Each year, our partner youthrive (St. Paul, MN), the regional affiliate of the international PeaceJam, holds an event for all youth in the region who have been participating in youthrive curriculum: serving their communities, building peace where they are and learning about the life story and work of a particular PeaceJam Nobel Laurate.
This year, the Nobel laureate was President Oscar Arias Sanchez. In the fall, each of the youth groups made a committment to Preseident Arias to make a difference through a specific project in their communities. In the spring, he came to the regional PeaceJam celebration in Minneapolis to visit the youth in person and be their keynote presenter. During this weekend, the youth reported back to President Arias what they've accomplished on their committments and projects. They also engaged together in service learning in the Frogtown neighborhood and enjoyed inspirational local artists and cultural celebration.
As a youthrive:LIVE! artist, Heatherlyn was invited to contribute music to the Ceremony of Inspiration, a time in the weekend - after hearing the Nobel laurate and after spending hours working hard on service project - a time when all the youth who desire come forward to share what inspires them to be the change they want to see in the world. They shared about their families, experiences of community surrounding them following a traumatic experience, loved ones who have passed on and individuals who have made a difference in their lives.
I was inspired by them and their stories. I was inspired to see youth from all over the MidWest, youth of every color, some from citites, some from farms, coming from different creeds and backgrounds. There are probably many things that differentiated them but they all share in common the desire to participate in hope and engage in meaningful, positive change in their communities.
Learn more about PeaceJam, youthrive and President Oscar Arias Sanchez at their respective links.
Peace and One Love.
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