Global Initiatives

The YMCA Peace Medal recognizes and celebrates members of our community who inspire us to join them in creating a more peaceful world.

Every time someone takes an action for peace, people are connected, to themselves and to each other. In every community there are people who make a difference and who are committed to bringing peace and prosperity to the world they live in, often in the face of great conflict and injustice. 

YMCA Peace Medal

The YMCA Peace Medal is presented to individuals or groups who, without any special resources, status, wealth or position, demonstrate a commitment to the values of P-E-A-C-E through contributions made within their local, national or global community. 

2023 Medals

As we continue to navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic and issues facing our global community, YMCA Peace Week takes on new meaning, illustrating how the ongoing work of building peace needs to continue now more than ever. COVID-19 and the urgent calls for action for diversity, social inclusion, and equity are challenging us, as individuals, communities and country, to consider where we've been and where we want to go.

More information will be shared about our 2023 YMCA Peace Medals and Annual Breakfast in Spring 2023.

Developing leaders. Advancing peace.

The Farah Family and the YMCA are inviting youth school groups of all ages in Hamilton, Burlington, and Brantford area to apply for a grant of $500 - $2,500 to support youth-led projects that: 

• Encourages the advancement of peace in their community
• Promotes non-violence within the family, community, nationally or internationally 
• Demonstrates ways to live in peace and harmony in an increasingly diverse society 
• Supports leadership in global awareness among young people 
• Encourages global responsibility and action towards positive change 

The initiative should also:

Promote civic engagement
Encourage empathy and understanding through communication
Actively lead and support leadership
Connect and collaborate through communities by building connections
Empower and inspire others to create positive personal and social change

With the initiative of these grants it is our hope that we can encourage more young people to foster a culture of peace in their school and community; promote peace and cross-cultural understanding; and build skills for civic engagement. We also wish to inspire others to join them in creating a more peaceful world. 

Awarding is not automatic: The Youth Reviewing Committee and the YMCA Peace Medal Committee reserves the right to not issue the award in full or in part of the $2,500 funding available, should candidates not meet criteria.