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YMCA Peace Week 2024 Nominations Open!

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 illuminates how the work of building peace needs to continue
now more than ever.


As part of YMCA Peace Week, YMCAs across Canada present the YMCA Peace Medal
to individuals or groups who, without any special resources, status, wealth or
position, demonstrate a commitment to the values of P-E-A-C-E through
contributions made within their local, national, or global community.
Nominations close on October 25, 2024.

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. To nominate a Peacemaker, please
review the selection principles and complete the enclosed nomination form.


Nomination Guidelines

Nominations should focus on activities that have taken place within the last
two years.

  • YMCA staff members are not eligible for nomination
  • Professionals who are paid to do peacemaking work are not eligible for
  • nomination
  • Self-nominations will not be considered


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 should 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


Please submit all completed Peace Medal nominations online, here: