The City of Peoria was recognized as the 334th city in the world to be designated as an International City of Peace, thanks in large part to the efforts of Past District Governor Chuck Fitzgerald and members of the Rotary Club of Peoria.
PDG Chuck and Peoria Mayor Cathy Carlat asked three community leaders to endorse the City of Peace application. The Peoria Diamond Club was honored to do so, along with the Peoria Chamber of Commerce and the Peoria Unified School District.
Mayor Carlat read a proclamation announcing the city’s designation as an International City of Peace during a recent Peoria City Council meeting. The proclamation read, in part:
“We welcome the citizens of Peoria, Arizona who have established their community by Proclamation and continuous peacebuilding as an International City of Peace. Liaison Chuck Fitzgerald is active in many nonprofit organizations as well as serving as Sergeant at Arms for the Arizona House of Representatives. He is a long time Rotarian and countless volunteers, such as Chuck, are involved in community projects.”
The Rotary Club of Peoria installed a Peace Pole several years ago at Centennial High School and is in the process of installing a second one at a Peoria park.
VISION
The City of Peoria is a community where conditions allow for each of our citizens to reach their fullest potential; we are a community known for its acts of service and compassion, and its depth of gratitude.
MISSION
To create a society that is caring, compassionate, respectful, inclusive and equipped to serve its citizens, the surrounding communities, and the world.
GOALS
- • To develop stronger systems of care and compassion
- • To consistently launch children and youth into their fullest potential
- • To build a thriving business, entertainment, and employment infrastructure
- • To achieve better performance on environment stewardship
- • To achieve high levels of resilience and adaptability
- • To create space to explore peace through educational programs and community events
- • To continually strengthen the importance and reputation of the Peoria Peace Initiative
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In a photograph taken during the city council meeting: From left, are Peoria Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Jason Reynolds, City of Peoria Mayor Cathy Carlat, ICoP Liaison Chuck Fitzgerald, Peoria Diamond Club’s General Manager Roz Shanley, Peoria Chamber of Commerce President Scot Andrews, and Retired Peoria Police Officer Bill Weight (front). The artistic Peace Pole was a gift to the City Council and will remain in the Council Chambers as a visible reminder to all that peace is possible!
