The YMCA of Central East Ontario is seeking nominations for the 2018 YMCA Peace Medal.
Each year, YMCAs across Canada celebrate acts of peace by recognizing individuals and groups who — without any special resources, status, wealth, or position — have demonstrated a commitment to building peace within their community or communities elsewhere in the world.
“We know that there are some outstanding people in our community,” says Cindy Mytruk, Peace Week Coordinator at the YMCA of Central East Ontario – Balsillie Family Branch, “By recognizing the ways that these individuals and groups are working towards peace, we have the opportunity to learn, share and make our own commitments to get involved in peace work.”
During YMCA Peace Week, which takes place from November 17th to 24th, 2018, local peacemakers will receive special recognition at Peace Medal ceremonies across Canada. During Peace Week, YMCA programming across the country will have a component of peace woven throughout so that participants, young and old, can contemplate what peace means to themselves and their loved ones.
Peacemakers are selected through a nomination process. Nomination forms are available at YMCA branches or at www.ymcaofceo.ca.
Completed Peace Medallion nominations must be submitted to the YMCA of Central East Ontario – Balsillie Family Branch Peterborough no later than 10 p.m. on Friday, October 5th, 2018. Nominations may be submitted by mail to 123 Aylmer Street South, Peterborough, ON, K9J 3H8 or via email to cindy.mytruk@ceo.ymca.ca.
Nominees should demonstrate a commitment to community building, empathy and understanding of diverse perspectives, advocating positive change in the community, building and strengthening community connections and inspiring others to foster peace.
Nominations should focus on activities that have taken place within the last two years. Self-nominations will not be considered, and professionals who are paid to do peacemaking work are not eligible for nomination.
Since 1987, more than 1,500 people and groups across Canada have received a YMCA Peace Medal. In the Peterborough area, Charmaine Magumbe was honoured with the 2017 Peace Medal for her work as an advocate for racial justice.
For more information, call 705-748-9622.
