Midland Rotary and Nonviolent Peaceforce sponsor Celebration of Peace

Midland residents marked International Peace Day on Sept. 21 by unveiling a Peace Pole at Creative 360 during the third annual Celebration of Peace. 

The pole, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Midland, displays the message "May Peace Prevail on Earth" in eight languages. Each was carefully selected to reflect  the diversity of Midland and honor cultural and historical connections while acknowledging regions experiencing conflict. 

Alongside English and Spanish, the Peace Pole showcases Ukrainian and Russian to acknowledge the ongoing war between these nations. Arabic represents South Sudan and Palestine, while Hebrew is included for Israel. Vietnamese pays tribute to Veterans for Peace, and Japanese celebrates Midland’s sister city Handa, Japan.

A Peace Pole is an internationally recognized symbol of the hopes and dreams of the entire human family, standing vigil in silent prayer for peace on earth. 

Peace Passport for learning and fun

Attendees also had the opportunity to participate in activities, enjoy food, and learn more about local organizations’ efforts to promote peace. Guests were invited to explore each booth using a Peace Passport, which earned them a sticker for each vendor and a popsicle and book at the end of their journey. 

Tom LaneRieek Nyoach founder of Grassroot Initiative Network One of the first stops highlighted Grassroot Initiative Network (GIN), a nonprofit whose mission is to provide literacy education to South Sudanese refugees. GIN was founded by Rieek Nyoach, who spent 12 years in Kenyan and Ethiopian refugee camps before receiving a scholarship to Saginaw Valley State University in 2018.

“I wanted to give back,” says Nyoach. “There is so much going on, so many good people in Midland. It’s been a blessing.” 

Representatives from Northwood University were on hand to talk about the many ways the school promotes peace. Not only have they welcomed 100 international students to campus, but they also offer many study-abroad programs.

“We believe students should have global competency,” says Adem Althor
Dean of International Affairs. “It helps them work with others from diverse backgrounds.” 

The Great Lakes Bay Region division of Be Smart For Kids was present, teaching people about new gun laws in Michigan. “It’s a brand new law that requires all guns be locked and secured when children are present,” says representative Rose Jones. Misty BarronRose Jones of BeSMART talks about gun safety

Be SMART emphasizes that it is the responsibility of adults to prevent children from accessing guns and that every adult can play a role in keeping kids and communities safer.

Another booth featured the SOGI Youth Advocacy Council, which works to explore needs and eliminate risks in our community for youths of all sexual orientations and identities.

There were many others along the passport journey, including the Midland Police Department, Citizen’s Climate Lobby, and Dow High’s Go Green Club.

Midland’s City of Peace designation

Although this year’s event coincided with International Peace Day, the Celebration of Peace event also marks Midland’s recognition as a City of Peace. The city was granted the designation in November 2021, making it the 343rd to join the association.

“In February 2024, we were invited to strengthen our relationship as part of a new International City of Peace program, Rotarianism for Cities of Peace,” says Gail Hoffman, a member of the Rotary Club of Midland and chair of their peacebuilding committee.

“We partner for peace and well-being with many individuals and organizations in our community.” 

Misty BarronVisitors fill out Peace Passports to learn about organizationsCelebration of Peace sponsors

Celebration of Peace was sponsored by Nonviolent Peaceforce and Rotary Club of Midland with support from Creative 360, Grace A. Dow Memorial Library, Public Arts Midland, Cultural Awareness Coalition, and Michigan Adventure Rentals.

“Rotary creates environments of peace,” says Hoffman. “As a humanitarian organization, peace is a cornerstone of our mission. We believe when people work to create peace in their communities, that change can have a global effect.”

Nonviolent Peaceforce is an international organization that works to protect civilians from violence and promote peacebuilding efforts worldwide. Their mission is to protect civilians in violent conflicts through unarmed strategies. They aim to build peace side by side with local communities and advocate for the wider adoption of these approaches to safeguard human lives and dignity.

For more information and how to get involved, visit the Nonviolent Peaceforce website or Rotary Club of Midland.