International Day of Peace, Sept. 21

Next Sunday, September 21, is the International Day of Peace (Peace Day). In 1981, the United Nations General Assembly declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples. Twenty years later, in 2001, the General Assembly declared that the day would be an annual day of non-violence and cease-fire. According to the official website, “Anyone, anywhere can celebrate Peace Day. It can be as simple as lighting a candle at noon, sitting in silent meditation, or doing a good deed for someone you don’t know. Or it can involve getting your co-workers, organization, community or government engaged in a large event. You can also share thoughts, messages, and pictures to commemorate Peace Day on social media.”

“Hand of Peace” sculpture by Rose Garrard. Photo by Kudpung via Wikimedia Commons

Search the website’s extensive database of peace-related events to find out what’s happening in your area. You’ll be joining with millions of people around the world to promote peace with activities, events, concerts, and festivals. This year’s theme is “Rights of Peoples to Peace.”

Here are some ideas on how YOU can participate from InternationalDayOfPeace.org:

• Share a selfie on social media using the #PeaceDay hashtag.
• Help us Make #PeaceDay Trend on September 21 by tweeting, posting and sharing your thoughts, pictures and message of peace throughout the day.
• Sign the “I am a Pathway to Peace” Pledge to show your commitment to peace.
• Join people across the world in a Minute of Silence, Moment of Peace at noon in every time zone.
• Consider gathering for a Global Feast for Peace, including foods from different cultures, or interfaith dialogue, or just gather to break bread.
• Have a discussion or create an art activity around what this year’s theme, “Right of Peoples to Peace” means to your group.
• Organize a Global March for Peace and Unity.
• Involve your Faith/Spiritual Community in Peace Day.
• Tell your favorite Radio Stations about Peace Day.
• Participate in a Global Meditation on September 21 for the International Day of Peace at 19:00 UTC/ GMT worldwide.
• Give Peace Breathing a try, and share it with others.
• Open or close your gatherings with the simple universal statement of peace, “May Peace Prevail on Earth.” Or display the message of peace, “May Peace Prevail on Earth”, with your own Peace Pole.
• Bring music and inspiration into the lives of children around the world. Join in on the 4th Annual Playing for Change Day on September 20.
• Participate in PeaceCast, a free, not-for-profit webcast streaming video online that will run continuously for 48 hours spanning all global time zones, starting from Peace Day’s first minute on September 21, 2014 in Auckland, New Zealand until its last in Honolulu Hawaii.
• If futbol/football/soccer is a part of your life and you are passionate about inspiring peace within your community, get involved with One Day One Goal.
• If you are a dancer, a dance teacher, or simply someone who loves to dance, then One Day One Dance is the perfect way to express your passion for peace.
• If you love singing and belong to a choir, run one, or want to create one just for the day, then One Day One Choir is a perfect way to get together and sing for peace.