The Waterton Glacier International Peace Park Association (WGIPPA) seeks to support and maintain the development and promotion of Waterton Lakes National Park and Glacier National Park as a symbol of friendship, cooperation and our commitment to building peace initiatives whenever possible. Begun in 1932 by Rotarians from Alberta Canada and the United States, the park looks to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2032. The Peace Park is a great symbol for all who visit, but the Association would also like to spread the message and inspiration of peace beyond the borders of the park. Beginning in 2022, we will kick off a 10-year initiative to plant 100 peace poles in the 4 Districts that are sponsors of the WGIPPA – 5080, 5360, 5370 and 5390. Through the pole itself, the media coverage, the location and languages chosen and the dedication ceremony, we hope to make people aware of the critical work we must undertake to make “peace prevail on earth”.
Why Participate
here are estimated over 250,000 Peace Poles around the world dedicated as monuments to peace. Planting a Peace Pole is a way of bringing people together to inspire, awaken and uplift the human consciousness the world over. It is a wonderful project for any community, organization or your home. Peace Poles are now recognized as the most prominent international symbol and monument to peace. They remind us to think, speak and act in the spirit of peace and harmony, and they stand as a silent visual for peace to prevail on earth. Each pole is engraved with 4 or 8 languages which all state, “May Peace Prevail On Earth”. It is an all-inclusive message and prayer to bring people of all faiths, backgrounds and cultures together to understand and embrace our common bonds.
Who should Participate
We invite all Rotarians in Districts 5080, 5360, 5370 and 5390 to pursue planting a pole for their District, their clubs and/or themselves as individuals. We also invite you to work with other clubs and groups in your community so the spirit of peacebuilding comes alive.
How to Participate
1) Visit this site to purchase a pole. They range in price from $150 to $200 USD and are made of weather-resistant vinyl. You can choose 4 or 8 languages. A rotary logo can be added for an additional cost. As an alternative, you may want to consider crafting your own Peace Pole if you have folks able to do this kind of work at your disposal.
2) Explore partnerships as you think about planting a peace pole. Are there other Rotary clubs you can work with, other groups, or perhaps indigenous communities.
3) Choose a location that is visible to the public, accessible, inclusive and available. Consider any approval, permits, etc. that might be needed and pursue those avenues
4) In choosing the languages you will use, consider the area, its history and its inhabitants. You will want to do some research and include other voices that are important to your community as you consider this choice.
5) A Peace Pole dedication ceremony is an exciting event, whether it is planned for a public place where hundreds of people will attend or a private backyard. Every dedication ceremony is a unique outcome of the shared experience of those who plan the program, as well as those who attend. Some Peace Poles are already placed in the ground prior to the ceremony and unveiled during the dedication. Or you may choose to have a group planting, where everyone gets to heave a shovelful of dirt. Various items may be planted along with your Peace Pole.
A dedication plaque is particularly appropriate for Peace Poles in public places, so that everyone will know what your Pole stands for. Think about planning a re-dedication ceremony for the following year. Remember that your Peace Pole dedication or re-dedication can include any elements you bring to it. Whatever you do, the important part is to hold your intentions for world peace in your heart and send it around the world. You will make it special, you will be a bringer of peace. You cannot go wrong if you plan your Peace Pole dedication with lots of love!
Check out some photos and videos of poles and ceremonies from around the world at https://www.worldpeace.org/peacepoleproject/
6) Finally, please help us track this project as part of our 10-year countdown to 100 Peace Poles by letting your District Rotary Peacebuilding Committee Chair or District Governor know your plans. For a $10 fee, the Rotary Action Group for Peace will include your Peace Pole location on a worldwide map that they keep updated. (See rotaryactiongroupforpeace.org). You may also want to alert the media in your community to showcase the work of Rotarians.