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“An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind” World Non Violence Day
01 October 2013 - by YMCA International
October 2nd is World Non Violence Day the same day as the birth of Mahatma Gandhi, leader of the Indian Independence Movement and globally known idol of peace. It seems appropriate to hold a day of non-violence awareness on the birthday of an individual who lived, breathed and preached peace, patience and unity. Hopefully this October 2nd will be a step towards peace internationally and domestically.
As this day approaches Nairobi is rattled by terrorist shootings, Syria is reeling from civil war and chemical warfare and in my own backyard, Toronto shootings have been rampant the most recent being the Sherborne St shooting. When we talk about peace the world ‘tolerance’ is often used. The UN describes this day of non-violence as a way to “secure a culture of peace, tolerance, understanding and non-violence”. http://www.un.org/en/events/nonviolenceday/index.shtml
The language itself has a rooted problem in that ‘tolerance’ is not promoting a culture of peace; it is not enough to just put up with your neighbor which the very word itself insinuates. We need to understand and appreciate other cultures and the role they play in our world and what we all contribute fundamentally to the greater whole. On September 11, 1906 Gandhi for the first time spoke publically about his philosophy and had universal public support then fast forward 95 years and September 11, 2001 is now marked as one of the most devastating days in history. What progress has been made over the last century? What are we doing that is not working? Are we moving forward or regressing? Here is an interesting video outlining nonviolent acts over the last century: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGFDhGpk634
The YMCA is taking steps to move forward by raising awareness about the values of peace at a young age. YMCA’s Peace Week running November 16-23rd wants to not only get people involved and engage conversation but to inspire change! I love that the YMCA has put values into action. It is easy to talk about violence issues and create reports but teaching these values in our own communities will foster community unity and recognition to those who are making a difference. Gandhi did say “if we are to teach real peace in this world, and if we are to carry on a real war against war, we shall have to begin with the children” and Peace Week is doing just that. If we can make changes in our own communities we can hope there will be a ripple effect. Please check out YMCA Peace Week to see what is going on in your community www.ymcagta.org/peaceweek
Can fighting violence with non-violence work today?
As this day approaches Nairobi is rattled by terrorist shootings, Syria is reeling from civil war and chemical warfare and in my own backyard, Toronto shootings have been rampant the most recent being the Sherborne St shooting. When we talk about peace the world ‘tolerance’ is often used. The UN describes this day of non-violence as a way to “secure a culture of peace, tolerance, understanding and non-violence”. http://www.un.org/en/events/nonviolenceday/index.shtml
The language itself has a rooted problem in that ‘tolerance’ is not promoting a culture of peace; it is not enough to just put up with your neighbor which the very word itself insinuates. We need to understand and appreciate other cultures and the role they play in our world and what we all contribute fundamentally to the greater whole. On September 11, 1906 Gandhi for the first time spoke publically about his philosophy and had universal public support then fast forward 95 years and September 11, 2001 is now marked as one of the most devastating days in history. What progress has been made over the last century? What are we doing that is not working? Are we moving forward or regressing? Here is an interesting video outlining nonviolent acts over the last century: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGFDhGpk634
The YMCA is taking steps to move forward by raising awareness about the values of peace at a young age. YMCA’s Peace Week running November 16-23rd wants to not only get people involved and engage conversation but to inspire change! I love that the YMCA has put values into action. It is easy to talk about violence issues and create reports but teaching these values in our own communities will foster community unity and recognition to those who are making a difference. Gandhi did say “if we are to teach real peace in this world, and if we are to carry on a real war against war, we shall have to begin with the children” and Peace Week is doing just that. If we can make changes in our own communities we can hope there will be a ripple effect. Please check out YMCA Peace Week to see what is going on in your community www.ymcagta.org/peaceweek
Can fighting violence with non-violence work today?
