From November 13-20, during YMCA Peace Week, the YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce, together with YMCAs across Canada, are celebrating the presence of peace in our communities, and reflecting on the peace building work that happens all year both inside and outside the YMCA.

As we navigate through 2021 and the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, YMCA Peace Week illuminates how the work of building peace needs to continue now more than ever.

COVID-19 and the urgent calls for action for diversity, equity, and inclusion are challenging us, as individuals, as communities, and as a country, to reconsider where we’ve been and where we want to go. During YMCA Peace Week, we honour those at the forefront of these peace- building efforts and encourage Canadians to ask themselves how they can bring change to their communities.

“It’s important that we work together to create peaceful communities where everyone feels that they belong,” says Sarah Cowley, CEO at YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce. “By celebrating YMCA Peace Week together, we are taking a stand and creating the future we want for our community, country, and world.”

When people act for peace, they build community by promoting a sense of belonging, fostering empathy, and embracing diversity.

“We all have opportunities each day to choose to act for peace. They may be small actions, but they make a big difference and create a ripple effect through our community. By sharing our message of peace, we are able to inspire others to become engaged in peaceful actions,” says Sarah Cowley.

A special highlight of this week is the presentation of the YMCA Peace Medal to an individual or group who, without any special resources, demonstrates a commitment to peace through individual contributions
made within their local, national, or global community. This year’s ceremony will be held at our Health, Fitness & Aquatics facility on Thursday, November 18, and will honour an individual or group who have made significant contributions towards peace-building. We will announce our Peace Medal recipient next week during Peace Week.

More information on Peace Week

image: Colorful Hands 1 of 3 / George Fox students Annabelle Wombacher, Jared Mar, Sierra Ratcliff and Benjamin Cahoon collaborated on the mural. / Article: https://www.orartswatch.org/painting-the-town-in-newberg/ 

source: media release, YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce