In recognition of the 25th anniversary of International Peace Week in November, YMCA Peace Medals are given to local individuals who are working to strengthen our communities by promoting peaceful solutions to violence, conflict, discrimination and justice. Through their actions, nominees have had significant impact on the lives of others, either locally or elsewhere in the world, without any special resources or recognition.

Tuesday, November 20, 2012
6:30pm Doors open
7:00pm Ceremony commences

CBC Vancouver, Studio 700
700 Hamilton Street, Vancouver

Space is limited, so purchase your tickets early! Tickets available until Friday, November 9th through Ticketmaster, YMCA Membership centres or by email to lisa.stiver@vanymca.org
Financial aid is available.

Students: $10
Adults: $20

Mr. Michel Chikwanine is a former child soldier in the Democratic Republic of Congo, who endured and overcame unimaginable pain and struggles. His passion and belief in the possibility for change makes him a truly remarkable individual and humanitarian. Growing up amid the terror of the Great War of Africa, Michel witnessed the torture of his father, the rape of his mother and endured torture of his own. Much of Michel’s childhood was ravaged by the death and decay of a war that claimed the lives of 5.8 million people, his father included.

Today, Michel is an accomplished motivational speaker with a Me to We addressing audiences across North America. He has spoken to over 250,000 people and has shared the stage with such speakers and performers as Deepak Chopra, K’NAAN, Dr. Jane Goodall, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the cast from the Buried Life, and The Dalai Lama.

YMCA Peace Medal awards recognize the efforts dedicated to 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. Peace Medals will be awarded to:

• Local/International Peacemaker: Open to individuals of any age and groups working in their own community or international community for equality, justice and peace.

• Emerging Young Leader Peacemaker: Open to individuals and groups under 30 years of age working locally or globally for equality, justice and peace.

To nominate a peacemaker, complete and submit the nomination form before October 12th to:

By email: lisa.stiver@vanymca.org

By mail or in-person:
2012 YMCA Peace Pedal Awards
YMCA Community Programs, Attn: Liia Vuur
955 Burrard Street, Vancouver V6Z 1Y2

By fax: 604-939-9621

For more information, please contact 604-939-9622.

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.