newsletters

peace flower

January 2024

Seek peace within yourself and others • Reach out in service • Protect the environment • Respect diversity • Be a responsible citizen of the world

WELCOME BY PRESIDENT CAREN STELSON

Welcome to 2024. Because of your support, World Citizen Peace continues to actively plan for a New Year of peace initiatives. Our upcoming peace scholarships are at the top of our news to share with you. This spring, WCP will offer ten Erdahl Peace Scholarships to Peace Ambassador educators and community members, up to $250 each. The Lowell Erdahl Peace Scholarship is made possible by the Erdahl family, friends and donors in honor of Lowell.

Lowell ErdahlLowell Erdahl (1931-2021) lived his life in Minnesota, raising a family and rising in the Lutheran Church, serving first as a pastor, eventually becoming Bishop of the St. Paul Area Synod (ELCA). A prolific writer and peace activist, Lowell served on the Board of World Citizen Peace for many years, promoting peace world-wide. Both Lowell and his wife of 66 years, Carol Erdahl, believed in peace education and in the mission of World Citizen Peace: To empower people to create a just and peaceful world. Each scholarship we award to a Peace Ambassador educator or community member will carry Lowell’s belief that one person can have an unknowable and immeasurable impact when intentionally working for peace.

For those interested in a Lowell Erdahl Peace Scholarship, continue to read this newsletter for more details and visit our website. We look forward to your application.

Once again, thank you for supporting World Citizen Peace. Engage in our peace education online videos. Consider becoming a Peace Ambassador. Organize your school or community to become a Peace Site. Let’s continue to work together for peace.

WORLD CITIZEN PEACE NEWS

MAKE PEACE REAL: APPLY FOR THE ERDAHL PEACE SCHOLARSHIP TODAY

WCP wants to join with you in making a more peaceful world with the World Citizen Peace Lowell Erdahl Peace Scholarship (EPS)! We are excited to invite applications for this opportunity, which is generously funded by the Erdahl family, donors, and friends in honor of his peace building efforts and legacy. We are offering 10 scholarships each up to $250 to empower WCP Peace Ambassadors to turn their visions of a more peaceful and just world into reality.

Imagine the possibilities! The EPS is your way to funding a diverse array of impactful projects that promote peace. Below are examples of possible projects, so propose innovative ideas that resonate with your passion for fostering peace.

  • Inspiring peace activities or lessons in a school or classroom.
  • Creating a vibrant peace community right in your neighborhood.
  • Cultivating serene Peace Gardens that inspire tranquility.
  • Erecting a symbolic Peace Pole to convey a powerful message of unity.
  • Crafting stunning Peace Murals that tell stories of harmony.
  • Establishing Peace Sites that become beacons of positive change.
  • Introducing a Buddy Bench to foster connections and support.

Remember, only WCP Peace Ambassadors may apply for the EPS. Not yet a Peace Ambassador? Don’t miss out! Click here to become one, and embrace the opportunity to join hundreds of Peace Ambassadors — for free.

Apply now, and let your commitment to peace become reality!

WCP GIVEAWAY RECIPIENTS

Sachiko by Caren StelsonThanks to everyone who entered WCP’s last giveaway for the book Sachiko: A Nagasaki Bomb Survivor’s Story, by Caren Stelson. We had a number of applications, and the winners were selected at random. The book recipients are:

  • Dominica R., Peace Ambassador, Georgia, United States
  • Cathy G., Peace Ambassador, California, United States

Another great giveaway will be coming up in soon.

PEACE IN BLOOM: THE WORLD CITIZEN PEACE SPRING FUNDRAISER 2024

peace

Get ready for an extraordinary event this April as we come together to make a lasting impact and create a just and peaceful world! World Citizen Peace is excited to announce our much-anticipated Spring Fundraiser 2024. This event is not just a celebration of the season but a vibrant showcase of our collective commitment to “Empower People to Create a Just and Peaceful World.”

Your support is crucial in fueling the mission of World Citizen Peace. By participating in our Spring Fundraiser, you become an integral part of the change we all wish to see in the world. All donations received will contribute directly to peace events and actions through the Erdahl Peace Scholarship, as well as enabling us to advance our cause and bring about a positive transformation through peace education programs.

Mark your calendars for this exciting event! Together, let’s create ripples of change and make the Spring Fundraiser 2024 an unforgettable milestone in our journey toward a more just and peaceful world.

PEACE AMBASSADOR SPOTLIGHT

MOHAMMED HAROON KHAMISANI

Mohammed Haroon Khamisani, a dedicated Cultural Director of the Arizona Asian American Association (AAAA-AZ) and Peace Ambassador, has played a significant role in fostering peace and understanding among diverse communities. Recognized for his outstanding efforts during the 25th Asian Festival, Mr. Khamisani received a Certificate of Appreciation for his commitment to promoting Culture, Heritage, Tourism, and PEACE.

Khamisani Balloon Festival

His involvement extended beyond the festival, as he actively participated in international events such as the International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, New Mexico. There, he not only made new friends but also worked towards promoting peace globally. His engagement in the 29th Chandler Multicultural Festival further showcased his dedication to fostering brotherhood and understanding among communities.

Khamisani Chandler Festival

As a Cultural Director, Mr. Khamisani represented Pakistan at the Arizona Asian Festival, contributing to the celebration of the rich cultures of 19 different Asian countries. Through live performances and cultural displays, he not only showcased the beauty of Pakistani culture but also conveyed a powerful message of global peace and harmony. With over a decade of association with AAAA-AZ, Mr. Khamisani continues to be a driving force in bringing communities together and promoting a world of understanding, unity and PEACE.

World Citizen Peace is proud to join with Mr. Khamisani in making our world more peaceful and just.

PEACE FACTS

THE PEACE SYMBOL WAS CREATED IN 1958

The Peace Symbol, commonly known as the “peace sign,” was designed in the late 1950s by British artist Gerald Holtom. It became an iconic symbol representing peace, anti-war movements, and a call for global unity.