Milbrook Meadow with music, dance, puppets.

Salem: Music by Maggi Dalton, presentation of Champion of Peace award at Salem State.

South Hadley: S. Hadley High School wore Peace themed items & sold Peace themed baked goods.

Waltham: Students trained students in nonviolence at Brandeis University. Org: Student Peace
Alliance.

Watertown: Free workshop for Immigration workers by Public Conversations Project &
Mediators Beyond Borders.

Weston: Concert for Peace with diverse Chinese performers, and story telling.

Boston: Peace Day was celebrated for the 4th year at
Boston City Hall. The event included a moment of
silence and City Council resolution honoring the UN
IDP. World Peace Prayer representative Penny Joy
Snider-Light wrote and offered a prayer for world peace.

Maine

Brewer: Students at Brewer High School planted Pinwheels for Peace.

Swan’s Island: Middle school students organized games for lower grade students.

Maryland

Baltimore: Art, music and conversation about Peace studies at Peace Study Center.

College Park: Screening of “Pray the Devil Back to ####” at University of Maryland by Beyond the
Classroom. Columbia: Peace Day celebration at Christ Memorial Presbyterian Church.

Gaithersburg: Jefferson Montessori School sang for “Sing Peace Around the World” project.

Indian Head: “In the Name of Peace” celebration with Peace poetry, Peace Pole and Peace
education at Indian Head Senior Center.

Michigan

Ann Arbor: Military veterans and associates gathered at Veterans Park for dialogue.

Bridgman: Students at F.C. Reed Middle School planted Pinwheels for Peace.

Canton: Plymouth Canton
Montessori School sang “Sing Peace Around the World”, (see video).

Detroit: Swords into Plowshares Peace Center and Gallery hosted an event with Peace themed
readings and a drumming circle. Farmington Hills: Seminar, meditation and potluck with
Institute for Individual and World Peace founder, Dr. John-Roger.

Grand Rapids: Thousands of Peace flags were
made as part of their ARTPRIZE project called
PeaceonEarth, PeacebyPiece

Lansing: Interfaith celebration at Central United
Methodist Church.

Livonia: Discussion with
Dr. Sharif Abdullah on his book “Creating a
World that Works for All”, with music, videos,
poetry.

Monroe: Yoga for Peace, with proceeds donated to local domestic violence shelter.

South Lyon: Presentation from a representative of Food for the Poor, Inc., and Peace prayers at
St. Joseph Parish

Minnesota

Edina: UN Association of Minnesota hosted a Peace Day event for Iran, featuring Congressman
Keith Ellison, at Shepherd of the Hills Church. It included Persian food, a screening and
discussion of “Iran: Yesterday and Today”, speakers on Iran and the UN’s role.

Minneapolis: Premier screening of “Civilian Unarmed Peacekeeping: Building a Nonviolent
Peaceforce” with filmmaker and two Peacekeepers from the field, organized by Nonviolent
Peaceforce. Workshop on inner Peace with IIWP.

Oakdale: Screening of “Narrow Path”, Peace
Pole ceremony and prayer.

Shoreview: Peace Pole and Peace Garden dedication next to Peace
Labyrinth at N. Oaks Peace United Methodist Church.

Missouri

Columbia: Musical reader’s theater style presentation called “Stone Soup: a story, a recipe for
transformation” to facilitate effective communication.

Kansas City: Dharma School children performed a play at Rime Center. St. Louis: Peace & End
the War Vigil with s’mores at steps of College Church. Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet
participated.

Mississippi

Perkinston: Peace rally, Peacebuilding discussion & fun at Gulf Coast Community College.

Montana

Florence: Students at Florence High School wore white for Peace.

New Hampshire

Claremont: Peace Pole dedicated by Family School Connections and children.

Exeter: Peace Day Exeter festival with food, music, activities, speakers on Peace & sustainability.

Winchester: Prayer service for Peace & education about Peace Day at United Church of
Winchester.

New Jersey

Branchburg: Workshop on finding inner Peace with IIWP

Lakehurst: Meditation for global
Peace.

Neptune: Drumming, songs, prayer flags and Peace Pole planting at Unity Church
BTS. Newark: Global Mala NJ and 30 other Yoga studios had Yoga sessions to focus on Peace.

Princeton: Meeting of Princeton Friends for prayers for Peace with potluck, discussion on Middle
East peacemaking.

Somerville: Peace celebration with speakers and prayer groups with many
interfaith leaders and local artists.

Teaenck: Fairleigh Dickinson’s 2nd annual Peace Day
celebration.

New Mexico

Albuquerque: “Peace is a verb!” celebration with music, food, and Peace education organized by
Project PeacePal and Four Corners Roots & Shoots. Presentation from long-time Mexican
educator Dr. Perea, at Fergussen Library, sponsored by Ambassadors for Peace Association of
NM.

New York

Astoria: Peace Day event at A.R.R.O.W Community Center with after-school kids.

Brooklyn: Event with art, music, yoga, herbal flu preventatives, BBQ, massage – organized by Be
Wild Woman, Walt Shamel Community Garden, Global Mala Project and Art for Arts.
International Feast followed by songs and prayers for Peace.

Buffalo: Rally with speakers, musical performances, refugee groups and balloon release with
Buffalo for Africa.

Glens Falls: Mayors of Glens Falls and Lake George sign as members of global
Mayors for Peace Initiative. Pinwheels for Peace displayed.

Harlem: The NDUNGA structure was on display at State Office to address violence and
discrimination against women, and rape as warfare.
Hempstead: Candle light vigil for Peace with
speakers, music at Hempstead Fire Station field.

Ithaca: Music, dancing, singing, Peace ceremony at DeWitt Park, co-sponsors include: Level
Green Institute & Land of Dawes.

New York City, United Nations: UN
messengers of Peace and peace organizations
around the world participated in a series of
Peace events and ceremonies. UN Secretary
General Ban Ki-moon focused this year’s Peace
Day on underscoring the importance of nuclear
disarmament during the 100 day “WMD We
Must Disarm” campaign to raise awareness of
weapons of mass destruction.
The UN events included the annual ringing of
the Peace Bell, a release of doves, World Flag
Ceremony, a round-table discussion forum on
nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation and
peace. Winners of the WMD video competition
were shown to UN officials and were part of a
Brussels screening.

New York City (continhed): Peace concert at Carnegie Hall supported by Davis Projects for Peace,
with proceeds donated to Jezreel Valley Music Center in Israel. Concert for Peace with diverse
Chinese performers at Manhattan Center, by Tzuchi Foundation. 500+ attended Symposium on
Reducing Racial Disproportionality in Child Warfare with People’s Institute for Survival and
Beyond Undoing Racism Workshop. Readings, meditation & petitions at All Saints Church.
Screening of “Pray the Devil Back to ####” at School of Visual Arts Theatre.

Poughkeepsie: Musical performances and vigil for Peace, part of Peace Week at Vassar College
sponsored by Women’s Studies Program.

Riverdale: Screening of “The Day After Peace” at
Manhattan College with Peace and Peace Studies program and pizza.

Rochester: Screening of
“Pray the Devil Back to ####” with UN Association of Rochester and former judge & member of
Assoc. for Empowerment of Women in Liberia.

Rockville Centre: YogaKids planted Pinwheels for Peace at St. Marks Church.

Saratoga Springs: Community Peace and Justice Fair with booths, performances, vendors. Suffern: Students at
Suffern Middle School participated in a teleconference with another school an dedicated a Peace
Pole.

Troy: Day long event by Troy Peace including a Peace walk, music, meditation, reiki, yoga,
art activities for children, and presentation on “the labyrinth” as symbol of our journey to our own
center.

Woodstock: Multi-faith teachings on Peace by different religions including Buddhism,
Hinduism, Zoroastrian and Pax Christi including a Sufi musical performance - proceeds went to
UNICEF for Iraqi children affected by war. More.

Nevada

Henderson: SpiritDove made packets of seeds in a “Seeds of Peace” project.

Las Vegas: Screening of “The Day After Peace” with pizza and salad buffet.

Reno: Annual Peace Fair at
Winglield Park with community agencies, nonprofits and entertainment.

North Carolina

Boone: Peace parade in downtown Boone featuring giant puppets, with Elkland Art Center and
ASU college students. Members from surrounding rural communities marched down the main
street, which was lined with World Peace flags. There were “bellydancers for Peace” and an
auction for Peace.

Columbus: Peace themed yoga and radio show via Adawehi Institute’s Jackie Woods.

Durham: Multicultural, high energy Zumba dancing and presentation about Lebanon by author of
“Orphans of War”, Bearta Powell. Proceeds went to SOS Children’s village of Lebanon.

Hendersonville: Gathering at Peace Pole at City Hall to read about Peace.

Lake Junaluska: 2 Day Interfaith Peace conference

Mooresville: Students at Mt. Mourne IB Candidate School declared Sep. 21 – Hippie Day and wore their best hippie attire.

Warrenton: Peace Walk & vigil at Warren
County Recreation Complex with entertainment.

Wilmington: Family event hosted by
Grandmothers for Peace, with Peace readings, music.

Winston Salem: Peace proclamation, songs of Peace from local school choruses. Elsewhere the
spiritual community planned Peace events for their city and had an interfaith service with songs
and readings. Wake Forest University’s T.R.E.E. House created tie-dye t-shirts for students.
Salem College had a lunchtime Peace Pause, reading and choir song.

Ohio

Canton: 300 students at Arts Academy at Summit participated in “Peace Statement Art”.

Cincinnati: Youth met at Fountain Square and marched to Underground Railroad Freedom
center to attend program on Peace and nonviolence. Secular education and interfaith,
multicultural prayer service and celebration for Peace at Presentation Ministries Center.

Columbus: Screening of “The Day After Peace” with door prizes, sponsored by Imani Works.
Interfaith Service for Peace co-sponsored by Interfaith Association of Central Ohio, Spiritual
Assemlby of Baha’is.

Parma: Talk on Peace and Conflict Resolution by Naomi Tutu at Cuyahoga Community College.

Oklahoma

Oklahoma City: Outdoor meditation session for inner Peace.

Oregon

Ashland: Hundreds gathered at Ashland Public
Library for a Peace Wall unveiling and musical
performance. The wall was created to replace
Ashland’s Peace Fence which was destroyed in
2008 by vandals. The new wall is composed of
over 200 unique panels. Participating
organizations included Ashland Fabrication,
Ashland’s Peace Choir and Youth Ensemble &
PB-TBL 21 (Peacebuilding Triple-Bottom-Line
in 21st century).

Bend: Dedication of Peace Bridge of Bend at Pacific Park.

Corvallis: 4th annual Corvallis Pinwheels for Int. Peace Day, with proclamations, singing and
parading around Benton County Courthouse lawn. 1st annual Corvallis Peace Fair with
intercultural music, dance, art, games, exhibits and parade. Fair goers were invited to wear
clothing that represented their native country of culture.

Portland: Children are given candles to light for each continent, followed by Peace songs and tree
planting. More. Pinwheels for Peace are arranged in a tree shape, with music, storytelling and
speakers with Franciscan Montessori Earth School. Presentation on “Creating Peace with
Empathy and Understanding” with Ambassadors for Peace Association of Oregon at Center for
Intercultural Organizing.

Prineville: A small group held signs, made a Peace circle, shared Peace quotes.

Silverton: Cross ceremony for Peace by Silver Falls Yoga.

Pennsylvania

Allentown: Screening of “Pray the Devil Back to ####” with distinguished panelists.

Glenside: Peace vigil, with “Declaration of Intent” to foster Peace, refreshments and fellowship at
St. Peter’s Episcopal.

Lansdowne: Students at Lansdowne Friends School led a celebration of sharing what they have learned, created a giant Peace dove and Pinwheels for Peace.

Philadelphia: PreK and K classes at Friends Select School paired with 6th/8th graders to read
Peace poetry and plant handpainted rocks for Peace at a park.

Pittsburgh North Hills: 100
attended a Peace picnic at North Park Point Grove with music & entertainment for the whole
family, a children’s Peace play and art & essay contest awards.

Stevens: An Anabaptist Worship Service for Peace took place at East Cocalico Church of the
Brethren.

Swarthmore: A small presentation and discussion about prisoners in Iran, including
Baha’i and others persecuted and imprisoned for their beliefs, at Swarthmore Borough Hall.

Swissvale: Angel’s Place had children creating PinWheels for Peace for the front yard of their
child-care facilities.

Wilmington: Elementary Workshop Montessori met at their Peace Pole to
sing “Light a Candle for Peace” with schools around the world.

Wyomissing: Wyomissing Church of the Brethren held a Peace Pole dedication ceremony in
recognition of International Day of Prayer for Peace, in collaboration with Boy Scout Troop 538.

Rhode Island

Kingston: Hundreds attended Peace and nonviolence activities at the quadrangle at the
University of Rhode Island in collaboration with the International Peace Initiative, Student
Nonviolence Involvement Committee, Center for Nonviolence & Peace Studies and the
Multicultural Center.

Providence: An afternoon of singers, dancers and storytellers representing the cultures of Rhode
Island at Burnside Park. Organized by Peace Flag Project.

South Carolina

Charleston: 2nd Annual Charleston Peace One
Day festival at Brittlebank Park, with art,
music, dance, food, poetry and soccer. An
estimated 1000 attended. “Charleston Peace
One Day” is a nonprofit dedicated to localizing
Peace Day around the Charleston and South
Carolina area.

Cheraw: “Time Out for Peace” event held at Centennial Park, with guest speakers and musicians.

Columbia: International Groups Dance Performances, music, children singing and international
food at “Building Peace – Bridging the Gaps” at Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. Columbia: An
event with international Dance Groups and food, arts and crafts at Unitarian Universalist
Fellowship Hall. Students at Benedict College held an Expo full of art and culture, a Peace parade
and “Pennies for Peace”.

Galivants Ferry: Aynor Middle School participated in activities across all subjects, and sang “Let
There be Peace on Earth.”

Greenville: Film screening and discussion of “Trade” at Coffee Underground by Stop Human Trafficking Meetup.

South Dakota

Aberdeen: Open house for prayer at Red Rooster Coffee and interfaith gathering at Native
American Cultural Center and Museum.

Tennessee

Franklin: Global Mala for Peace for the whole family, hosted by Half Moon Studio. Knoxville:
Family picnic and chalk graffiti hosted by CISV Smoky Mountain at World’s Fair Park.

Memphis: Walk along Mississipi River while singing “Give Peace a Chance” at Tom Lee Park.

Texas

Abilene: 24 hour vigil for Peace hosted by McMurry University Chapel, followed by a weekly
Peace celebration. Arlington: A small group had a group meditation and poems.

Austin: Silent procession from City Hall to Congress Street Bridge organized by Coke Pink Austin
to honor lives lost in Iraq and Afghanistan. Group meditation and dialogue about stewarding
Peace.

Belton: Music, art & poetry with proceeds going to Children’s Advocacy Center of Central Texas.

Dallas: Annual luncheon, silent Auction, and music with Peace Makers Inc. A celebration
with music, education, and meditation organized by Global Peace Project

Dallas: An event at Cathedral of Hope organized by Peace House Dallas, Dallas Peace Center, The
Peace Project, Hope for Peace & Justice, and Resouding Harmony. Del Valle Elementary made
Pinwheels for Peace, sang songs and unveiled the school’s Peace Pole hand-made by staff.

Midlothian: Global Mala Yoga, music and entertainment, green exhibitors, gardening, cooking
classes and family fun at the Paws for Peace Festival.
Piano: Peace event organized by Natural Path Meditation.

San Angelo: Interfaith
celebration after 11 days of interfaith services (including Native American, Taoist, Hindu, Muslim,
Christian, Jewish services).

Utah

Salt Lake City: The 4th annual “Imagine
Peacefest” event took place at Library Plaza,
and featured a “Peace Jam” concert, drum
circle, peace meditation, a tabling area for local
nonprofits, film screening and dynamic youth
speaker who made a change. Participating
organizations included: Blue Sky Institute,
Roots & Shoots, People for Peace and Justice of
Utah, Whatever You Imagine.

Virginia

Arlington: Event featuring World Children’s Choir, art, workshops, African drumming, dancing,
singing and crafts for youth. Cape Charles: World Healing Institute had a potluck supper and
Peace Pole dedication.

Charlottesville: Music, poetry and stories celebrating Peace. More. Falls
Church: World’s Children Choir performed international folk songs, songs of hope and peace,
classic European music, and audience sing-along with youth from the Washington, DC area.

Kilmarnock: Service with singing, prayers and Peace Pole dedication with screening of “The
Power of Forgiveness”. More. Lancaster Court House: Youth from the Episcoal Church prayed
for Peace and viewed maps of others praying, meditating and working for Peace. Students at
Mullen Elementary planted Pinwheels for Peace. Norfolk: Annual Peace Day Interfaith service at
Christ and St. Luke’s Church.

Richmond: Hundreds attended the Family Peace Festival. The Richmond Friends Meeting Hall
met for a vigil, youth led a Peace hymm, and led an evening walk through the neighborhood with
a candle or flashlight.

Virginia Beach: 2nd Annual UN Int. Day of Peace Soccer Tournament at the Sportsplex/National
Training Center, part of “One Day One Goal” project. Celebration at VA Beach Central Library.

Winchester: 6/7/8th graders created Pinwheels for Peace.

Vermont

Lincoln: Day of yoga, sitting & walking meditation and poems for Peace at Metta Earth Institute.

Montpelier: Classroom discussions, readings, meditation, Peace Corps presentation and evening
river walk.

Randolph: Screening of “Pray the Devil Back to ####”.

Washington

Bellingham: 6th Annual Peace Day event with music from Kulshan Chorus at First Congregational
Church.

Seattle: 24 Hour vigil for Peace, traveling every 3 hours to a new church, beginning at University
Methodist Temple, ending with a press conference at University Congregational UCC. Peace walk
through Central District; carry signs for Peace and food for St. Mary’s food bank. Elsewhere, a
celebration for Peace with meditation, song and dance, more. A decorated Vietnam veteran,
Michael Gayler, held a 31 day fast for Peace in front of the Federal Building, with others
supporting him for prayer or meditation for Peace. Hundreds gathered at Seattle Center
International Fountain for a Peace Meditation,

Wisconsin

De Pere: Students at St. Norbert College celebrated with an international flag display, music and
artists depicting Peace in front of Main Hall. Eau Clarie: German, French, Latin American and
Hmong students participated in friendly games of soccer for Peace.

Eln Grove: Peace prayer service by a Peace Pole organized by School Sisters of Notre Dame.

Kenosha: Speakers including Sue Hollow and Dr. Joseph Mangi shared their stories that
influenced their lives, more.

La Crosse: Silent candle observation for Peace, street Peace rally,
drumming, and an open mic vigil.

Ontario: Echo Valley Hope concert including words of Peace
by Prem Rawat, silent vigil and musical performances (Video).

Wausau: Girl scouts made
Pinwheels for Peace.

Wauwatosa: Drumming circle for Peace at local park. 4th graders at Wilson
Elementary created Pinwheels for Peace at school’s garden.

*******************

Note: For actions in previous years, see the website.

PROGRESS: Has your organization seen progress toward a culture of peace and nonviolence in your domain of action and in your constituency during the second half of the Decade?

On a global level, reported events for the International Day of Peace continue to grow year after year (see the website listed above):

In the 2005 Report, 155 Peace Day events in 47 countries are presented.

The 2007 records show that:
* We had 623 commitments across the world
* 70 countries
* 225 cities (outside of the USA)
* 42 US states
* An estimate of nearly 500,000 participants
* An average of 500 people per event

2009 annual report listed 700+ events

OBSTACLES: Has your organization faced any obstacles to implementing the culture of peace and nonviolence? If so, what were they?

not reported

PLANS: What new engagements are planned by your organization in the short, medium and long term to promote a culture of peace and nonviolence?

The International Day of Peace is an annual event.

GLOBAL MOVEMENT: How do you think the culture of peace and nonviolence could be strengthened and supported at the world level??

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Organization: International Day of Peace in the United States

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