The Whatcom Peace & Justice Center presents:
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In solidarity with people around the world, the Whatcom Peace & Justice Center (WPJC) will host Bellingham’s 18th annual International Day of Peace celebration in person at 2PM on Sunday, September 19, 2021 at Maritime Heritage Park (COVID-19 protocols will be in place), and virtually at 6PM Tuesday, September 21st.
As the WPJC's main fundraising and educational event, International Day of Peace is raising funds crucial to our ever more relevant work. This money will make it possible for us to keep our doors open for new and old peace activists, while supporting our volunteers, staff, and community during this time of need. Last year we surpassed our fundraising goal. This year, with a goal of $8,000, we hope to continue that growth. Please give as generously as you are able. Donations are tax-deductible. |
WPJC seeks to build a culture of peace by educating and empowering our community to action, so the theme for this year's International Day of Peace “Rad & Real: Turning Imagination into Action" bridges our capacity to radically reimagine a better future with the relationships, practices and follow through necessary to make it possible.
International Day of Peace is the signature event of the year for WPJC and will feature Swinomish and Visayan elder, peacemaker and educator, Shelly Vendiola as our keynote speaker. The program for the 19th will include the presentation of this year’s Lifetime Peacemaker Award, as well as inspiring performances by local artists. Hundreds in Whatcom County gather every year on International Day of Peace in solidarity with people around the world. In 1982, the United Nations declared this day an annual worldwide 24-hour cease-fire to envision what our world can look like without weapons, violence, and oppression.
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Keynote by Shelly VendiolaMichele Vendiola, who is known by her nickname Shelly, is Swinomish and Visayan. She has served as an educator, facilitator, activist, and mediator for over 30 years. She co-founded the native Community Engagement and Peacemaking Project and provides facilitation and community engagement services in strategic planning, dispute resolution, and peacemaking circles throughout the country.
Lifetime Peacemaker AwardThis award has been given annually since 2005 to a local peacemaker whose life's work is in the spirit of Rosemary and Howard Harris, the co-founders of Bellingham's peace vigil.
James Loucky worked as a professor of anthropology at Western Washington University for 31 years, doing research on the challenges facing peoples of Latin America, as well as refugees and migrants around the world. His research also extended to climate responsibility, humane borders, and a shared responsibility of child and community well-being as vital entities in a peaceful future. Loucky has provided endless support for community organizations here in Whatcom County, as he is a regular at Friday peace vigils, has helped organize the Bellingham Human Rights Film Festival for 20 years, and writes to the community about local issues like environmental restoration, children’s rights, and the commons as common sense. We are truly thrilled to be honoring such an engaged and hard-working peace elder with this award.
Info fairSeveral grassroots community organizations will be on hand during the social hour to connect with you and help inform you on how to take action for peace & social justice in our community!
Silent AuctionVisit our auction page and bid online to score gift cards, local art and many other items for HALF the price or less. Bids start at $5!
Music by DJ WillCome out to see some awesome music by DJ Will, local Bellingham DJ!
Dance with Rumba NorthwestIn the spirit of moving our bodies towards peace and justice, let's dance together in a demo workshop with Antonio Diaz from Rumba Northwest.
Support local work for Peace and JusticeBring cash or your checkbook! This is the only in-person fundraiser event of the year to support the work of the Whatcom Peace & Justice Center. Please give as generously as you are able to. Donations are tax-deductible. Check our website regularly and find the link to register early here! |
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Friday, September 17th
Saturday, September 18th
Sunday, September 19th
Monday, September 20th
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Become a sponsorContact WPJC at 360-734-0217 or office@whatcompjc.org if your business or organization wants to sponsor International Day of Peace.
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Spread the wordDownload and share the poster (print, banner or Instagram version) and share a blurb about what does celebrating peace and justice mean to you in your next newsletter. Invite friends on Facebook. Share the above event details and this webpage with your congregation, coworkers, neighbors, and friends.
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The Whatcom Peace & Justice Center calls on our government and society to disavow policies of violence and seek a culture of peace.
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