9/24 UN Peace Day awareness walk

To the Planning Team for
International Day of Peace
September, 2016 -- Metro OKC

Please join our next planning session. It will be:

Wednesday, July 27th -- 6pm
Raindrop Turkish House 
4444 N. Classen Blvd 
Oklahoma City, OK   73118

At our meeting on June 22nd were: Baush, Michelle, Noel, Joan, Larry, Bill.

At the time we met last month, we were not yet certain that our request to stage a march (parade) at the Turkish Festival would be approved by the folks who manage the Myriad Gardens.

Ersin was going to make the request, and he was willing to recommend that the request be approved. But, Ersin was not able to give us a report on that item. He was absent from the meeting. Since then, we have learned that Ersin has moved to Houston -- which is a great loss for our community here in OKC, but the move will offer greater opportunities for Ersin and his family. We wish him the best of luck!

At any rate, when we re-convene, we will get an update on our request to organize a march / parade / friendship walk. I guess we can also talk about the name we want to give to our activity. Carmen Clay has suggested that it should be called a "friendship walk." I like that idea. I'm feeling a particular sympathy these days for the people of Turkey -- especially in light of the recent crackdown on teachers and university officials.

We also brainstormed a list of people who might be invited to deliver a message of peace at the festival. Among those mentioned: Robert Henry, Don Betz, Jason Dunnington, Stephanie Bice, Rep. George Young, a representative of international students in Oklahoma, a representative of the Raindrop Turkish House. More on this when we meet again.

Join us on the 27th, and we'll take the next steps forward.

"Sport has the power to change the world, the power to inspire, the power to unite people in a way that little else can"- Nelson Mandela FOREWORD FROM JEREMY GILLEY The Rio Summer Olympics are around the corner, so it’s the perfect time to highlight our Peace One Day Sports Initiatives, reminding everyone of the power that sport has to bring people together. Last year over 5,300 sporting activities took place all over the world to mark Peace Day,21 September, with many more thousands of people participating and attending. Our One Day One Goal andTry for Peace campaigns were a huge success, drawing on the global popularity of football and rugby to bring communities, faiths, schools and many others together to play in the name of peace. Learn more about both initiatives here. Have a look at this film too – it will get you going! Lots of other sports based activities are planned for Peace Day 2016 too, including netball, cycling, peace marathons, yoga and many more. There is something for everyone! So why not organize your own sports event for Peace Day? For ideas, inspiration and guidance on how to get started have a look here. You can also contact the Peace One Day Team, who will be happy to assist you. If sports are not for you, there are many other ways to get involved. Click here to see how. Two months to go to Peace Day, and the momentum is building. Individuals and groups from all over the world are telling us about their plans for 21 September. There is still plenty of time to get involved! Peace Day unites the entire world in a celebration of peace and non-violence on a single day, and we want you to be a part of that. We would love to hear about your Peace Day plans. Peace One Day can raise awareness of your amazing activities and connect you with thousands of like-minded Peace Day supporters.  Send us your tweets, images, flyers, posters and any other materials – we will post them on our social media platforms. Peace Day is your day to create action. Get involved. Make peace a reality!  In peace, Jeremy Gilley Founder, Peace One Day GET INVOLVED FILM This film demonstrates some of the creative ways that Peace Day, 21 September, has been celebrated in the past. Sport, dance, music and educational activities are just the beginning, watch this film to be inspired for your own Peace Day event. What will you do? ONE DAY ONE GOAL FILM This film highlights our hugely successful sport campaign One Day One Goal. This initiative has brought people together since its launch in 2008, with thousands of matches being played worldwide each year on Peace Day,21 September. So whether you are an individual, school, club or federation, watch this film and be inspired by football to create peace in your community on Peace Day. PEACE DAY TOOLKIT We have designed aToolkit to support you in your efforts to raise awareness of Peace Day,21 September. The Toolkit will provide you with ideas, tools and tips on how to plan and promote your Peace Day event or activity. POD FILM PRODUCTIONS POD Film Productions uses our 19 years of award-winning filmmaking to create bespoke films for organisations such as Coca-Cola and British Airways, as well as individuals, NGOs and charities. We’ve taken our own story from 0 to 1.5 billion people. Imagine what we can do with yours. Please contact us here to find out more. All funds are re-invested into our non-profit role of institutionalising Peace Day 21 September. For all the behind the scenes content from Jeremy Gilley and the Peace One Day journey follow @JeremyGilley on Twitter, or connect with us on Facebook or Instagram.