“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….” – YMCA Statement on Peace
About YMCA Peace Week
YMCA Peace Week is a time when we celebrate the presence of peace in our communities, and reflect on the peace-building work that happens all year both inside and outside the YMCA.
YMCA Peace Week calls people to Build Community. Act for Peace. When we act for peace, together we build stronger and healthier communities.
Act for Peace
Peace is an active state of being, not a passive one.
Acts for peace can be big or small. Either way, they tend to grow outward, creating ripples through the whole community.
An act for peace may affect only one person directly—but it may show many more people what’s possible.
Peacemakers challenge and inspire others to pursue acts for peace.
Anyone and everyone can be a peacemaker.
Join the movement and #actforpeace.
About the YMCA Peace Medal
Each year, YMCAs across Canada celebrate acts of peace by recognizing individuals and groups who, without any special resources, status, wealth or position, have demonstrated a commitment to building peace within their community or communities elsewhere in the world. During YMCA Peace Week, which will take place from November 16-23, 2024, local peacemakers will receive special recognition and a medal at Peace Medal ceremonies across Canada. Peacemakers are selected through a nomination process.
Peacemaker Selection Criteria
“…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 responsibility for peace begins with each person, in relationship with family and friends, and extends to community life and national activities…”
YMCA Statement of Peace, World Alliance of YMCAs, 1981
Peace Medal recipients demonstrate the values of PEACE:
P = Participation – getting involved and encouraging others to get involved in community-building activities
E = Empathy – listening and understanding diverse perspectives to create a sense of belonging for all
A = Advocacy – making the case for positive change in the community
C = Community – building and strengthening community connections and capacity
E = Empowerment – inspiring others to foster peace and helping them gain the skills and tools to succeed
2024 Recipients
Avalon Peninsula (Rural and Metro) Region: Alexsandra (Sasha) Danilova
Medal Presentation Event: Nov 28, 5pm, Ches Penney Family YMCA, 35 Ridge Road, St. John’s
Burin Peninsula Region: Harold Murphy
Medal Presentation Event: Nov 22, 9am, Marystown YMCA, 2B Harris Drive, Marystown
Central Labrador Region: DeeDee Voisey
Medal Presentation Event: Time / Date (TBD), Central Labrador YMCA, 2 Corporal O’Quinn Blvd, Happy Valley-Goose Bay
