November 27 - December 1 2023
Each year, the YMCA of Eastern Ontario and YMCAs across Canada celebrate peace in our communities and reflect on the peace-building work that happens all year both inside and outside the YMCA.
During this annual event, YMCAs 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. Peace-building – or doing good – is core to the YMCA’s commitment to strengthening the foundation of healthy communities and part of the YMCA of Eastern Ontario’s year-round programs.
Starting on November 26, this year’s theme is “Do good. Build peace,” YMCA Peace Week 2023 focuses on celebrating people who do good in communities here or around the world. Their efforts will continue to inspire our work throughout the year. During YMCA Peace Week, we encourage Canadians to ask themselves how they can bring change to their communities.
YMCA Peace Week illuminates how the work of building peace needs to as individuals, as communities, and as a country, to consider where we've been and where we want to go.
A special highlight of this week is the presentation of one or more YMCA Peace Medals to an individual or group who contribute to community wellbeing, whether that community is at the local, national, or global level.
Don’t forget to share your #actforpeace or someone else’s on social media during #ymcapeaceweek and beyond. Let’s see how far PEACE spreads!
Need some ideas on how to act for peace? Consider these:
• Donate your time, talent, passion or skill to a person, organization or cause.
• Offer help to someone who needs assistance.
• Get to know your neighbours.
• Learn something new by researching the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.
• Stop when you see a demonstration, rally, or walk. Ask a participant about the cause.