40 in 40 Day #25

Day #25 

"If we are to move from a culture of war to a culture of peace, then we will have to unite around the most fundamental issue that humanity faces – the protection of each other and our environment. 21 September is the starting point. Individuals can make a difference. By working together there will be Peace One Day.”
Jeremy Gilley, Founder, Peace One Day

 http://www.looktothestars.org/charity/659-peace-one-day#ixzz10CcIL4Vf

Jeremy Gilley is a filmmaker who at one time was an actor. Born in 1969 he acted for about a decade and then in 1994 began his own film making company, P.U.R.E. Productions. His internationally acclaimed documentary, "Peace One Day" was a journey that spanned five years. Jeremy met with heads of states, freedom fighters, international aid agencies, Nobel prize winners, people from every walk of life and people from around the world. His finished documentary, which documented his findings, was the impetus he needed to approach the United Nations. He was aiming for a U.N. resolution declaring one day of the year a Day of Peace.

The resolution only took three years to be completed and  ratified. In 2001, September 21st was named International Day of Peace or World Day of Peace. This year, 2010, we celebrate the ninth World Day of Peace and we owe our thanks to a man with a dream, Jeremy Gilley.

Not content with one film, Gilley produced another film, "Day After Peace" and launched what he refers to as a Portal for Peace: http://www.peaceoneday.org The site invites participation, offers free education, has news from around the world that motivates and inspires the spirit, and has a bit of the history and vision surrounding Peace One Day.

Mr. Gilley has set up numerous avenues to reach the world with his mission of peace...

*Global Ask - life saving initiatives around the world.

*Football - football matches to be played on September 21 (World Peace Day) all over the globe utilizing players from different cultures and communities. Football has a One Day Goal that celebrates cooperation, unity and the power of football to bring people together.

*Annual Celebration - began in 2007 in New York with the goal to spread around the world in key areas.

*Education - as of today this branch of Peace One Day has produced a 17-page lesson plan that teaches the link between sustainability and peace. It is the goal of Peace One Day to provide every school on earth this much needed lesson plan.

* POD T.V. - this is my particular favorite. A dedicated channel for peace. I wonder what it might be like to see events that promote peace on the nightly news before bed. I just believe we would all sleep more soundly.

Jeremy Gilley, a man with a dream.

His Action: Bold action. He took his dream to those who could make it a reality as he continues to expand the dream.

September 21st is International Peace Day. If you want, you could make every day Peace Day. Go to www.peaceoneday.org and join in some way.