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 Day of Peace celebrates the theme: Shaping Peace Together. The UN web site says:

"This year, it has been clearer than ever that we are not each other’s enemies. Rather, our common enemy is a tireless virus that threatens our health, security and very way of life. COVID-19 has thrown our world into turmoil and forcibly reminded us that what happens in one part of the planet can impact people everywhere.

In March, UN Secretary-General António Guterres called on all warring parties to lay down their weapons and focus on the battle against this unprecedented global pandemic. While the message is intended for armed parties, solidarity and cooperation across borders, sectors and generations are also needed to win this new fight against the worst public health crisis of our time.

As we struggle to defeat COVID-19, your voice is more important than ever. In these difficult times of physical distancing, this International Day of Peace will be dedicated to fostering dialogue and collecting ideas. The world will be invited to unite and share thoughts on how to weather this storm, heal our planet and change it for the better. Even though we may not be able to stand next to each other, we can still dream together.

The 2020 theme for the International Day of Peace is “Shaping Peace Together.” Celebrate the day by spreading compassion, kindness and hope in the face of the pandemic. Stand together with the UN against attempts to use the virus to promote discrimination or hatred. Join us so that we can shape peace together."

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: 
This year, the theme, “Shaping Peace Together,” reflects the reason the United Nations was founded. The UN is asking people to engage in a global conversation about how to tackle the greatest global challenges together, from climate change and poverty to racism and gender inequality.

For the United Nations, 2020 was meant to be a year of listening and learning. To mark its 75th anniversary, the UN has invited millions of people worldwide to join the largest and furthest-reaching global conversation on building the peaceful and prosperous future that we want. If you click this link you can take the UN75 survey and help to inform global priorities now and going forward.

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 make Peace Rocks to give away.

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

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!

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.