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Russell Hampton
National Awards Services Inc.
Sage
Stories
PARTNERSHIPS FOR PEACE - DIGNITY FOR ALL
 
Peace Days exists for all persons who believe in a culture of peace and compassion.
 
September 14 – 21, 2015
 
If you have questions, comments, experiences to share please forward them to - Nancy Morris, mordana@shaw.ca
September 21 is the United Nations International Day of Peace.  
 
In 2010, to celebrate this and to raise awareness of the importance of this day, District 5550 held a Music for Peace Concert at the Forks area in Winnipeg.  It was a cool, rainy day but we persevered. For the second Concert in 2011, we were fortunate to have a lovely fall evening.
 
Both years visitors to the Forks stopped by and enjoyed the event. We had local performers and in 2011 featured singer and violinist, Sierra Noble.
 
In 2012 we took no chances with the weather and held the concert indoors. Good thing because it was a cold, rainy, windy night.
 
By this time other groups were becoming interested and wanted to be part of an active Peace program. As momentum grew we found that local groups – secular, ethnic, and civic – participated with events at different locations throughout the city. A simple Music for Peace concert became “PEACE DAYS”.
 
A Peace Days committee was founded and they meet regularly throughout the year to make plans. A logo was developed and a flag was designed. It is raised and flown at Winnipeg City Hall to signal the beginning of Peace Days .
 
In 2014 the Gimli community held a Peace Days event and people who attended expressed the hope that there will be one there again this year. And so the word spreads.
What can your club do to recognize the ongoing search for peace – in your club and community?
 
Go online to the Peace Days website where you will find the agenda for Peace Days 2015.    http://www.peacedays.ca/
In every community there is someone who is interested in sharing the Ideals of Peace.  Invite that person to come to your meeting between September 14th through 21st  to present a program to your club!
 
Perhaps you too could make your first event a “Music For Peace Concert.  Reach out to groups who are already serving the community, perhaps a local food bank, mission, community club, other service clubs or church organizations. And don’t forget to involve the schools and cultural and ethnic groups.
 
You know your community, both its needs and the resources; use the latter to support the former.
 
You may be the start of something great in your club! Every great initiative starts small; persevere and it grows!