Peace Week:  November 21-28, 2009

The Lethbridge YMCA is asking for your help in identifying individuals or groups who contribute to the peacemaking process in our community.  We believe it is important to recognize and celebrate those people who choose to work for peace and the promotion of non-violence, tolerance, and respect in our diverse society, thereby making a distinct and describable difference.

The Peace Medal is intended to recognize the achievements of individuals and groups in local communities who – without any special resources – demonstrate in their lives and activities the values expressed in the World Alliance of YMCA’s 1981 Statement of Peace, which states (in part):

“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 relationships with family and friends, and extends to community life and national activities…”

The Peace Medal(s) will be awarded at the Lethbridge YMCA’s Annual General Meeting on November 27, 2008.

How to nominate an Individual or Group – Definitions, Criteria, and Process

What do we mean when we say “working for peace”?  Here are just some examples of activities or themes that contribute to peace in our communities:

Anti-discrimination                             Equality

Anti-racism                                         Human rights

Anti-war                                              Mediation

Conflict prevention                             Peacekeeping

Conflict resolution                              Social justice

Cross-cultural understanding             Safety and well-being of individuals and communities

Diversity                                              Violence and abuse prevention

Peace Medal – Individual (Youth or Adult)

In addition to the nomination form, please answer the following in two pages or less.

·         Describe the peace work performed.

·         What were the nominee’s roles and responsibilities?

·         Describe any collaboration with other groups or individuals.

·         How does this individual demonstrate the values and qualities of peace through the work they have done and in their interactions with others?

Peace Medal – Group (Youth or Adult)

In addition to the nomination form, please answer the following in two pages or less.

·         Provide a brief history of the organization or group.

·         Describe the peace activities performed.

·         What were the groups’ roles and responsibilities?

·         Describe any collaboration with other groups or individuals.

·         What has been the impact/result of the peace activities?

·         How does this group demonstrate the values and qualities of peace through the work they have done and in their interactions with others?

2008 Recipients

Youth Group - The Association to Kill Apathy – LCI

The AKA is a student activist group that strives to act on various social issues that concern the school, community, and the world at large.  The program began in 2005 and is continuously growing.  It is based on the principle of “student lead” initiatives, so all the projects are conceived, planned, and carried out by a small group of students, with teachers acting in a supporting role.  Some activities the group has spearheaded are:

• Earth Week, Remembrance Day, 30 Hour Famine, and Animal Rights Day events.
• Fund raised and dedicated 20 Peace Poles for local schools.
• Spread awareness through International Day for Women’s Rights, conservation workshops, International Day to End Homophobia, and by raising money for AIDS Awareness and Research.

The AKA stays on top of current issues and continuously plans events to spread awareness of these issues.

Individual Adult - Daniel I. Shapiro

Daniel Shapiro has been actively involved in the community for a number of years.  His dedications to his volunteer commitments, energy, kind heart, charisma and knowledge have made the difference in his success in actively living peacefully.  Although Daniel has had many community roles we have chosen to highlight a few.

• Guest lecturer at Lethbridge College and University of Lethbridge
• Founding Director of the newly formed Lethbridge Legal Society
• Served on the Board of Directors for Lethbridge Family Services and Southern Alberta Legal Aid Appeals as a Member and Chairman
• Served on the Board for Big Brothers and Big Sisters as well as a Big Brother
• Currently Serving as Board Chair for Habitat for Humanity.

2007 Recipients

Youth Group - Lethbridge YMCA StrYvers

The Lethbridge YMCA StrYvers Youth Leadership Team worked actively and diligently from 2003 to 2006 towards creating awareness of the harmful effects of smoking and tobacco use on our youth and community.  The group shared their information through:

·         Blue Ribbon Campaign – ribbons handed out to create awareness

·         Quit Kits – included quit smoking tips, stress balls, water bottles, gum, and more.

·         White Out Campaign – youth drew chalk outlines of bodies filled with tobacco facts.

·         Park Place Mall display – included a petition to make Lethbridge smoke free.

·         Lung-a-palooza – a family carnival centered on promoting non-smoking.

·         Speech presented to City Council to make Lethbridge a smoke free community.

·         Awarded Provincial BLAST Leadership Award, and nominated for Barb Tarbox National Award of Excellence.