2018- When It all Started

I was not thinking of how big this was going to get. But I do admit, my dream was to have a peace dove in everyone's hands one day.

I knew from a young age I wanted to help people. I was not sure what that would look like. I am lucky, because my job now allows me to be a helper. Which I love. This project, peace project, is much more than helping people. It is about giving hope, love, and the possibility of peace. Peace within ourselves, in our homes, community, country, and the world. In 2013, I learned about Peace One Day. "Jeremy Gilley set out to document his efforts to create an annual Peace Day. To this end he founded the non-profit organization Peace One Day. In 2001 the organization’s efforts were rewarded when the member states of the United Nations unanimously adopted the first ever annual day of global ceasefire and non-violence on 21 September – Peace Day." I was impacted by Mr. Gilley's work. In a major way. I followed his story. Began my own journey of inner peace.

In 2018, I decided that I wanted to make peace doves and pass them out randomly. I asked a group of close friends if they wanted to help out. I called them my Peace Ambassadors. At that time, Jeanette, Jen, Steph, and all my very good friends agreed without any hesitation. I had 15 Peace Ambassadors. It was so exciting! I decided to make 10 doves for each ambassador. They would keep one for themselves and pass out the 9 to anyone they would like. The design you see in the picture? that is the first design for 2018. Big, clumpy, and no theme to it was so ever. Only with a simple message, "Today, give a little, smile a little, love a lot." This message has carried on to be the constant each year.

"World Peace Day is envisioned to become a moment of global unity--it is up to each and every one of us to make this a reality." --Jeremy Gilley

In 2019, I had more people interested in the project and wanted to become Peace Ambassadors. from 15, it went up to 30! I could not believe it. I was going to make 300 peace doves to pass out. I was stoked. In 2020, we passed out 500 doves. This year, we plan to pass out 1,000. What is so great, is that now we have organizations that are involved in being a "peace site." They receive 50 doves and place them in their business for their customers to take one for free. The doves are mailed out to the organizations or individuals mid to end of August. This provides plenty of time for individuals to pass out their doves before September 21st--Peace Day. This is not for profit, its not a non-profit organization either. This is just passing out peace doves. Showing people that you are loved, and all we want is for you to have peace and pass it on to others.

So began the peace project. Before I knew it, I had a Facebook group and now a blog! Who knew. I am not sure where this journey will take me. But I am so glad that you are part of it. Remember to smile, give, and love. If you are interested in becoming a Peace Ambassador just email me: azykhan@hotmail.com

Resource:

Peace One Day- https://peaceoneday.org/Main/About

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