International Day of Peace

The International Day of Peace was established in 1981 by a resolution of the UN General Assembly. In 2001 the date was fixed on September 21. 

This year's theme is End racism. Build peace. The UN General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, through observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire.

But achieving true peace entails much more than laying down arms.  It requires the building of societies where all members feel that they can flourish. It involves creating a world in which people are treated equally, regardless of their race.

As Secretary-General António Guterres has said:

“Racism continues to poison institutions, social structures, and everyday life in every society. It continues to be a driver of persistent inequality. And it continues to deny people their fundamental human rights. It destabilizes societies, undermines democracies, erodes the legitimacy of governments, and… the linkages between racism and gender inequality are unmistakable.”

Peace Day Agenda:
1. Journal queries
2. Raise awareness
3. Make Peace Stones
4. Peace vigil

1. Journal queries: Consider and list ways I can work for peace this fall and winter. 

How can I teach peace? 

How can I celebrate peace?  

How can I express peace in my art and writing? 

How can I live peace? 

2. Raise Awareness: 
We are invited to join the efforts of the United Nations as we work towards a world free of racism and racial discrimination. A world where compassion and empathy overcome suspicion and hatred. A world that we can truly be proud of.

I was drawn to this link to a UN page on Hate Speech. 

3. Make Peace Stones:

Each year I choose a project for Peace Day. One year we made peace flags; once I invited friends to watch a video about Peace Day; and once we made a peace poster in my art class. A couple of years ago I found the website for Pinwheels for Peace, and I was inspired to make pinwheels with one of my students. (That project is described here.)

This year I decided to repeat what I've done the last 2 years: Make Peace Stones to give away.

Supplies: Round rocks and glass stones, paint pens, spray varnish (optional)

Washing stones (photo from 2021)

1. Clean stones and let dry.

2. Draw peace signs with paint pens and seal with spray varnish, if you want.

3. Leave on a sidewalk with a sign! "Today is the International Day of Peace. Please take a Peace Stone."

4. Peace vigil at noon today:
Whatever you choose to do, please pause at 12 Noon local time and join people all across the globe in a Minute of Silence / Moment of Peace.

Minute of Silence / Moment of Peace - In 1984, in commemoration of the annual International Day of Peace and in solidarity with the United Nations, the NGO Pathways To Peace inaugurated the Minute of Silence at 12:00 Noon in each time zone, resulting in a “Peace Wave” around the world. Individuals, organizations, communities and nations are invited to participate in this shared and practical act of peacebuilding on September 21.