From November 13-20, during YMCA Peace Week, we are celebrating the presence of peace in our communities, and reflecting on the peace building work that happens all year both inside and outside the YMCA.

As we navigate through 2021 and the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, YMCA Peace Week illuminates how the work of building peace needs to continue now more than ever. COVID-19 and the urgent calls for action for diversity, equity, and inclusion are challenging us, as individuals, as communities, and as a country, to reconsider where we’ve been and where we want to go. During YMCA Peace Week, we honour those at the forefront of these peace-building efforts and encourage Canadians to ask themselves how they can bring change to their communities.

“It’s important that we work together to create peaceful communities where everyone feels that they belong,” says Sarah Cowley, Chief Executive Officer, at the YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce. “By celebrating YMCA Peace Week together, we are taking a stand and creating the future we want for our community, country, and world.”

When people act for peace, they build community by promoting a sense of belonging, fostering empathy, and embracing diversity.

“We all have opportunities each day to choose to act for peace. They may be small actions, but they make a big difference and create a ripple effect through our community. By sharing our message of peace, we are able to inspire others to become engaged in peaceful actions,” says Sarah Cowley.

Find small but impactful ways to spread peace in your community today, and every day:

1. Give a stranger a compliment
2. Make or buy dinner for a family in need
3. Insert coins into someone’s parking meter
4. Write letters to frontline workers
5. Shovel a neighbour’s driveway when it snows
6. Help an elder or person in need with their groceries or crossing the street
7. Send a letter to a good friend instead of a text
8. Leave your waiter or waitress a generous tip
9. Make a family member breakfast in bed
10. Only say positive things for an entire day
11. Spread some encouragement online with an inspirational quote or motivational message
12. Write a list of things that you adore about a friend
13. Choose to be positive when listening to the news
14. Buy a drink or snack for the person behind you
15. Donate your hair after a haircut
16. Help sick and homeless animals find homes
17. Write a list of things that you adore about your partner
18. Give someone a gift card that you don’t intend to use
19. Let someone go in front of you in line
20. Drive with a positive attitude and let someone go ahead of you
21. Bring toys and winter gear to a homeless shelter
22. Make a music playlist for someone
23. Leave a nice note on someone’s car
24. Pick up litter at the park
25. Tell a boss about a good employee
26. Offer to take a photo of a couple
27. Buy some school supplies for a teacher
28. Put your phone away when you’re with friends or family
29. Plant a tree
30. Return a stray grocery cart
31. Donate blood
32. Donate to a favourite charity
33. Write a positive online review
34. Write a thank-you note to your mail carrier
35. Be kind to yourself!