Today is the United Nations designated International Day of Peace!
"Because if you can find it in yourself to do something for Peace Day, September 21st, no matter how big or small, then together we can create a day of global unity. And that unity will save lives."
Today is "an opportunity for individuals around the world - particularly young people - to become involved in the peace process."
"It isn't enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. And it isn't enough to believe in it. One must work at it." - Eleanor Roosevelt
"If we want them to observe it, then we the people are going to have to act and become involved. And if we become involved, they will follow. But they won't do it if we don't do it. The time is now."
"World peace must develop from inner peace. Peace is not the absence of violence. Peace is the manifestation of human compassion." -Dalai Lama
In a couple of days we'll have this donation box up and running!
Peace Pandemic is headed to Tanzania and India this Winter to host soccer camps for children. These soccer camps focus not only on the development of soccer skills but also concentrate on nonviolent education and peacebuilding. With your donations, Peace Pandemic will ship equipment donations from North American soccer teams, give each child a t-shirt at each camp, and provide them with an experience of a lifetime!
Share this with everyone you know! Spread the word! Every bit counts!
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is a reality"
The Playing for Change Foundation strives to advance John Lennon's vision of peace by engaging artists and audiences from around the world to contribute to music education programs worldwide.
The foundation works to build music schools, support music teachers and programs, purchase instruments, and connect schools for cross-cultural learning and conflict resolution across borders.
This foundation is truly amazing and inspiring. Take a moment to check it out!
A friend of mine recently came across a truly inspiring video of a group of kids on a soccer team called "L'equip petit" or the Little Team. L'equip petit brings a whole new perspective to the way I look at sports... How often do we forget that what we're doing is fun?
"It's fine. They play, they have fun, they learn, they know how to respect the opponent, how to respect their team-mates, they collaborate with the team. We haven't scored any goals yet, but it's fine."
To quote my friend who shared this video with me,
"The game of soccer is in these kids, its their spirit."
"We don't care if we don't score because we have fun."
L'equip petit reminds us of what sport is truly about - learning, growing, respect, teamwork, perseverance, leadership, and being able to show your joy, passion, and love for sport.
Stumbled upon a beautiful poem (see below) about peace dedicated to Sadako Sasaski - a young girl who fell victim to cancer after the nuclear bombing of Hiroshima in World War II.
She set off on a quest to fold 1000 origami paper cranes in efforts to bring happiness and peace upon herself (and hopefully fight her leukemia.) Unfortunately Sadako only made it to 644 cranes, but family and friends continued on in her honour and folded 1000 cranes to represent a prayer for peace.
A Children's Peace Memorial in honour of Sadako was established in Hiroshima's Peace Park to represent an eternal prayer for a peaceful future world.
To this day thousands of cranes are brought to the monument from all over the world to symbolize both personal, and collective prayers for peace.
It is amazing how one young girl inspired people all over the world to make cranes as prayers for a peaceful world.
"The solution to adult problems tomorrow depends on large measure upon the how our children grow up today. There is no greater insight into the future than recognizing when we save our children, we save ourselves." Margaret Mead
When I first started Peace Pandemic, I was wrapped up in college literature, my existential thinking and questions about religion, politics, life....and women. Through all of my trials and tribulations I quickly learned that the world generally accepts Wisdom, Credibility and "BIG Ideas" if you're older and more distinguished in your field. No one wants to hear the young high school/college kid speak about peace in the world, violence in the Congo, border issues worldwide and especially not about what the older population did wrong.
The world is structured to immediately equate age with wisdom and youth with naivety. This is why we have the established education system to develop, or conform, the young minds of tomorrow yet we are taught meaningless, often superficial things. Our education is believed to be priming us to get jobs when we "grow up." The only issue is that these jobs are not the jobs that are going to be there in the future. If we know anything about recent history, it's that advances in technology are happening so rapidly that the future jobs that will be in demand are completely uncertain.
This essentially means we are teaching the youth what they could be had they lived 20-30 years earlier. The institutions of PEACE and human advancement however, will never go out of style and are constantly evolving. If we see what is happening in Libya, Syria, Israel/Palestine and many many others we can see that educating the youth about solving conflict nonviolently and the value of human life is not such a bad idea. It's no question that War means many suffer and few prosper. By creating a paradigm shift in the respect and value we place on the youth, those "few"that prosper may not be there in the future. Is it UTOPIAN of me to speak of such nonsense? Label me as Utopian or maniacal then for believing that future generations can look forward to a nonviolent, harmonic world to live in.
Jumping back to the education issue...Yes, the education system is important for children to learn to read, write and express themselves. However, this education should be more focused on solving human conflict, becoming social leaders and looking to better humanity. The cycle of violence, injustice and wars will continue to happen if we don't radically look at the way we teach our children. Instead of dousing their creative, outgoing tendencies we should encourage them to share their passions/ideas and not discount the simple brilliance they bring to the table.
Peace Pandemic listens to the youth in the world. If the children of today are going to be in charge of the world tomorrow, doesn't it make sense that we should empower them to become the peaceful leaders we so desperately need? In the end, aren't we all just children of this world...?
"Its up to our generation to build the foundation for a united world" - Jeremy Gilley
The month of September has arrived quickly and September 21st is the UN International Day of Peace - an annual day of global ceasefire and non-violence.
This peace movement established by Jeremy Gilley (British actor and filmmaker) began in 1999 with his film "Peace One Day" with the goal of establishing a day free of conflict and war (a global truce day) also promoting non-violence, compassion, humility, acceptance, and of course, peace.
Eventually, thanks in large part to Jeremy's efforts, every member state of the United Nations adopted the day of "global unity." The UN announced that every September 21st would be "Peace Day" or a day of "Global Ceasefire."
Peace One Day is endorsed by philanthropists, actors, singers, performers, fashion designers and athletes all over the world all hoping to create awareness.
Jude Law is an official ambassador of Peace One Day
Supporters include Jude Law, Chris Martin of Coldplay, Angelina Jolie, Paul McCartney, Marc Jacobs, Stella McCartney, the Dalai Lama, Kofi Annan, and Ban-Ki Moon, to name a few.
Various events happen on Peace Day such as peace walks, discussions, poetry readings, assemblies, and sport and dance events; at the same time life-saving activities like immunization clinics and programs are carried out on this day.
To depict the power of these life-saving activities - in 2007, the ceasefire enabled UN agencies and the Afghan government to give polio vaccines to 1.4 million children in areas of southern and eastern Afghanistan.
Lenny Kravitz at a Peace One Day celebration
Jeremy describes this day as "an opportunity for individuals around the world - particularly young people - to become involved in the peace process."
Peace One Day is taking the initiative one step further and calling for a Global Truce for Peace Day in 2012 to help institutionalize Peace Day and "engage unprecedented numbers of people regardless of national, cultural, political, or religious identity."
Make the pledge here.
Perhaps the greatest thing about Peace One Day is that anyone and everyone can participate. Activities occur in the form of sports, dance, film, class and school activities, and you can organize your own event to raise awareness.
Peace One Day One Goal
"Because if you can find it in yourself to do something for Peace Day, September 21st, no matter how big or small, then together we can create a day of global unity. And that unity will save lives."
Watch this moving video from Jeremy:
"If we want them to observe it, then we the people are going to have to act and become involved. And if we become involved, they will follow. But they won't do it if we don't do it. The time is now."
In 2007 the top 10 dancers of a popular American reality TV show, So You Think You Can Dance, performed solo routines to the song "Waiting on the World to Change" by John Mayer. The dance was choreographed by esteemed choreographer Wade Robson and his inspiration was to promote peace through the expression of dance.
Lacey - "Peace"
The dancers were also given the opportunity to interpret bits and pieces of the choreography to "express their individual feelings." They wore t-shirts with the word of their choice spray painted on the back; the words included humility, love, communication, hope, trust, understanding, honesty, patience, compassion, and peace.
Neil - "Humility"
Lacey's and Neil's performances were my favourite, but you can check out the other 8 solos on Youtube.
We all express our goals, dreams, emotions, etc. in different ways, and I found these dances extremely moving and inspiring.
"One day our generation, is gonna rule the population, so we keep on waiting, waiting on the world to change"
One of the goals of Peace Pandemic is to use the positive power of sports as a way of teaching nonviolence, promoting social justice, and encouraging dialogue all over the world.
A recent blog post from a 2012 Olympic hopeful, high jumping athlete Nicole Forrester (2008 Olympian, 7-time and reigning Canadian Champion) highlights the importance of sports and how sports has influenced her life.
"Sports you have created a fire in me, which is committed to achieving excellence. I know no barrier thanks to you! When someone tells me it can’t be done, I think "Where there’s a will there’s always a way, and I just have to find that way.” Sports you have taught me the importance of caring for others and the responsibility we all have as a society to volunteer…. Striving for altruism. I am committed to helping others achieve excellence! I walk with confidence and assurance because of you Sports. I feel blessed beyond words."
Stumbled upon two great articles in today's edition of the Vancouver Sun:
"In Gandhi's footsteps..." "Cut from the same non-violent cloth" by Giles Hewitt//
An article about anti-corruption activist Anna Hazare and his fast in India as a form of non-violent protest, encouraging "the youth to come forward and speak up against a rotten system"
"As long as we have compassion..."
Another amazing article,"Combating the 'culture of despair'" by Douglas Todd//
This article follows a visit to Vancouver from Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh and his conversation with Canadian environmentalist David Suzuki touching on the 'culture of despair' filled with people concerned about the future of the world - war, ethnic conflict, terrorism, economic crises, and more.
Check out Jeb Brovsky, a few of his teammates from the Whitecaps FC (and even a special appearance from 2010 Olympic Gold medallist, Ashleigh McIvor!) at the send off for players representing Canada at the 2011 Homeless World Cup of soccer in Paris.
The women and men were beyond appreciative of the support from Jeb and the Whitecaps FC players who found it just asinspiring to play with the homeless and learn and build a relationship with them.
This past week Jeb made a trip to Vancouver's Downtown Eastside to scrimmage with players from the Vancouver Street Soccer League. Joined by a few Whitecaps FC teammates Shea Salinas, Jonathan Leathers, and Bilal Duckett, Jeb had the opportunity to meet and play with some of the VSSL players heading to the 2011 Homeless World Cup this month.
"To be on the same field as them is as inspiring to us as it is to them" - Brovsky
Shea Salinas, Jonathan Leathers, Jeb Brovsky, Bilal Duckett, and members of Vancouver's Street Soccer League
The VSSL provides the homeless, the addicted, and others deemed at risk with a chance to use soccer as a vehicle for inspiration and empowerment.
Here at Peace Pandemic we are committed to making the world a better place. People often say that and then their plan goes to waste or they leave it for someone else to take care of. The key to making the world a better place, in our humble opinion, is to make small, passionate changes in the way we see the world interacting and then we are able to reach the masses.
Our approach is Futbol. Futbol is a commonality shared by all religions, ethnicities, ages, nationalities.... EVERYONE. We look to bring the passion of the game to all corners of the world while showing the importance of nonviolence and connection with other human beings.
Peace Pandemic camps are focused towards youth all over the world. The youth movement is a social powerhouse that is capable of shifting the future towards the direction of tolerance and peace. With boys we focus on the power of solving conflict nonviolently and being responsible leaders in the home and community. With girls the focus is more on team-building and empowering them to be leaders. Futbol is the beautiful game that serves as a boundary-crosser and medium for all of this to take place. Run by the local leaders in the community, the camps provide a clearing for understanding and global dialogue to take place.
Prospective camps will be held in Tanzania, India, Israel, South Africa, Costa Rica, Guatemala and many more. In North America, 3v3 tournaments provide funding and awareness for the camps abroad and the youth of both feel the connection across the world with their fellow camper.
Disbanding stereotypes and stigmas here in North America about the global population is a huge step towards tolerance and peace. When children can see the positive effects of their giving, they feel more inclined to keep doing it. We want the youth of the world to see the impact of even the smallest donations and acts of giving. Whether it be money, equipment or the most precious gift of time, Peace Pandemic wants to enroll the global youth in a movement of peace.
The idea of peace is often looked at as "hippy" and taboo in a sense. We want to prove otherwise. Peace is a "cool," fashionable idea that the youth can make their own. Help spark this movement and help the Peace Pandemic spread.
Peace Pandemic is looking for a designer who is particularly interested in creating trendy t-shirts and other apparel for youth. These designs will be branded and sold. All proceeds will go to the children playing in the Peace Pandemic camps worldwide. This is an EXCITING venture that PPC is going with and we would love everyone's help and support. Whether it be donations, selling/purchasing the clothing or simply spreading the word, PPC appreciates your help! BE THE CHANGE :)
A pessimist sees only the dark side of the clouds, and mopes; a philosopher sees both sides, and shrugs; an optimist doesn’t see the clouds at all – he’s walking on them.
Leonard Louis Levinson
Recently I had a chat at the dinner table with some of my teammates and friends about the possibility/impossibility of international peace. Of course, I was outnumbered about 20 to 1 with the (20) making their appeal that world peace is simply impossible because of the human inclination towards the idea of "self first." They brought up valid points that it only takes a couple people to disagree completely with the idea of peace and commit a violent act or disrupt the peace. The boys also talked about the difference in religions, cultures, attitudes and things that are important to some and not others. As I was listening, all I could hear was the pessimist coming out. They would retort "well I would LOVE to think it IS possible but it's just not."
Is this what the human race has come to? What happened to the dreamers? I know you're out there. I know there are people in this world, like me, who see an issue like World Peace and smile and go after it. People are often intimidated and frightened by the enormity of a project or the "impossible." If dreamers in the past didn't do the "impossible" and accelerate the human race forward, where would we be?
Of course the challenge of world peace is not easy or else it would have already been done but too often our problem is we get in this LANGUAGE problem. If we only learn to change our language about a subject then maybe we can start seeing things in a different manner. For instance, when speaking about this issue you often hear the words "us" and "them". This is subtle but as you can see already generates separation. Another thing people fail to realize is that, more often than not, their first inclination is to give all the reasons why something CAN'T happen and then are self proclaimed REALISTS. Everyone is already aware of why it WON'T work because it never has been done and won't get done unless we have a paradigm shift towards why it WILL work.
If you ever feel inspired to do something to change the world then DO IT and don't ask yourself why it won't work... ask why it WILL.
I want to first begin by saying that anyone who thinks that Peace is just too optimistic of an idea or not realistic enough for the human race (I know you all are out there) Think Again. Being rational beings, humans are capable of more than just the primitive nature we so often display.
So this is MY calling out to all the athletes around the world. *As a side note, I know many athletes who look beyond themselves and have made a substantial impact on the world and others through their generosity and for that I commend all of you. However, there are still many athletes in this world who would rather sit on the "sidelines in life" and watch other people be the helping hand.
Being an athlete at the highest level, I can now look around and see the huge impact we can have on the world around us. Forget the fame, forget the glamour... what are YOU going to do that changes the world for the better and leaves an everlasting effect on this planet. Yes you worked hard to get where you are today (the blood, sweat and tears) but this is also happening to men and women all over the world who have no voice. They work until they collapse just so their sons or daughters can have an extra bottle of water or an extra piece of meat per month.
We are the privileged, we are the lucky ones and we must look at the struggles of others and see that they need a helping hand sometimes. It starts at home with you and your family. If you have kids, instill love and compassion in them so that they will grow up in a world not knowing what it's like to HATE someone. Everything starts at home and eventually we will all realize that this Earth is OUR home. We are all brothers and sisters (no matter how cliche that is to say) and we must treat each other that way. Yes, brothers and sisters quarrel sometimes but in the end the level of respect and compassion we have for one another prevails. This is no different than the homeless man/woman on the street begging for change. If you saw your sister/brother on the street desperate for scraps what would you do?
Don't give in to that little voice in the back of your head that tells you all the reasons why NOT to do something. "I'm too tired. I can do it tomorrow. Someone else will probably stop and help. It has nothing to do with me." I've heard them all and the fact of the matter is... Your heart is NOT too tired. Tomorrow is too LATE. Someone will say the same thing you did and NOTHING will get done. It has EVERYTHING to do with you as a human being.
I once heard, "People aren't remembered for what they got, but what they gave." This couldn't be more true and I know that athletes in specific have such a unique opportunity to give. Go out of your way to be that hero for someone else. Don't listen to that voice in the back of your head telling you all the reasons why you shouldn't and just do it. No excuses. Be the Change.
Thank you for spreading the infectious power of peace! Be fearless in changing the world for the better :)
--Jeb
Friday, February 4, 2011
"Imagine all the people living life in peace. You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one. I hope someday you'll join us, and the world will be as one" ~John Lennon
As we begin settling into the year of 2011 and continuing the ever present work of promoting peace and youth leadership there have been many new developments for us at Peace Pandemic. We have made contact and set up more sites for camps around the world including Nicaragua, Guatemala, and Nepal. Our first two camps are planned for the coming summer months of 2011 with the destinations of Tanzania and Israel. We continue to network and gain exposure with many supportive people for which we are very thankful! Our website is finally underway and soon will be up and running. We are also excited for the opportunity to attend the World Youth Peace Summit scheduled for July.
Whether by donation, words of encouragement, personal project, or learning about a cultural different from your own, help us bring understanding and bridge the gaps between cultures, countries, and human differences. Be the Peace!
Hannah
What would you do?....you make the choice. Don't look for a punch line, there isn't one. Read it anyway. My question is: Would you have made the same choice?
At a fundraising dinner for a school that serves children with learning disabilities, the father of one of the students delivered a speech that would never be forgotten by all who attended. After extolling the school and its dedicated staff, he offered a question:
When not interfered with by outside influences, everything nature does, is done with perfection.
Yet my son, Shay, cannot learn things as other children do. He cannot understand things as other children do.
"Where is the natural order of things in my son?" The audience was stilled by the query.
The father continued. "I believe that when a child like Shay, who was mentally and physically disabled comes into the world, an opportunity to realize true human nature presents itself, and it comes in the way other people treat that child."
Then he told the following story: Shay and I had walked past a park where some boys Shay knew were playing baseball. Shay asked, "Do you think they'll let me play?" I knew that most of the boys would not want someone like Shay on their team, but as a father I also understood that if my son were allowed to play, it would give him a much-needed sense of belonging and some confidence to be accepted by others in spite of his handicaps.
I approached one of the boys on the field and asked (not expecting much) if Shay could play. The boy looked around for guidance and said, 'We're losing by six runs and the game is in the eighth inning. I guess he can be on our team and we'll try to put him in to bat in the ninth inning.'
Shay struggled over to the team's bench and, with a broad smile, put on a team shirt. I watched with a small tear in my eye and warmth in my heart. The boys saw my joy at my son being accepted.
In the bottom of the eighth inning, Shay's team scored a few runs but was still behind by three.
In the top of the ninth inning, Shay put on a glove and played in the right field. Even though no hits came his way, he was obviously ecstatic just to be in the game and on the field, grinning from ear to ear as I waved to him from the stands.
In the bottom of the ninth inning, Shay's team scored again..
Now, with two outs and the bases loaded, the potential winning run was on base and Shay was scheduled to be next at bat.
At this juncture, do they let Shay bat and give away their chance to win the game?
Surprisingly, Shay was given the bat. Everyone knew that a hit was all but impossible because Shay didn't even know how to hold the bat properly, much less connect with the ball.
However, as Shay stepped up to the
plate, the pitcher, recognizing that the other team was putting winning aside for this moment in Shay's life, moved in a few steps to lob the ball in softly so Shay could at least make contact.
The first pitch came and Shay swung clumsily and missed.
The pitcher again took a few steps forward to toss the ball softly towards Shay.
As the pitch came in, Shay swung at the ball and hit a slow ground ball right back to the pitcher.
The game would now be over.
The pitcher picked up the soft grounder and could have easily thrown the ball to the first baseman.
Shay would have been out and that would have been the end of the game.
Instead, the pitcher threw the ball right over the first baseman's head, out of reach of all team mates.
Everyone from the stands and both teams started yelling, 'Shay, run to first!
Run to first!'
Never in his life had Shay ever run that far, but he made it to first base.
He scampered down the baseline, wide-eyed and startled.
Everyone yelled, 'Run to second, run to second!'
Catching his breath, Shay awkwardly ran towards second, gleaming and struggling to make it to the base.
B y the time Shay rounded towards second base, the right fielder had the ball . the smallest guy on their team who now had his first chance to be the hero for his team.
He could have thrown the ball to the second-baseman for the tag, but he understood the pitcher's intentions so he, too, intentionally threw the ball high and far over the third-baseman's head.
Shay ran toward third base deliriously as the runners ahead of him circled the bases toward home.
All were screaming, 'Shay, Shay, Shay, all the Way Shay'
Shay reached third base because the opposing shortstop ran to help him by turning him in the direction of third base, and shouted, 'Run to third!
Shay, run to third!'
As Shay rounded third, the boys from both teams, and the spectators, were on their feet screaming, 'Shay, run home! Run home!'
Shay ran to home, stepped on the plate, and was cheered as the hero who hit the grand slam and won the game for his team
'That day', said the father softly with tears now rolling down his face, 'the boys from both teams helped bring a piece of true love and humanity into this world'.
Shay didn't make it to another summer. He died that winter, having never forgotten being the hero and making me so happy, and coming home and seeing his Mother tearfully embrace her little hero of the day!
AND NOW A LITTLE FOOT NOTE TO THIS STORY:
We all send thousands of jokes through the e-mail without a second thought, but when it comes to sending messages about life choices, people hesitate.
The crude, vulgar, and often obscene pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion about decency is too often suppressed in our schools and workplaces.
If you're thinking about forwarding this message, chances are that you're probably sorting out the people in your address book who aren't the 'appropriate' ones to receive this type of message Well, the person who sent you this believes that we all can make a difference.
We all have thousands of opportunities every single day to help realize the 'natural order of things.'
So many seemingly trivial interactions between two people present us with a choice:
Do we pass along a little spark of love and humanity or do we pass up those opportunities and leave the world a little bit colder in the process?
A wise man once said every society is judged by how it treats it's least fortunate amongst them.
"If we want them to observe it, then we the people are going to have to act and become involved. And if we become involved, they will follow. But they won't do it if we don't do it. The time is now."
