Congratulations to the Rotary clubs and communities across the district that celebrated the International Day of Peace on September 21 by erecting Peace Poles!
Erecting a Peace Pole is a wonderful accomplishment – but it doesn’t have to be the end of the project, in fact, it can be the beginning. A Peace Pole can become a visible gathering place, a teaching tool, a backdrop for positive community action and an ongoing reminder of Rotary’s commitment to peace. Once your Peace Pole is in place, look for opportunities to bring people to it and connect the pole to the work your Rotary Club is doing.
Remember to register your Peace Pole so that our North Atlantic District shows up on the virtual map. Presently only the Halifax Harbour Peace Pole is registered. Register online through the Virtual Peace Pole Map which is provided by May Peace Prevail on Earth International.
Invite a local school class, Scouts or Guides group, or 4-H club to visit the Peace Pole. Give them a short explanation of what the peace pole represents and ask them to identify ways they can promote peace in their group. The Peace Pole provides a natural starting point for conversations about respect, kindness, inclusion, understanding, conflict resolution and friendship.
Use the Peace Pole site to launch a Rotary project. Gather at the Peace Pole to launch a new project or fundraiser and, in the media coverage, tie in how the project promotes goodwill and peace. Perhaps the project brings people together, reduces isolation, supports newcomers, or helps meet an important community need.
Consider making the Peace Pole an annual part of your Rotary calendar. For example, pick a day to gather at the Pole and recognize a local person or organization who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to peace and goodwill. Or, hold an International Day of Peace gathering at the Peace Pole.
Remember to register your Peace Pole so that our North Atlantic District shows up on the virtual map. Presently only the Halifax Harbour Peace Pole is registered. Register online through the Virtual Peace Pole Map which is provided by May Peace Prevail on Earth International.
Let’s make our Peace Poles a living symbol of peace. Let’s make it a place where people meet, learn, reflect, celebrate, make commitments and take action.