Dear Culture of Peace Initiative Participants (CPI),

We are at the 6 month countdown to Peace Day 2010!

Here is our idea to help you start thinking about Peace Day in your community! On the weekend of May 1-2, let’s begin by simply connecting with local neighbors and residents, to prepare for Peace Day on the week of September 21. Start meeting new people who are interested in Peace issues, by organizing a group meeting or event.  Ask friends or fellow co-workers to help.  Here are 9 ways to get the ball rolling:

1.  Have coffee… or tea.
2.  Host a film screening.
3.  Invite a guest speaker.
4.  Setup a volunteer event.
5.  Pass around a contact sheet for those interested in Peace Day, at events, crowds or classrooms.
6.  Invite local nonprofits who work on “Peace” issues in your community.
7.  Meet at a home, school, office, church, bookstore, bar, yoga studio or cafe!
8.  Call the event/meet-up “Peace in (your city/town)”.
9.  Organize a monthly “Peace” themed event.

Suggestion:  Create a new Facebook page to promote meeting(s) and the build-up to Peace Day 2010.  For example:  ”Peace Day in (city/town)“.  Share with us your page if you do!  We’ll link to your page, to help others find you!

CPI will continue to share ideas, updates and highlights of the build-up to Peace Day online and through our newsletters.  By the way, our Facebook page has nearly 19,000 participants! www.facebook.com/peaceday.

UN Observances and theme:  Representatives from organizations within CPI are working with the United Nations Deptartment of Public Information on this year’s theme for the International Day of Peace.  Human rights, environmental sustainability and the Millennium Development Goals are all being considered.  We will keep everyone informed when a theme is announced.

Peace Day Global Broadcast:  The Unity Foundation is seeking submissions for the 2nd annual Peace Day Global Broadcast, subtitled: Building Peace Through Sustainability.  This year’s focus will be on the Millennium Development Goals.  To learn more go to www.peaceday.tv.

The Music4Peace Initiative and Tour aims to educate, empower, and improve the world, by striving to eradicate hunger and violence while providing clean water.  The first events announced for the 2010 tour include: a Hip Hop Summit in South Africa during the FIFA World Cup in June, and the Gandhi Tour in Brazil on the International Day of Peace, Sept. 21st.  Music4Peace has also announced the launch of a Film 4 Peace Contest.  Visit www.music4peacetour.com for more details.

You are a pathway to Peace,
Your dedicated Team at CPI

“Be the change you want to see in the world.” - Gandhi