September To Change the World

Peace! Sometimes I wish “peace” didn’t seem like an idealistic dream that’s out of any of our reach and control. Perhaps, the dream of peace is not as far out of reach as we may believe it to be. This September, 21 the world will celebrate the 28^th International Day of Peace will be a testament to the positive strides we are making as a world culture toward building a legitimate and lasting peace. Sure, true and real peace might not be tangible in this lifetime, but the positive strides forward are enough to put a smile on my face for now!

In 1981, a United Nations resolution established the International Day of Peace on the third Tuesday of September 1982. On the 20^th anniversary of the IDP (2002), the UN officially established that September 21^st would be recognized as the permanent date.

Across the globe this September 21^st human beings from all walks of life in all of the countries in the world will be doing things to recognize and promote peace. International Governments will respect a ceasefire, and personal grudges will be put aside (even for one day) in hopes of promoting and propagating peace. Nations are urged to respect the ceasefire as well as non-violence for 24 hours as to encourage more diplomatic means of resolution (you can contact your elected officials here to urge them to support and promote the ceasefire as well as the IDP).

Most importantly, this September 21st already has hundreds of registered events worldwide! From Argentina to Uganda we as a species will cry out for peace vs. violence and war. No matter where in the world you are, you will hopefully be able to find something relatively near to you; if you have an idea to promote peace, then you too can register for an event to make this International Day of Peace truly special.

Now is the time to remember that wishes really DO come true, if we believe in them. The world that we live in can be a peaceful one, and this September 21^st we should catch a glimpse of what that may look like.

International Day of Peace Observed Throughout the World Today

Did you know that the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution in 2001 declaring September 21 of each year as the International Day of Peace?  Their mission:

To encourage the observation of a worldwide, grassroots 24-hour vigil for peace and nonviolence on the International Day of Peace, 21 September, in every house of worship and place of spiritual practice, by all religious and spiritually based groups and individuals, and by all men, women and children who seek peace in the world.

Here are a few exciting Peace Day initiatives!

Global Minute of Silence at Noon: Since its inception, the minute of silence has been the universal observance that allows all of humanity to participate on this special day.  An inspirational musical slide show is also available that will help inspire the global community.  Please invite your community to the minute of silence.

Peace Concert in Cuba: Colombian superstar Juanes will bring the “Peace Without Borders” concert to Havana’s Plaza de la Revolucion, joined by Spanish singer-songwriter Miguel Bose and Puerto Rican merengue artist Olga Tañon! Cubans such as singer-songwriter Silvio Rodriguez and salsa stars Los Van Van also are scheduled to perform.

“Million Minutes for Peace” Campaign Online and on Hallmark Channel
Odyssey Networks, the nation’s largest interfaith coalition of groups dedicated to building bridges of understanding through media, has created a multimedia campaign in support of the International Day of Peace, Sept 21.

The centerpiece of the campaign — “A Million Minutes for Peace” — is an online invitation to pause for one minute at noon on September 21 and pray for peace. Odyssey intends to collect a million pledges and to present a list of the signatories to the UN. Please take the pledge and inform people and organizations on your email list about the campaign. Encourage them to take the pledge at (www.odysseynetworks.org)—it requires only a few minutes.