500 W Holly Street
Bellingham
WA 98225
Recognized by the United Nations since 1982 and the City of Bellingham since 2010, International Day of Peace is a day for us to envision what our world can look like without weapons, violence, and oppression.
In solidarity with people around the world, the Whatcom Peace & Justice Center (WPJC) will host “Rad & Real: Turning Imagination into Action,” Bellingham’s 18th annual International Day of Peace celebration, happening in-person (following COVID safety protocols) on Sunday, September 19, 2021 at Maritime Heritage Park, followed by a virtual community event on Tuesday, September 21.
As we continue to navigate the ever-changing COVID landscape, this year’s event will integrate interactive (and socially-distanced) music and art to encourage connection and joy, while acknowledging the ongoing trauma many in our community and around the world experience daily. Through art, reflection and collective imagination we can begin to envision new systems and ways of being, which move us towards a future in which all are able to thrive, regardless of identity or location.
This year features the presentation of our annual Lifetime Peacemaker Award, a chance to meet and learn about various local organizations helping to imagine a compelling future, inspiring performances by local artists, and a keynote speech by Swinomish and Visayan elder Shelly Vendiola. Shelly Vendiola has served as an educator, facilitator, activist, and mediator for over 30 years and co-founded the Native Community Engagement and Peacemaking Project.
The in-person event will take place on Sunday, September 19 from 2:00-7:00 pm at Maritime Heritage Park. All street parking is free, including parking in the Commercial Street Garage. The following WTA Bus lines stop at Maritime Heritage park – 3, 15, 50, 232, and 331. The space is family friendly, wheelchair accessible, and we will provide ASL interpretation. Activities for children will be provided at no cost. All active COVID protocols at that time will be followed, and we will have extra masks and sanitizer for anyone who needs them. Anyone who cannot attend the in-person event at that time can still participate in the Take-Out for Peace promotion with the participating restaurants listed on our website. They can also attend our virtual event on Tuesday, September 21.
The virtual portion of this event will take place on Tuesday, September 21 from 6:00-7:30 pm over Zoom. We will hold a community discussion with processing and idea generation, as well as offer a host of local actions community members can participate in, truly transforming radical imagination into reality. More details are forthcoming, stay tuned!
As we enter its 18th year, the Whatcom Peace and Justice Center promotes lasting peace, social justice and a culture of nonviolence at home and worldwide. We work towards these visions through partnerships, education, and direct actions.
To learn more about our efforts, become a financial sponsor, or volunteer contact Executive Director Aline Prata at (360) 734-0217, office@whatcompjc.org, or visit www.WhatcomPJC.org today!
