May Peace Prevail on Earth
 
Those simple words are a prayer, a vision and a powerful tool for healing ourselves and our planet. People all over the world are taking these words into their hearts; joining in a thought wave of light and love that is growing brighter every day.
 
I will share with you my experience of when I saw my first Peace Pole.
I walked the Camino de Santiago (500 miles) through northern Spain in 2015. Getting close to the end of the world called Finisterre (Fisterra in Spanish), I could not believe the joy and excitement from my friend (a Rotarian from Portland, Oregon) seeing a Peace Pole near the lighthouse. He started telling me all about Peace Poles and how many they already have in the Portland area.
 
A Peace Pole is a hand-crafted monument that displays the message and prayer “May Peace Prevail On Earth” on each of its four or six sides, usually in different languages.
 
There are tens of thousands of Peace Poles in 180 countries, all over the world, dedicated as monuments to Peace. They serve as constant reminders for us to visualize and pray for world peace and conflict resolution.
 
Peace and conflict resolution is one of Rotary’s six areas of focus. This year, 2017, marks the 100th year of the Rotary Foundation, and planting Peace Poles is a way to commemorate that event and spread the message of peace in our community and around the world.
 
The Chandler Rotary Club is planning to “Plant” Peace Poles as follows:
  • The first Peace Pole will be in the ground in front of the Chandler library
  • The second one at an elementary school in Chandler
  • The third one, probably in the park downtown Chandler
For clubs who would like to order a Peace Pole, go to www.peacepoleproject.org/order.
 
To receive a very detailed installation procedure, including required tools, should contact Gabrielle.schwarz@gmail.com
 
After your Peace Pole is installed, you need to organize a Peace Pole dedication ceremony, bringing the community together in celebration. For this unveiling ceremony, invite children, local authorities and Rotarians, as well as the local newspaper and local TV news.
 
Peace is not
Something you wish for!
Peace is
Something you make,
Something you are,
Something you do, and
Something you give away.
                                    ~Robert Fulgham
 
NOTE:  District 5495 encourages all clubs to investigate the possibility of installing a Peace Pole in their respective communities. Information on how to receive District support for your project will be available on the District website. For further funding information, contact DG Nancy at DGNancy5495@gmail.com.
 
Peace Pole Chair Gabrielle Schwarz
Chandler Rotary Club