06/01/09
The Peace Day Campaign reaches its first century!
Since 2008, over 100 individuals, groups, politicians, community groups, schools, churches and public sector organisations have now joined Springboard’s Peace Day Campaign. The aim of the campaign is to create a talking point about the International Day of Peace, which takes place every year on 21st September, across every Member State of the United Nations.
Peace Day is both a day of celebration and reflection: celebration of the amazing steps we have all taken towards peace, and reflection on how we all have something to contribute to this international day of ceasefire and non-violence. 2008 was an important first year of the Peace Day Campaign: the campaign is growing in numbers and gaining momentum, and 2009 will see even more events and activities in the name of peace. We invite you to join the campaign and see how you can get involved in the International Day of Peace 21st September 2009.
06/01/09
2008: An amazing year for the Peace Day Campaign
2008 was an amazing year for Springboard's Peace Day Campaign. On Sunday 21st September 2008, Springboard held the first ever local Belfast concert for Peace to raise awareness of the International Day of Peace and to celebrate with local bands, community groups and visitors. The ethos of the day was simple: celebrate peacebuilding and think about what we can do to share a positive message to those areas around the world experiencing conflict. 2008 also saw huge steps forward for Springboard's Peace Day Campaign. A number of resources were produced, raising awareness in communities of the International Day of Peace and engaging people in what they can do to celebrate and reflect on peacebuilding. Springboard produced a ‘Song for Peace’ CD and MP3. 2008 also saw the release of the short film spoof ‘Apocalypse (Not) Now’ and production of a Peace Day poster by Springboard's youth groups. An awareness-raising campaign through workshops was led by Springboard's youth groups across the community, and promotional coasters were also designed and circulated across Belfast. Peace Day wristbands were designed and distributed to peacebuilding groups working in Ypres, and Peace Day slate plaques were built and will be presented at key events throughout this year.
Other activities carried out by the Peace Day Campaign in 2008 included: the design and production of an Art in Diversity mural, which is now on view at the Northumberland Street peace line gate; and an intergenerational project with residents of a Belfast care home to share perspectives on conflict. 2008 also saw a project with childcare centres in Kitchener (Canada) on residents' perspectives on peace. There was also a cross-community sports day with primary schools to raise awareness of Peace Day.
The Peace Day Campaign website was officially launched in Stormont by Gerry Kelly MLA, Junior Minister of the OFMDFM, and faith-based groups, schools, community and voluntary sector organisations, elected councillors, MLAs, MPs and MEPs were all informed about the International Day of Peace 2008, and encouraged to join the campaign. Visits to MLAs took place to raise awareness and gain cross-party support for Peace Day and the campaign, and to date, over 100 such groups and individuals have officially joined.
06/01/09
So what is in store for the Peace Day Campaign in 2009?
The aim of the Peace Day Campaign is to create a talking point about the International Day of Peace, and how we all have something to contribute to this amazing international day of ceasefire and non-violence. 2008 was an important first year of the Peace Day Campaign, and 2009 will see even more events and activities in the name of peace.
This year's concert for peace will build on the amazing success of last year's event, and the historic Mandela Hall in Belfast has already been booked for Saturday 19th September 2009. The event will celebrate the International Day of Peace 2009, and will be a festival for music lovers of all ages - mark it out in your diary now!
Springboard will also hold a Peace Day fun day and launch an educational resource on the International Day of Peace.
What will you do to celebrate peace and encourage ceasefire this year on 21st September?
06/01/09
2009: The International Year of Reconciliation
2009 is going to be an exciting year for people and organisations involved in peacebuilding. A number of important events and activities are taking place throughout the year, and these represent useful tools as you think about how to engage your communities and public authorities in peacebuilding. 2009, for example, will see rotating European Union presidencies for the Czech Republic and Sweden. As you start building your 2009 programme of work, gauging priorities, coordinating events and planning strategy for the year ahead, you can also take a look at some of the official days and weeks - including the International Day of Peace on 21st September - designated as official days of remembrance and celebration for causes relating to peacebuilding. The full list is online here.
2009 also marks the International Year of Reconciliation. The year has been officially designated by the United Nations as a way to encourage those estranged by conflicts to confront today’s challenges and address a new process to heal relationships and uphold justice for the future. Reconciliation processes are urgent in countries and regions of the world which have suffered or are suffering situations of conflict, and which have been affected and divided internally, nationally and internationally. We invite you to celebrate and promote this International Year of Reconciliation across all levels of society: promoting it in your materials and news releases; reaching out to family and friends; engaging in dialogue and in building good relations in the groups, neighbourhoods, communities and societies you are working in.
NI's first local free Peace Day music festival, Belfast, 21st September
Springboard held the first local Belfast Peace Day Concert to raise awareness of the International Day of Peace on 21st September 2008. Springboard wants to create a talking point about this international day of ceasefire and non-violence, and this free music festival was a fantastic day for the whole community. To read full details about this event, click here
More and more sign up to support the Peace Day Campaign
We are encouraging all our site visitors to sign their name to our Peace Day campaign and help us ensure the UN International Day of Peace is officially observed in our part of the world. We are delighted that MLAs and Councillors from across the Northern Ireland parties have signed up to express their support for the campaign. These include members from across the political spectrum. Many others have also expressed their support, such as schools, community and voluntary groups, as well as members of the public. By adding your name to the list, we will gain a powerful voice at the NI Assembly, encouraging our elected representatives to one day officially mark the International Day of Peace.
Events to mark Peace Day to be held across NI
The Baha'i community of Omagh will be holding a devotional gathering with prayers and readings on the theme of peace, on 21st September at 3pm.
