In recognition of International Peace Week, the YMCA of Greater Vancouver Peace Medals are given to local individuals and organizations that are working to strengthen our communities by promoting peaceful solutions to violence, conflict, discrimination and justice. Through their actions, the nominees have had significant impact on the lives of others, either locally or elsewhere in the world, without any special resources or recognition.

All awards recognize the efforts dedicated to such activities as: ending war, bullying, discrimination, racism and armed conflict; and promoting cross-cultural understanding, diversity, education, equality, human rights, mediation, social justice or prevention of violence and abuse and by building more green spaces in every town and city.

On November 23, 2010, the YMCA of Greater Vancouver celebrated the annual Power of Peace Awards at the Robert Lee YMCA. The evening was co-hosted by past and present YMCA Peace Award nominees who facilitated lively discussions about peace and shared inspirational tales with attendees, the night was capped off with the announcement of 2010 winners.

Congratulations go to the 14 2010 Power of Peace Award nominees who were nominated for one of two categories by their peers. The first category was for a Local/International Peacemaker and the second was for the Emerging Youth Peacemaker Leader. A regional selection committee elected a recipient for each category. The final recipients for the 2010 Power of Peace Awards were:

We honoured and heard the tales of people who have dedicated their lives to fostering peace in our world. The 12 other nominees who were equally celebrated included:

Founder of the organization Planning for the Elimination of Poverty through Love and Education (PEOPLE Foundation), Krissi works in Sierra Leone to educate youth on HIV/AIDS and sexual abuse and advocate for access to higher education.

Ivo has overcome immense personal tragedy, now a prominent community and youth leader with LOVE facilitating dialogue and action to reduce youth violence in his community of Vancouver, Coast Salish Territories.

Organizer of her high school's "Change Revolution" benefit concert which raised $6000 to support people in Darfu and Ghana, and initiator of anti-bullying workshops in her school, Zoe is a mature and strong youth leader in her community who exemplifies peaceful leadership.

For 26 years, the Canadian Red Cross has challenged high school students in BC to empathize with the daily realities of many people across the world. Students are inspired to take peaceful action as essential agents of change in their community.

Anita is determined to help youth fight for equality, obtain an education, and work toward reconciliation. Anita worked closely with the founders of the global youth-focused organization and helped organize a multi-city youth summit bringing together 100 youth from 13 countries in Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Since 1989, this group of Rotarians has been dedicated to creating long-lasting peaceful change, most recently collaborating with Progressive Cooperatives Haiti to establish basic agricultural business structure and literacy skills to sustain rural communities in Haiti.

Angie is passionate about representing peaceful youth voices and has worked with a variety of organizations including Equitas, UNESCO, and the YMCA, to teach peace-building, human rights, and fair conflict resolution.

The key to peace for Jennifer is a commitment to small but significant daily actions. After an inspiring weight-loss journey, Jennifer exemplifies making peace a constant priority, hoping to achieve goals including making 1000 origami cranes and paddling for Wild Salmon.

Sarah is committed to helping build connections, trust, and empowerment in Cambodia, a country ravaged by genocide and civil war. Sarah has breathed life back into a Cambodian archaeological university so that Cambodians can reclaim their cultural heritage.

Co-founder of SocDoc Studios, Amber and her partner Avi Goldstein have created a series of films which promote cross-cultural understanding, equality, and human rights as tools to end violence and war in Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. Amber is dedicated to creating peace one friendship at a time, and she is walking the talk.

President of WERA since 2006, Brent Granby is instrumental in the West End community advocating for civic engagement and the creation of public spaces. Tirelessly, he engages citizens in peaceful public discourse on social equity and environmental sustainability.

From the Sanskrit word for "peace", Vancouver based Shanti Uganda is dedicated to bringing the healing power of community to those affected by the trauma of 23 years of war and violence in Uganda, and advocating for an entire generation that has never known peace.

Although the YMCA Power of Peace Awards happens only once a year, the YMCA fosters and supports youth peace leaders locally and globally. The YMCA runs a Youth Peace Network. The purpose of the YMCA Youth Peace Network (YPN) is to build peace locally and globally by training youth leaders in peace, conflict resolution and social justice, developing leadership skills and fostering regional and international networks. This is based on a belief in the empowerment of youth and children, and of their capacity to create change.

YMCA Power of Peace Awards
201 - 1166 Alberni Street
Vancouver, BC   V6E 3Z3
Tel: 604-685-8066
Fax: 604-684-3255
E-Mail: powerofpeace at vanymca.org

This project is undertaken with the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and the YMCA Endowment Fund.