Fig Tree - Human Rights Week of Peace in CdA

International Week of Peace celebration in Coeur D'Alene

The International Day of Peace is observed around the world each year on Sept. 21. The United Nations established it as a date for all humanity to commit to peace above all differences and to contribute to building a Culture of Peace. This year's theme is Shaping Peace Together.

The Human Rights Education Institute (HREI) has expanded the day to a week of celebration aimed at bringing the citizens of Coeur d'Alene together to reflect on the message of peace. Several events are planned at HREI (414 W Fort Grounds Dr) and Coeur d'Alene's City Park throughout the week.

"This year, 2020, has been difficult in many ways," said Jeanette Laster, HREI executive director. "Members of our community have been isolated due to COVID-19 restrictions and cut off from normal summer social interaction. The pre-election political climate across the nation has also lent itself to intense debate that has been negatively flooding social media outlets. In lieu of these adverse interactions, we are looking forward to pausing and reflecting in a manner that will intentionally channel our energy in a positive way."

From 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on both Tuesday, Sept 22 and Wednesday, Sept 23, the 2nd Annual Positive Affirmation Walk in City Park will allow people, at their own time and pace, to participate in this Suicide Prevention Awareness activity. By taking this walk, they will let people know that everyone in the community is important and has significance.

On Tuesday, Sept. 22 and Thursday, Sept. 24, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., a Lunchtime Peace Sit In discussion will take place. This brown bag lunch will provide an opportunity to gather for peace and open community dialogue.

At 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept 24 in City Park, adjacent to the HREI building, TaijiFit will be offered. The style of movement and the theories of energy, alignment, balance and flow found in TaijiFit are rooted in traditional Tai Chi. "We get best at what we practice most," states Juli Straton, instructor and owner of AwakenWellness. "Tai Chi gives us the opportunity to practice pausing and breaking harmful cycles."

On Friday, Sept 25m from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., a Rethinking Racism Introduction will take place at HREI. Engaging in conversations about race can be difficult, challenging and uncomfortable. In this introductory experiential learning session, people will explore tools, resources and practices to identify equity dilemmas, to facilitate and deepen equity conversations and to build capacity to strengthen relationships with those involved in the dialogue. Light lunch included. Reserve your spot at HREI.org.

From 3 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept 25, the "Shaping Peace Together" Community Peace Corps Exhibit schedules for the October Coeur d'Alene ArtWalk will offer a preview. Several community members from the greater Coeur d'Alene region will share their experiences serving in the Peace Corps.

The Love Lives Here Coeur d'Alene Campaign will sell Love Lives Here t-shirts and yard signs at HREI. All proceeds will support local business education.

For more information, contact Jeanette Laster at 208-292-2359 or 805-816-9333 or email her at JLaster@HREI.org.