YMCA International celebrates Peace Week annually to celebrate and promote peacebuilding within our community, across the country, and across the world.
From November 17th – November 24th, the Timmins Family YMCA will be hosting various different activities and events in honour of Peace Week.
RECYCLED GIFT EXCHANGE
Have your children bring in gently used items for our gift exchange. On Friday November 23 the children will get to choose a new to them item to bring home.
History of YMCA Peace Week
YMCA Peace Week is unique to Canada.
During this week, YMCAs across Canada are encouraged to promote activities and educational programs to help people of all ages explore the many dimensions of peace and determine how they can play a role.
Participants include children, youth and adults who belong to the YMCA or participate in its programs, students and staff of local schools and universities, members of local churches and community groups, elected officials from municipal, provincial and federal governments and members of the local or national media.
In 1987, the YMCA Peace Medallion was developed for Canadian associations to recognize individuals or groups who, without any special resources, have demonstrated their commitment to building peace in their local or global community.
YMCA Statement of Peace
Peace has many dimensions. It is not only a state of relationships among nations. We cannot expect to live in a world of peace if we are unable to live in peace with those close to us – even those who differ from us.
The Christian faith requires us to seek justice for all and harmonious development. Humankind as a whole is interlinked and interdependent. The international situation compels us to seek effective ways of strengthening peace and preserving life. In the midst of increased conflict, violence and confrontation, we must seek possibilities to be «peacemakers».
The responsibility for peace begins with each person, in relationships with family and friends, and extends to community life and national activities. There are no simple recipes. It is we ourselves who must seek – act – pray for ways to be «peacemakers».
- Adopted by the World Council of YMCAs, 1981
History at a Glance
1981 World Alliance of YMCAs adopts a “Statement of Peace” and declares the third Sunday of November as YMCA Peace Day.
1984 YMCA Canada launches YMCA World Peace Week to expand on YMCA Peace Day. Peace Week runs from the third to fourth Saturday in November.
1987 YMCA Canada launches YMCA Peace Medallion to recognize individuals and groups who have demonstrated their commitment and contribution to peace buiding in Canada and around the world.
2009 YMCA World Peace Week becomes YMCA Peace Week
Today 51 YMCAs and YMCA-YWCAs across Canada celebrate YMCA Peace Week with Peace Medallion presentations and educational programming that explores how we can all play a role in promoting peace.
