Celebrate the International Day of Peace
Here are some more ideas for ways of celebrating the International Day of Peace. Don't worry if you've missed 21 September - you can still do these activities to make your own special peace day.
Film watching
Watch the film
Peace one Day
, the story of one man’s attempts to persuade the global community via the United Nations to officially sanction a global ceasefire day; a day of non-violence; a day of Peace. Discuss your reactions with others who have seen the film, and think about its relevance to situations in your communities and country. The film can be bought and the proceeds go towards peace initiatives.
http://www.peaceoneday.org/page/filmres
Peace Pole
Plant a ‘peace pole’ – these are symbols of peace made relevant to specific peoples and cultures, placed in commitment to peace. Your own words, in whichever languages, can be written down the side. Of course there could be a number of creative variations on this theme. Here is an example
http://www.gardenofone.com/peacepole.html
Peace sculpture or artwork
A creative and expressive statement and reminder could be created through a ‘peace sculpture’ – symbols are always a strong focal point for feelings and beliefs around important issues such as peace. This could be organised as a group activity or individuals can create their own. Leave the artwork or sculpture in a place where as many as possible can come and reflect on it. You may wish to have a small card near it, helping others to see what it’s trying to express, rather like is done in an a museum or art gallery. This would be a great idea to do as part of your time together in a group that meets regularly.
A peace event
A dance, a walk to a peaceful location, a quiz evening, a meal – almost any kind of ‘event’ can be given a peace message. Banners, badges or cards can be given out as a reminder to those who come. ou Try to have a pause in the proceedings for a word from someone around peace issues most relevant to your group or society.
Public speaking, debating or writing
Express your opinions! We all have quite personal opinions around peace. If you are part of a group that already discuss issues that are important for you and for you community, you could make peace the focus. Have a mini-debate in which two people offer differing opinions; a statement such as ‘peace will only come when all countries completely disarm’ for example, could be debated. Or else express yourselves by all writing about a peace issue, about what you think it will take to bring about peace in our world. Speeches like this could be combined with another ‘peace focussed’ activity or event.