What can you do to promote peace?

NEWS RELEASE

SAULT STE. MARIE YMCA

************************** Sault Ste. Marie YMCA asks: What can you do to promote peace?

SAULT STE. MARIE - YMCA Peace Week invites people of all ages to reflect on peace, to talk, and to take action, individually and with others.

From November 19 – 26, the Sault Ste. Marie YMCA, together with YMCAs across Canada, offers activities that help children, youth and adults explore peace from personal, local and global perspectives.

This year Peace Week poses the question: What can you do to promote peace?

“Neighbourhoods, cities and countries are more interconnected than ever before. YMCA Peace Week provides an opportunity for our community to be actively engaged in creating a peaceful world,” says Carly Smith, co-chair Sault Ste. Marie Peace Week at the Sault Ste. Marie YMCA.

Although peace building is part of the Sault Ste. Marie YMCA’s year round programs, YMCA Peace Week highlights the many dimensions of peace.

Youth are particularly encouraged to discuss peace issues and connect with others who can support their desire to work for positive change.

The YMCA works to build peace as a key component of strengthening the foundation of our community.

“Everyone can play a role in contributing to a peaceful society, using their skills, talents and personal areas of interest as a starting point for ideas.” says Chelsie Parayko, co-chair Sault Ste. Marie Peace Week. “Peace building starts with the thoughts and actions of individuals; together we can make a big difference.”

A YMCA Peace Building Activity Guide was created to help children, youth and adults explore topics such as conflict resolution, cooperation, environmental awareness, and the connections between local and global issues.

Parents and educators are encouraged to log on to www.ymca.ca to download this free guide.

A special highlight of this week is the presentation of the YMCA Peace Medal to an individual or group who, without any special resources, demonstrates a commitment to peace through individual contributions made within their community or overseas.

This year’s ceremony will be held on November 21, 2011 and will honour Joline Beauregard and Taleen Cahoon local community members who have made significant contributions towards peace building.

YMCA Peace Week activities at the Sault Ste. Marie YMCA include a variety of activities for our community including Yoga 4 Peace and Zumba 4 Peace Fitness Classes as well as a morning Coffee Break time all week showcasing our connection to Africa through our international work.

As a values-based charity dedicated to health promotion and healthy living, the ­Sault Ste. Marie YMCA serves thousands of people of all backgrounds, abilities and stages of life.

The Sault Ste. Marie YMCA’s mission is to support the growth of people in spirit, mind and body and to foster a sense of responsibility to each other and the global community.

The Sault Ste. Marie YMCA is in partnership with the YMCA of Sudbury, North Bay and Timmins to support the Khartoum YMCA in Sudan by creating schools to teach trades to young Sudanese and more recently, basic education to children in the resettlement areas surrounding Khartoum

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