The theme of the 2026 International Day of Peace, Invest in Peace - For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day, invites us all to do our part for peace.
This year, on September 21st, the world marks the International Day of Peace, established in 1981 by the United Nations General Assembly. Our Rotary District 6290 Peacebuilders Team is working to help you, our Rotary family, discover tools and find opportunities to be champions for peace in your own communities.
This year’s International Day of Peace celebrates the everyday architects of peace; people laying the groundwork for stability, driving local action and building lasting peace from the ground up. Remember, peace isn’t just built in Rotary meetings—it is shaped by everyone, every day.
District 6290’s Peace Walk
In June, we celebrated our inaugural District 6290 Peace Walk across the International Bridge, which connects Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, and Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Rotarians from across our district joined together to walk across the bridge, carry a peace pole, and recite the peace pledge used at the first international peace park, the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, created in 1932.
Organize Your Own Peace Walk
Now it’s your turn! We want to invite every Rotarian - in every club - on Sunday, September 20th to create a Peace Walk in your community. Gather friends, family, and community members for a walk promoting peace and raising awareness of the culture of peace. Invite the Interact Club, local churches, service organizations, and civic groups to participate. Several Rotary clubs can work together. This is a great way to unite your community.
Here are some ideas:
- Wear t-shirts displaying a message of peace. Shirts with an image of a dove and the message, “Rotary: Ambassadors for Peace,” are available. Contact Kathy Hegedus at 616-935-9559
- Install a Peace Pole in your community and hold a dedication ceremony. Peace poles can be ordered from the Big Rapids Rotary Club. Contact: drmskane55@gmail.com
- Invite speakers to give remarks on creating peace in ourselves, our communities, and the world.
- Carry flags from different countries.
- Recite a pledge of peace or sing a song of peace.
There are also some good ideas on the World Peace website. https://www.worldpeace.org/
Get the word out! Share information about your upcoming Peace Walk on social media.
Post photos of your club’s Peace Walk on social media. Be sure to tag D6290 so we can share the photos with all clubs.
Together, let’s demonstrate Rotary’s commitment to peace and unite our communities in creating a peace movement.
Article submitted by Kate Fornarotto, Rotary Club of Holland