Peace Medal

Think peace. Do it. Inspire it.

Each year since 1987, The YMCAs of Québec have been celebrating ordinary people who demonstrate a vision, creativity and an extraordinary commitment to making our communities, our country or our world more peaceful and just.

Working quietly, these individuals are models for their community. Peace is their main focus, and they invest phenomenal energy in bringing it alive. These people are the peacemakers and they inspire us.

The official ceremony to celebrate the 2009 peacemakers will take place in Montreal and will be publicized throughout Québec.

Do you know a peacemaker? Please send us your nomination.
Nomination form

Who can submit a nomination?

Any person or group in Quebec can nominate a peacemaker, based on the following criteria:

• Promotes peace within the local community, nationally or internationally. Finds peaceful solutions to violence, conflict, discrimination and injustice.
• Makes a difference by working quietly without special recognition to create a culture of peace.
• Enhances the lives of people in their local, community nation or internationally by creating peaceful environments.
• Demonstrates ways to live in peace with all people.

The categories

Selection process

A volunteer selection committee will review all nominations. Decisions will be based on the information provided in the nomination package. Nominees and nominators will be contacted by The YMCAs of Québec to:

• confirm the nominee accepts the nomination;
• request supporting materials such as photographs, videos or articles;
• confirm the details of the Peace Medal luncheon where the recipients will be announced;
• inform nominees that, if selected as a recipient, they will be photographed and possibly interviewed.

Past Peace Medal recipients

People and groups who have received the Peace Medal have come from all communities and backgrounds: artists, volunteers,community or health workers, support groups, etc.

Here is the list of past recipients:

2008
2007
2007 Honorary recipients
2006
2005
Before 2005

About the YMCA Peace Medal

The YMCA defines peace as a state where all individuals and communities live free from conflict, violence and war, are able to satisfy their basic human needs, are treated equitably, and are able to reach their full potential in life. Complex factors that lead to poverty, social injustice and instability, conflict, violence and war must be addressed to achieve peace. This sounds like a huge task, but it begins one step at a time with individuals and groups in our local community.

Since 1981, YMCAs in 127 countries around the world have observed YMCA Peace Day each November.

2009 marks the 22nd year The Ys of Québec has honoured local peacemakers.

YMCA Peace Statement

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 and pray for ways to be peacemakers.