Dear Culture of Peace Initiative Participants (CPI),

We are at the 6 month countdown to Peace Day 2010!

Here is our idea to help you start thinking about Peace Day in your community! On the weekend of May 1-2, let’s begin by simply connecting with local neighbors and residents, to prepare for Peace Day on the week of September 21. Start meeting new people who are interested in Peace issues, by organizing a group meeting or event.  Ask friends or fellow co-workers to help.  Here are 9 ways to get the ball rolling:

1.  Have coffee… or tea.
2.  Host a film screening.
3.  Invite a guest speaker.
4.  Setup a volunteer event.
5.  Pass around a contact sheet for those interested in Peace Day, at events, crowds or classrooms.
6.  Invite local nonprofits who work on “Peace” issues in your community.
7.  Meet at a home, school, office, church, bookstore, bar, yoga studio or cafe!
8.  Call the event/meet-up “Peace in (your city/town)”.
9.  Organize a monthly “Peace” themed event.

Suggestion:  Create a new Facebook page to promote meeting(s) and the build-up to Peace Day 2010.  For example:  ”Peace Day in (city/town)“.  Share with us your page if you do!  We’ll link to your page, to help others find you!

CPI will continue to share ideas, updates and highlights of the build-up to Peace Day online and through our newsletters.  By the way, our Facebook page has nearly 19,000 participants! www.facebook.com/peaceday.

UN Observances and theme:  Representatives from organizations within CPI are working with the United Nations Deptartment of Public Information on this year’s theme for the International Day of Peace.  Human rights, environmental sustainability and the Millennium Development Goals are all being considered.  We will keep everyone informed when a theme is announced.

Peace Day Global Broadcast:  The Unity Foundation is seeking submissions for the 2nd annual Peace Day Global Broadcast, subtitled: Building Peace Through Sustainability.  This year’s focus will be on the Millennium Development Goals.  To learn more go to www.peaceday.tv.

The Music4Peace Initiative and Tour aims to educate, empower, and improve the world, by striving to eradicate hunger and violence while providing clean water.  The first events announced for the 2010 tour include: a Hip Hop Summit in South Africa during the FIFA World Cup in June, and the Gandhi Tour in Brazil on the International Day of Peace, Sept. 21st.  Music4Peace has also announced the launch of a Film 4 Peace Contest.  Visit www.music4peacetour.com for more details.

You are a pathway to Peace,
Your dedicated Team at CPI

“Be the change you want to see in the world.” - Gandhi

Here are two ideas on celebrating Peace Day from school teacher James J. Bresky of Winter Haven, FL.  Thank you James!

Peace Bell

To inaugurate the day, the “Peace Bell” is rung at UN Headquarters.  The bell is cast from coins donated by children from all continents.  It was given as a gift by the Diet of Japan, and is referred to as “a reminder of the human cost of war.”  The inscription on its side reads:  ”Long live absolute world peace”.

What can be done in your community:

1.  Church bells in our communities can ring in accord with the ringing of the Peace Bell at the United Nations on September 21.

2.  Mayors and public officials can honor the day with formal proclamations.

Dream Trees

A “Dream Tree” is simply a Christmas Tree, which bears all the recognized symbols of a world at peace; the tree is topped by a lighted, gold star (gold is a symbol of something precious, a star the symbol of humankinds’ highest ideals, and light to scatter the darkness of violence).

The recognized symbols are:  The peace symbol (three prong fork in a circle); dove with green branch in its mouth, world globes, children dressed in culture garments, flags of different nations; bells, candles, broken rifles, paper cranes (Japanese origami); the word “peace” in various languages, and multi colored lights (diversity).  Symbols can be made of laminated paper, baker’s clay or other medium.

The Dream Tree can be dedicated in formal lighting or in  a ceremony.  During the season various choral groups can “carol” in the various languages in the community (For Christians, an image of the Baby Jesus can be placed on the star topper or into the tree center.  Jesus is recognized as the “Prince of Peace”.  The theme of the holiday season (whether secular or Christian) is “Peace on Earth…Goodwill to Humankind”.

This symbol is one which is familiar to children and emphasizes peace.  Little peace ornaments can be distributed and the request made to put them on home trees and unite the Dream Tree to the home celebrations.  Peace is not a concept to be feared or ignored; especially in caring for our children and their attitudes regarding themselves and peace in our world.  Publish your communities display on local news and newspapers!