YMCA promotes peace

Every one of us has the power to make a peaceful difference, yet we don't always use it.

The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka, together with YMCA associations across Canada, is marking YMCA World Peace Week held from November 17 to 24, by encouraging kids, youth and adults to create peace by living it, every day, with family, friends, neighbours and colleagues.

"In today's globalized world, our many interconnections are defining the world in which we live," says Cat O'Connor, manager of day camps and international programs at the YMCA branch. "Our actions at home have an impact on the people elsewhere in the world. The more we understand these connections, the more empowered we become to make a positive impact, locally and around the world."

Although the YMCA incorporates peace building activities year round, Peace Week places special emphasis on teaching children and youth about exploring peace from a personal, community and international perspective and on recognizing the peace efforts of local residents.

This is the 20th anniversary of recognizing community peace builders in Canada by awarding them the YMCA peace medallion. Since 1987, some 900 individuals and groups have received medallions during Peace Week.

"The medallion recipients have led the way in showing how any one of us has the ability or power to create positive social change without special resources," says branch board chair Robert Reid.

"They are a tremendous inspiration and role model for improving the quality of life in a community, either at home or overseas."

To commemorate this significant milestone, a special commemorative booklet, called Voices for Peace, was developed.

Recipients of the medallion were asked to synthesize their lifetime's journey of experience and learning into one brief message of wisdom to help.