The United Nations’ International Day of Peace (IDP) is a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples. Since September 21, 2004, URI has commemorated IDP by galvanizing global community action within its network of Cooperation Circles. In addition to the dozens of events that will be held by Cooperation Circles around the world, URI prepares to celebrate IDP through two initiatives: Footprints Around the World for Peace and Talking Back to Hate.
Audri Scott Williams, a URI Global Trustee, is helping to coordinate the Footprints Around the World for Peace. Her CC, Trail of Dreams, is collaborating with Global March for Peace and Unity, Heal the Atmosphere, and the organizers of the United Nations’ International Day of Peace to influence a major global solidarity initiative on September 21, 2013 at 12 noon in every time zone around the world, mobilizing local groups to take action for peace.
For years, Audri has been using peace walk events to draw attention to the peace process and to get people to start thinking about what peace means in their communities. Charles Gibbs first met Audri during a Trail of Dreams peace walk in San Francisco. ”I was instantly struck by Audri’s deep and committed spirituality, as well as her high idealism,” said Charles. “Her trusting determination to step out into the unknown to pursue a vision of peace were the makings of an exceptional leader, and corresponded to URI’s values.”
Talking Back to Hate is URI’s newest global initiative to counter hate speech, bullying and discrimination. As part of the campaign, Talking Back to Hate is rallying its supporters to join in a global day of activism on the International Day of Peace, which has the theme of Education for Peace for 2013.
With hate speech discrimination and bullying on the rise globally, IDP provides a special opportunity for local groups to draw attention to this critical issue and to demonstrate positive ways for people of different religions, traditions, cultures and backgrounds to work collaboratively on changing civil discourse about diversity.
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