2009 YMCA Power of Peace Awards
Since 1987 the YMCA has awarded YMCA Peace Medals to individuals and groups who promote peace through cross-cultural understanding, diversity, equality, human rights, social justice and the prevention of violence and war. This year’s categories include Local Peacemaker, International Peacemaker, Youth Peacemaker (18 and under) and Emerging Leader Peacemaker (19-30). A keynote speaker and local youth performances will be there to help us celebrate all the nominees and the recipients of the awards.
We are proud to have Nazanin Afshin-Jam as our keynote speaker. Nazanin is a human rights activist, as well as the co-founder and President of Stop Child Executions (http://www.stopchildexecutions.com/). Performances by local artists include Kunaka Youth Marimba, Miyanda (African Drumming and Dance), and Joe Given (a local award winning teenage singer, songwriter, and performer).
A portion of the proceeds from the Power of Peace Awards ceremony will also go to the YMCA of Greater Vancouver’s annual campaign, Partners With Youth, to help support the Youth Peace Network (YPN). The YPN program offers three months of learning and volunteering opportunities to participants from all over the world, so that they may develop skills in leadership, peace building, conflict resolution, community development, asset building, environmental stewardship and global education. Participants also volunteer with YMCA Camps, in community agencies and receive guidance in formulating action plans to incorporate into their home communities.
Tickets: $15 General; $8 Student; Student group rates available
For tickets and more information please call 604-685-8066 or email powerofpeace@vanymca.org
http://ymcapowerofpeace.org/
You can also check out the Facebook event for more information about the keynote speaker, performances and the nominees: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/event.php?eid=152964863470&ref=ts
