The International Day of Peace was created by the United Nations General Assembly in 2001, and six years later, Hawaii became the first state to officially celebrate “World Peace Day.”
Every year since then, the Interfaith Roundtable of Kauai has sponsored a celebration. Similar events will be found around the state and all over the world during the week of Sept. 21.
The international theme for this event is “The Right to Peace — The Universal Declaration of Human Rights’ 70th Anniversary.”
IROK is focusing on “Creating Peaceful Relationships,” and we are inviting all ages to our free event! It’s at the Lydgate Park Main Pavilion from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday.
At 1:30, a musical call to the program will be performed by the talented and creative “Middle Fields,” featuring Antoine Woody and Darren Dzurilla on the main stage.
Come join us to learn conflict resolution techniques that have been proven to work. Most anyone from ages 3 to 110 can learn how to respectfully solve problems. At 2, Dr. Hari Khalsa, IROK chairperson, will welcome guests, on IROK’s behalf. Kumu Hula Puna Kalama Dawson, will give a blessing, and share about Hoʻoponopono, the ancient Hawaiian form of conflict resolution for families.
From 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. there will be simultaneous presentations on conflict resolution skills for families with younger children and one for the general audience of preteens and up.
The youth program will feature Robert Gluckson as Zippedy the Clown, back by popular demand, and Janet Carafa, an internationally renowned mime.
The entertainment and activities will strengthen one’s healthy sense of self and build awareness of how to resolve conflicts with peace and respect.
Our children will enjoy singing, dancing, crafting puppets, watching three short puppet shows plus participating in a hands-on puppetry playshop by Zippedy the Clown! Deborah Burnham, a Kauai health consultant and Janice Reed, the Center for Spiritual Living Youth Program Coordinator, are guiding the puppet show teams.
On the main stage, a team of experienced mediators will explain the process of mediation and demonstrate a mock mediation.
Many people think that the mediators come up with the solutions. Instead, they help the disputants really hear and understand each other, and create their own solutions. The mediators will then facilitate a deep listening exercise, in small groups in the pavilion, and answer peoples questions about mediation.
Near the end of the event the children will rejoin the main audience, and we’ll all see a puppet show that demonstrates conflict resolution techniques.
Our event will close with a grand circle dance for all in the tradition of Dances of Universal Peace, led by Steve Backninoff.
Fruits, veggies, filtered water and healthy beverages will be served.
For more information about the Lydgate Park peace gathering contact Deborah Burnham at 651-4534 (Deborah@burnhamhealthconsulting.com) or visit www.interfaithroundtableofkauai.org
