Press Updates
WENESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2014 - Eugene - Springfield joins millions of people around the world in celebrating the International Day of Peace
"Peace Week 2014 reminds us that our journey to live in a peaceful and collaborative way is truly important, especially when it is at its most difficult." ~ Mayor Kitty Piercy
“The Eugene Police Department is in complete support of the International Day of Peace. Oregon Statutes refer to us as Peace Officers and we are proud to carry the title. We are aware that crime reduction and improved safety are more likely to occur through collaboration between an engaged community and a humane and motivated police force. Let’s all work together to build an even more peaceful Eugene.” ~ Pete Kerns, Chief, Eugene Police Department
From September 14 to September 21, 2014 -- dubbed “Peace Week” by the organizers -- there will be a series of inspiring and informative events that are free and appropriate for all ages, sponsored by a rapidly-growing number of over 60 organizations here in Eugene and Springfield, leading to the official International Day of Peace which occurs on Sunday, September 21, 2014. A special, youth-driven event on Saturday, September 20 will inspire, inform, mobilize and support everyone to accelerate the evolution of the culture of peace that most people desire, but many mistakenly believe to be impossible. Each year, millions of people around the world participate in activities, events, concerts and festivals to celebrate the International Day of Peace. At noon in every time zone on September 21, a moment of silence will be held, sending a Peace Wave around the world.
Here are some talking points you may wish to mention:
•the global culture of peace is now beyond the "inventor" stage,
we are in the "early adopter" phase, and the early majority is getting a good look at it during Peace Week and other celebrations of the International Day of Peace. When we reach a point where 18% of the people of Eugene-Springfield see themselves as part of the culture of peace, we can say we have achieved the "tipping point" beyond which the idea will only continue to grow in acceptance.
•education about conflict resolution and peace-building has expanded exponentially since the end of WW II. [click on image for larger view]
•globally, individual and state-sponsored homicide has declined dramatically. [click on image for larger view]
•the culture of peace is not just about the absence of violence, it's about the presence of stable, secure support of social institutions at the community level that provide dignity and quality of life for everyone.
•the United Nations resolution that established the International Day of Peace in 1981 was a rare example of unanimous support, showing that all nations yearn for peace.
•this year's theme is "the right of peoples to peace."
The United Nations in December 1978 stated "every nation and every human being, regardless of race, conscience, language or sex, has the inherent right to life in peace," and in November 1984 "solemnly proclaimed that the peoples of our planet have a sacred right to peace."
•Peace is another word for collaboration, working together for the common good, discovering best practices, and refining our ability to communicate at deeper levels than dogmatic postures.
MONDAY, JULY 7, 2014 - Each day is moving us closer to mainstream acceptance of a culture of peace in Eugene-Springfield.
What the world needs now is a visible bridge, a tangible, measurable, easily understood way forward. It isn't just the absence of violence that we need, it's the presence of active solutions, a way out, a way through difficult conflicts with sustainable, long-lasting benefits. It takes great courage, patience, and self-discipline. And it can be done, millions of people are on that path. The history, status and trends of peacebuilding have been ignored for too long and need to be lifted into awareness now, as the history of war and violence really teaches us only what NOT to do, it does not teach us the way forward. Our mission during Peace Week Eugene is to inspire, inform, mobilize and support year-round activities promoting security, prosperity, and quality of life, the foundations of a culture of peace. Our message is “we are all in this together, and we all have a right to peace.”
An excellent 84-second KEZI-TV report on local plans aired on June 13 as a result of a press release sent to local media on the same day the Secretary General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon, issued a statement inaugurating the 100-day countdown to the September 21 International Day of Peace. I am in the final stages of editing a PSA to be released on August 20.
For each of the past 3 years, the Peace Day celebration in Eugene has grown exponentially from 10 to 100, to 300 people participating in 2013. This year, a rapidly-growing number of nearly 30 organizations are already sponsoring or planning an entire week of free events and added their logo to our publicity. We have a statement of support from Police Chief Pete Kerns.
A special youth-driven event on Saturday, September 20 will inspire, inform, mobilize and support everyone to accelerate the evolution of the culture of peace that most people desire, but many mistakenly believe to be impossible.
The members of the collaborative planning team for Peace Week are seasoned activists:
Deborah Aikens, Rhythm of Peace
JoAnne Allen, retired teacher
John Attig, Nobel Peace Laureate Park
Mary Clayton, Eugene Human Rights Commissioner
Patricia Cortez, Amigos Multicultural Services Center
Barbara Daté, Fellowship of Reconciliation, Church of the Brethren
Jennifer Frenzer, Nightingale Health Sanctuary, Eugene Friends Meeting
David Hazen, Eugene Peace Team, First Congregational Church
Wayne Martin, retired pastor, Occupy Interfaith
Anne Millhollen, Beyond War
Lura Pierce, retired teacher
Darren Reiley, Peace Jam
Eric Richardson, President, Lane County NAACP
Stephanie Talbott, Community Alliance of Lane County
We hope this inspires you!
Grateful for your attention, intentions, and participation!
MONDAY, JUNE 9, 2014 - On June 13, 2014, the Secretary General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon, will issue a statement inaugurating the 100-day countdown to the September 21 International Day of Peace. This day offers an opportunity for the world to pause, reflect and consider how best to break the vicious cycle of violence that conflict creates.
For each of the past 3 years, the Peace Day celebration in Eugene has grown exponentially from 10 to 100, to 300 people participating in 2013, when Eugene Mayor Piercy proclaimed September 21 of every year to be “Peace Day Eugene.”
This year, a rapidly-growing number of nearly 30 organizations are already planning an entire week of free events that are appropriate for all ages. A special youth-driven event on Saturday, September 20 will inspire, inform, mobilize and support everyone to accelerate the evolution of the culture of peace that most people desire, but many mistakenly believe to be impossible.
Commonly understood as the absence of hostility and retribution, peace also includes the presence of personal and community security, health, education, gender and racial equality, environmental protection, employment opportunities, a working food system and political order, and personal conflict resolution skills.
Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1981, “Peace Day” is dedicated “to commemorating and strengthening the ideals of Peace both within and among all nations and peoples." Each year, millions of people around the world participate in activities, events, concerts and festivals to celebrate the International Day of Peace. At noon in every time zone, a moment of silence will be held, sending a Peace Wave around the world.
The theme for this year’s Peace Day is “The Right to Peace.” The United Nations in December 1978 stated "every nation and every human being, regardless of race, conscience, language or sex, has the inherent right to life in peace," and in November 1984 "solemnly proclaimed that the peoples of our planet have a sacred right to peace."
