Our role in the Interfaith March for Peace and Justice on April 2nd increased our own awareness of the issues around protecting vulnerable minority populations.
The success of the March resulted in organizers wanting to make the "Interfaith March for Peace and Justice" an annual event. Peace-Builders' contributions to the March were many, including shining a "spotlight" on young people as leaders. From their involvement, there are new requests to have the Peace-Builders provide youth leadership in other interfaith activities.
Over 300 people of all ages attended the March. Twenty One groups/organizations joined as co-sponsors paying from $25 to $100 to covered the cost of the parade permit; hiring police to protect the marchers along the parade route; and money for the printing and other supplies.
The March was covered in the nightly news, and it included an interview with Durya Nadeem, our Peace-Builder youth member, who made the opening speech at the March Rally. The diversity of speakers (Christian, Jewish Muslim, Sikh), and a multi-faith choral group sang at the event and reflected the diversity represented at the March. The experiences of working together for the March and carrying the event off, has encouraged the sponsoring groups to want to continue building these relationships.
Bringing young people into the leadership of planning the March and being represented in prominent ways during the March. Comments from heads of cosponsoring organizations testified to the importance of having young people on stage-front and center