YMCA and Peace

Peace in its many forms has long been a concern of the worldwideYMCA movement. At the 1981 World Council Meeting of theWorld Alliance of YMCAs, the General Assembly of theWorld Alliance of YMCAs adopted the following “Statement on Peace” and declared YMCA Peace Day on the third Saturday of November.

Peace has many dimensions. It is not only a state of relationships among nations. We cannot expect to live in a world of peace if we are unable to live in peace with those close to us – even those who differ from us. The Christian faith requires us to seek justice for all and harmonious development. Humankind as a whole is interlinked and interdependent. The international situation compels us to seek effective ways of strengthening peace and preserving life. In the midst of increased conflict, violence and confrontation, we must seek possibilities to be peacemakers. The responsibility for peace begins with each person, in relationships with family and friends, and extends to community life and national activities. There are no simple recipes. It is we ourselves who must seek – act – pray for ways to be peacemakers.

In 2007 the Kamloops Community YMCA-YWCA awarded peace medallions to three home-grown Kamloops organizations. They are recognized for their tremendous work and dedication to making our community and the world more peaceful.  See more about the Peace Medallion Recipients.

As a values-based charity dedicated to health promotion and healthy living, the Kamloops Community YMCA-YWCA serves 14,000 people of all backgrounds, abilities and stages of life. The Kamloops Y’s mission is to support the growth of people in spirit, mind and body and to foster a sense of responsibility to each other and the global community. The Kamloops Y offers many diverse programs including: Health and Wellness, Aquatics, Childcare Resource and Referral, Playcare, Licensed Preschool and After-school Care, Youth Development and Women’s Emergency Shelter.