From November 14-21, during YMCA Peace Week, the YMCA of Niagara, 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 2020 and the COVID-19 crisis, YMCA Peace Week takes on new meaning, illustrating how the ongoing work of building peace needs to continue now more than ever. COVID-19 and the urgent calls for action for diversity, social inclusion, and equity 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 Steve Boone, Interim CEO, YMCA of Niagara. “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 Suzanne Johnston, Strategic Advisor, YMCA of Niagara.

YMCA Peace Week activities at the YMCA of Niagara include: Yoga for Peace

Monday, November 16 at 7pm on Facebook at facebook.com/YMCANiagara/

Join us on Facebook for Yoga for Peace. This special thirty-minute yoga class encouraging self- reflection, peace and acceptance will be made available on our website throughout peace week.

Peace Medals

Our 2020 Peace Medals will be distributed to recipients on Thursday, November 19. Watch our social media feeds to learn more about these remarkable individuals.

In recognition of the YMCA’s commitment to Act for Peace, YMCA Peace Medals are given to local individuals or groups who are working to strengthen our communities by promoting peaceful solutions to violence, conflict, discrimination, and justice. Through their actions, nominees have had significant impact on the lives of others, either locally or elsewhere in the world. Our YMCA has a long history of presenting this award to deserving individuals.

#actforpeace challenge

We are challenging members, staff and the community to identify one thing you can do to act for peace and take a photo of yourself completing this act. Share the photo on social media using the hashtag #actforpeace #ymcaofniagara #peaceweek

Learn more about Peace Week

Visit our website or follow us on social media to learn more about peace week activities.

• YmcaofNiagara.org
• facebook.com/ymcaNiagara • twitter.com/ymcaNiagara
• instagram.com/ymcaNiagara

The YMCA of Niagara is a powerful association of people joined together by a shared passion to foster a sense of belonging for all. In an age of complex social challenges, the YMCA is steadfastly dedicated to building healthy communities by inviting and encouraging Canadians to join in, to give back, and to gain the connections, skills, and confidence they need to thrive.

Our focus on inclusiveness and accessibility means we serve people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities through all stages of life.