This upcoming week, September 19-25 is International Peace Week, and to celebrate, The Peace Report has some stellar surprises to roll out! Peace Week, founded by the United Nations and adopted by peace lovers everywhere, is the week surrounding September 21st, the official Peace Day. This year, UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon designated International Peace Day for the chillens, stating: “Young people today are at home with global diversity; they are comfortable in an interconnected world. Yet they are also vulnerable to the forces of extremism." He called on youth from every country to positively contribute to their communities. And for readers who don't think they qualify as youth remember: you're as young as you act during Peace Week.
Now, we know what you're thinking: "But I didn't get enough sleep last night to sustainably resolve the Israel/ Palestine conflict." Fret not. You don't have to be an internationally acclaimed mediator to bring a little happiness to your friends and family. (Although, if you are, kudos.) To help out, we've developed a list of peaceful potpourri to choose from. Try one item or do all of them, but if you do, comment below and tell us how it went and what you did!
1. Send a friend a snail mail. Include a photo or two or a mixed CD if you can. Who doesn't love getting mail?
2. Email or call your representatives about an issue important to you. If you don't know who they are, click here and you can look them up. Usually their individual websites have forms you can use to submit your opinions as well. Keep in mind, these people work for YOU, so contact them and let them know what you're thinking!
3. Call Grandma and Grandpa. Chances are, they will be psyched to hear from you, and they will tell your mom how wonderful you are for the next five years.
4. Crack your friends up. Have people over for a movie or dinner. I recently watched Friday with my friends, and we were laughing all night. If you've seen any good movies lately, let us know in the comment box.
5. Vote!!!!! Did you vote in your primary elections? Do you know when the general elections are? Take 30 minutes to meet the candidates who will be making decisions for you.
6. If you don't already, volunteer. You can volunteer on a one-time basis, or continuously with organizations like your local food bank, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boys and Girls Clubs, the ASPCA, with local sporting events, or nursing homes. When I'm old, I would love some young person to come over and crack me up.
7. Get some sunshine. Go for a walk with your parents and/or canine. Play pick-up soccer. Play tennis. As your parents would say, "Go outside!"
8. Read a book about another culture. Reading Lolita in Tehran, Lipstick Jihad, Open Veins of Latin America, Under the Tuscan Sun, Eat Pray Love, Into the Wild, A Long Way Gone, Three Cups of Tea, City of Falling Angels; let us know what other fantastic books you've read.
9. Try an environmentally friendly household product. For example, Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day, Seventh Generation, and 365 Organic are easy-to-find brands dedicated to both quality and greenery.
10. Pay it forward. If someone does something nice for you, try to keep it going.
What did we miss? Let us know if you have any other ideas, or if you tried something on the list. Happy International Peace Week everyone!
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