In a discussion recently at the Pax Christi office in the Netherlands (a large Dutch peace org.) - it was discussed the relevance of such a day. Does it make a difference? Shouldn't it be peace day everyday? Does all that attention on one day take away from the long scope discussion? Or a sense of urgency/immediacy- for example as put forth by this group: P5Y-Peace in Five Years or Give Peace a Deadline. Give peace a deadline - give it a brand - give it attention and respect - we hear about suicide bombers everyday but not groups like Women in Black with activists around the world!
Jeremy makes a passionate plea on the effectiveness and history of the Day in his video. Peace One Day has been his powerful heartfelt project for almost a decade. Pathways to Peace also significantly works on publicizing and promoting this day with representative Melvin Weiner effectively getting it into calendars and appointment books sold by Borders and other major retailers. An international workshop I signed up for recently on social enterprises said in their newsletter that the course starts on Peace Day - so every year the Day gets bigger and more visible -to me it's the Earth Day for Peace. Earth Day did a lot in increasing environmental awareness and Peace Day will do the same for peace - generating - highlighting and celebrating new initiatives (like PeaceDayTV!), and the work, artistry and dedication to peace on all its levels.
The VPP will contribute received poems to the World Peace Poetry Festival on the 21st led by poet Walter Keyombe in Nairobi, Kenya. He states- "Poetry is a unique educational and reconciliation art in and of itself. . It is a stirring of the axis that knows no single political party, creed, race, or religion, yet speaks and sparks with one voice of humankind. It is this idea to bridge the difference that keeps individuals apart that inspired me to link up with different people in the community to peace building efforts here in Africa and all over the world. . poetry is based on extraordinary communication and expression that everyone understands. . It reaches war-torn countries with the message of love, humanity, and stability. . So if supported it will ease the vision and mission it upholds - to expand the HOPE to other parts of the country and the world."
I'll be in The Hague on Peace Day or should I call it IPD or DOP? It's actually also Prinsesjedag in the NL - when the Queen arrives in her orange carriage (yep!) to give what's called the Speech from the Throne to the joint parliament on the current Dutch state of affairs. A big day for The Hague!
The VPP and UNOY - the United Network of Young Peacebuilders working together with international peace orgs as well as local businesses will have video on the wall of the centrally located Coffee Company with the interactive PeacePortal website - inviting visitors - taking photos of individuals and their messages of peace with a thank you gift of a Peace Rose and VPP poem for their participation. The interactive video will also engage with members in partners as part of the Conflict blog.
The Conflict blog according to UNOY: "In order to "humanize" conflict and the people who endure it, we have contacted some of our member organizations in particular 'hot spots' - young volunteers to host and answer questions about conflicts they experience daily. These hosts will be online actually every day between 13/09 and 22/09 answering questions." This initiative makes me think of something similarly comprehensive - check out InsightonConflict by Peace Direct in London. There is a lot going on to be part of the peace solution!
For events around the world and to contribute your 21 Sept. event check out Internationaldayofpeace.org.
But hey! Every day is peace day - many are suffering right now in dozens of deadly conflicts. And it doesn't have to feel 'miles away' - we can extend our reach and compassion through education, prayer, money - there are many ways to be a potent world citizen and also stand for peace in our own home and personal relationships. It's a powerful and fulfilling journey. Happy Peace Day!
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