About the YMCA Peace Medal
Each year, YMCAs across Canada celebrate acts of peace by recognizing individuals and groups who, without any special resources, status, wealth or position, have demonstrated a commitment to building peace within their community or communities elsewhere in the world. During YMCA Peace Week, which will take place from November 16-23, 2025, local peacemakers will receive special recognition and a medal at Peace Medal ceremonies across Canada. Peacemakers are selected through a nomination process. To nominate a Peacemaker, please review the selection principles and complete the enclosed nomination form.
Nomination Guidelines
· Nominations should focus on activities that have taken place within the last two years
· YMCA staff members are not eligible for nomination
· Professionals who are paid to do peacemaking work are not eligible for nomination
· Self-nominations will not be considered
Peacemaker Selection Criteria
“…Peace has many dimensions. It is not only a state of relationships among nations. We cannot expect to live in a world of peace if we are unable to live in peace with those close to us – even those who differ from us….The responsibility for peace begins with each person, in relationship with family and friends, and extends to community life and national activities…”
YMCA Statement of Peace, World Alliance of YMCAs, 1981
Peace Medal recipients should demonstrate the values of PEACE:
P = Participation – getting involved and encouraging others to get involved in community-building activities
E = Empathy – listening and understanding diverse perspectives to create a sense of belonging for all
A = Advocacy – making the case for positive change in the community
C = Community – building and strengthening community connections and capacity
E = Empowerment – inspiring others to foster peace and helping them gain the skills and tools to succeed
To nominate a Peacemaker, please review the guidelines and complete the nomination form below.
Deadline - Friday, October 17th, 2025