Action Days: Global Peace Film Fest and Peace Day Chicago—On the Streets and in the Schools
Much of the power of Campaign Nonviolence Action Days comes from the diversity of the actions taking place. The pandemic shifted organizers online, which not only protected people from the spread of disease, but also widely expanded accessibility of events and the ability to join peacemakers around the world. Today’s action reports include an online global film festival and a large public gathering in Chicago—providing a variety of approaches to get involved with building a nonviolent future. Read more below.
Nina Streich with the Global Peace Film Festival in Winter Park and Orlando, FL shares that 7500 people attended the festival online and in person. She tells us, “The Global Peace Film Festival presented over 30 films, a International Day of Peace celebration in collaboration with the Peace & Justice Institute (Winter Park, FL), an art exhibit of the work of Kindergarten through 12th grade students and a photography exhibit called ‘Nelson Mandela Through the Lens of Peter Morey.’ Morey was Mandela's personal photographer in the last years of Madiba's life. Filmmakers came from around the US and from Germany and Ireland as well as Mr. Morey who came from South Africa for the festival. Feedback for the festival was excellent. Examples can be seen at https://greatnonprofits.org/org/global-peace-film-festival-inc
Using film as a catalyst for inspiring people to take action toward building a culture of nonviolence is what the Global Peace Film Festival is all about. We partner with local community-based organizations that work on peace, environmental, women's rights, LGBTQ+ rights, civil rights, etc., so that audience members can immediately engage in peace building efforts.”
Check out some of the great press coverage the Global Peace Film Festival received here:
And watch some of the videos below!
Jennifer Kim from The Peace School and Chicago Build the Peace Committee in Chicago, IL shares about the two actions they had during action days including the Peace Day Chicago 45th Anniversary Celebration on September 18 with 2000 people in attendance, and the outreach to Chicago schools. She tells us, “Peace Day Chicago features the Call to Peace and World Peace Flag Ceremony. The entire audience calls out ‘peace’ for each country as flags are presented on stage. Over 1,500 elementary and high school students participated in the event as well as Chicago Consular Corps diplomats from over 50 countries, and many others. Mayor Brandon Johnson gave an inspiring talk about his vision for peace in Chicago. He even stayed to witness the World Peace Flag Ceremony and joined the audience in calling out ‘peace’ for each country. Live music, cultural dances and other speakers rounded out the program. A large number of cultural, community and peace organizations were on hand at Resource Tables at this free, public event in downtown Chicago. People are inspired to integrate peacebuilding into daily life. During One Minute of Silence for World Peace, many join in doing Peace Breathing (inhale thinking World, exhale thinking Peace) which is easily incorporated into day to day living. People see the world right before their eyes, as people of all cultures come together in celebration of unity and diversity in our city and world.
We provided Peace Day materials to all Chicago Public Schools, encouraging every school to engage in positive action for peace on the UN International Day of Peace, Sept. 21. Some of our suggested activities include a peace pledge, the Peace Crane Project, Peace Breathing, and activities centered on the UN Sustainable Development Goals. We provided resources from organizations like the National Peace Academy and Voices for a World Free of Nuclear Weapons. Many schools come up with their own Peace Day activity ideas, which we encourage. Peacebuilding activities early in the school year set the tone for the entire year.
Peace Day Chicago was also featured in an article in Smithsonian's Folklife Magazine, which you can read here: https://folklife.si.edu/magazine/grand-master-kim-peace-day-chicago”
Elena Novak of Peace Through Action USA shares that on October 26 they held an online event titled Peaceful Cities: Local Strategies for Peacebuilding & Nonviolence with 22 people in attendance. She writes, “We explored how ordinary people can transform their cities to be more peaceful and connected places. In partnership with Pace e Bene’s Nonviolent Cities Project, this event featured a panel discussion joined by leaders of place-based peacebuilding initiatives and city-wide nonviolent projects throughout the United States, including Ruth Ann Angus of the Nonviolent Cities Project in Morro Bay, CA and Migdalia Garcia of the San Antonio Peace Center. Participants in this virtual learning event left with a better understanding of how to create harmony, justice, and positive change in their local areas using a variety of community organizing and bridgebuilding methods. In addition to our national panelists, Peace Through Action USA discussed how its capstone Calvert Peace Project works to build and nourish a culture of peace through an emphasis on social and civic engagements.” See more about this event here: https://peacethroughaction.org/do-something-for-peace/choose-peaceful-actions/learning-events/peaceful-cities/