Thursday, September 14, 2006
The United Nations International Day of Peace is Sept. 21
 The International Day of Peace is Thursday, September 21. International Programs and Services and Religious Life will share a table in front of the University Center, where they will distribute buttons that say “peace” in several languages. They also will display a PowerPoint presentation with peace-related quotes.British filmmaker Jeremy Gilley launched his Peace One Day film project in 1999. “He had this idea that for one day in the year, there could be a world-wide cease fire, and it would be a day when there was peace in the world,” said Kristine Meier, program coordinator in International Programs. In September 2001, Gilley achieved a primary goal of the project: the United Nations General Assembly formally established an annual day of global ceasefire and non-violence on September 21. “We want to make sure that people are aware this day exists, that there is such a thing as an International Day of Peace,” Meier said. “We hope that little by little, each day, we can promote peace through what we do, whether it’s promoting International Day of Peace or matching American students with international students in our Small World Global Friendship program.” The program matches American and international students and encourages them to do things together, such as go to lunch, see a movie, or attend an athletic event on campus. “A lot of international students want to experience more of American culture – and it’s a two-way benefit. It gives a student who grew up in southern Indiana who has never met someone from Saudi Arabia, a Muslim country, another way of viewing the world.” About 30 students are involved in the program, but more American students are needed. To get involved, contact Meier at 812/465-7183. For more information about the International Day of Peace, go to www. peaceoneday.org. |
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