Project P.E.A.C.E.

July 30, 2009 - PEACE meetings this summer
This summer we are holding some great meetings...

Nov, 27th 2008 - The 1st Annual Project Peace Awards...
took place at Police Headquarters in Toronto on Thursday, Nov. 27th. Check out the video clip!!

Oct, 22th 2008 - Project PEACE is holding its 1st annual Halloween Jam!
Come and be apart of the Project PEACE Halloween Jam taking place on October 30, 2008 at 23 Isabella St. (south from Yonge & Bloor station) from 5:30 Pm to 8:30 Pm. Join the excitement Halloween has to bring with activities, contests, music and more! Be sure to be dressed for a night of fright in either black and or orange – or come pre-dressed with a costume. For more information contact: Savannah Shears at 416 597-8297 or E-mail her at Savannah@tgmag.ca

Oct, 17th 2008 - P.E.A.C.E IS INTERESTING!
Another great meeting! This week PEACE focused on facilitating training.

Thanks to the youth who came out and participated.

-updates for next Thursday, October 30, 2008 (HALLOWEEN JAM) at PEACE

-update for the ceremony award that will be taking place in November

-we watched DVD's about making the right choice in life and what happens majority of the time

-role playing certain situations that can/could happen in a facilitation workshop at a school

-discussed questions that should be avoided when asked by students

-had people practice to facilitate the group

Thanks again for everyone that came out to join us!!!

EVERY THURSDAYS AT 5:30PM - 8:30PM MEETINGS come out to speak your opinion!!!!

Sept 15th, 2008 - Rogers Adds
PEACE, UMOVE, Toronto Police and Rogers have worked together to create inspirational Public Service announcements. The PSA’s will not air until October 2008. In the mean time, check out a behind the scene’s story.

PEACE’s own David aka Breaker Dave was chosen out of hundreds of youth in Toronto. Way to go David!

http://www.torontopolice.on.ca/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=3752&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0

Sept 4th, 2008 - 360
This week The Youth Core Team was challenged with a role-playing exercise entitled 360 Degrees. The group was read a scenario and they had to role-play their characters. Some of the characters were children, police officers and victims in a crime. We look forward to expanding the game with more role-plays and a thicker plot. Stay tuned.

Sept 2nd, 2008 - My Toronto is Project PEACE!
http://mynews.ctv.ca/mediadetailmti/322682?collection=495&offset=1&siteT=myToronto

Aug 20th, 2008 - Peace Project Open House BBQ
On August 20, 2008 P.E.A.C.E. (Public Education and Crime Eradication) hosted its first Open House Bar B Que. The PEACE Project involves Toronto youth, the Toronto Police Service, community agencies and schools in efforts to reduce the negative impact guns and gangs have on all our lives. Working together, youth and police have developed videos, programs and workshops that address violence. PEACE provides youth with opportunities to create positive change in their communities, build healthy relationships and develop leadership skills.

Over 200 people attended the open house, which was made up of youth, community members and community partners including Toronto Police Services, Breaking the Cycle, Central Toronto Youth Services, East Metro Youth Services - Rise Program and Conflict Mediation Services of Downsview.

P.E.A.C.E. would like to thank Chiefs Youth Advisory Committee, Superintendent K.M. Ken Cenzura, Sgt. Mike Matic for their generous contributions and support, all our youth participants and our partners. Our combined efforts made our inaugural event a huge success!

Jj campbell

Aug 7th, 2008 - Open house!
The PEACE Youth Core Team is hosting an open house. We usually don’t to things regularly so we thought why start now? Our open house will be featuring all of our partners, a massive barbeque, bboys, entertainment, a DJ all in the park in front of our office. Stop by to meet us and find out what were all about. For more information contact us at 416-597-8297 or email us at savannah@tgmag.ca.

Location: 23 Isabella St. Toronto

Time: Noon – 4:30pm

Who: All young people and those that work with young people

See you there☺

July 24th, 2008 - Head, Heart and Feet
Another great meeting! Thanks to everyone who made it.

This week we got together to discuss gun, gang and youth related violence in our city and communities. We broke it down in three sections: What do we know, how do we feel and what can we do.

Though it can be hard to avoid risky situations and some people get involved with gang culture unknowingly. They sometimes get involved with gangs for protection, to seek power, lack of knowledge, to build reputation and for many other reasons.

We sometimes feel discouraged when we read about so many young people dying, being isolated, hurt or victimized. We know there is hope. It will take work.

We want to work together more as a community and less as individuals, build more opportunities so everyone can know that they have a future. We want to address the problems at their roots and keep young people positive.

Come in and share your ideas to better your neighborhoods and communities.

July 17th, 2008 - Facilitation training
We held Project PEACE facilitation training at the Students Commission. Our partners at Breaking The Cycle came in to help us out. The Youth Ambassadors from BTC shared their knowledge and experience with our future and present facilitators, and ran some enlightening workshops with us. We discussed the expectations placed on men and women in our society and the effects that it can have on us as people when we are not viewed as “perfect,” - as most of us are not. We touched on why people may or may not turn to a gang. Also the factors that have pull in that decision, the cause and effect process and how we might assist the people in our communities in staying out. We had a pizza lunch, followed by some facilitation Dos & Don’ts from Dustin. We got to do a little bit of role-playing, which was nice and just towards the some of our participants shared their personal stories and motivation in this type of community involvement. It brought forth some reliability within the group. When the day was done, everyone left with a better understanding of how to be a fabulous facilitator, and we are all eager to use our new skills in future PEACE facilitations!

July 4, 2008 - YIPI
On Friday we attended The Toronto Police Headquarters to facilitate a workshop for the Youth In Policing Initiative (a.k.a. YIPI’s). YIPI’s are a group of young people whom are hired on every summer by each police division in Toronto. We asked the youth their thoughts on the workshop message. Here what they had to say:

“It was very relatable!”

Dian, 16

“It was good because you see the things they talked about around.”

Sherneyce, 15

“I liked when they showed the flashback in the movie, it was cool!”

Jonathon, 14

“It was entertaining, it could influence other teens to make the right decisions.”

Olivia, 16

“It was really heartwarming.”

Shevon, 17

“Really informative, I learned a lot.”

Camellia, 17

“It was really good because of all the life stories the presenters told.”

Julia, 16

June 26th, 2008 - UN rights
Thanks to everyone who came out to this Thursdays meeting!

Good times were had all around. We came together to discuss the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. If we believe they are being met, what can our federal government do better to enforce and educate us on our rights?

Remember everyone, our new summer hours are 4:30 – 7:30. Try not to be late or you’ll miss out! See you all next week.

June 19th, 2008 - Youth Unity Gala
This evening project PEACE attended the 3rd Annual Unity Gala. This year’s gala was held at Polson Pier (formerly the Docks Entertainment Complex). The event was a huge success. Many of our PEACE partners and youth alumni attended and networked.

To start the evening off was music and speeches. There was a particularly funny speech, by Major Miller. The guest speaker was Sol Guy from 4Real.com He had an interesting and moving speech to kick off the event. Hundreds of guest then had dinner from various food stations.

Congratulations on a successful event. See you next year!

June 5th, 2008 - SNAP!
Thank you to everyone who made it to another exciting meeting on Thursday June 5th. We had some new faces join us this week. The group worked hard to put together our fourth edition of the magazine and planned some fun summer events for everyone to participate in. Everyone is currently working on the Public Service Announcements that had the most votes. We’re snapping pictures all over the city!

Just a reminder that starting June 26, 2008 PEACE hours will be changing from 5:30-8:30 to 4:30-7:30 for the summer.

Don’t be late or you’ll miss out on all the fun. See you all next week.

May 24th, 2008 - The Mosquito
We had a discussion around a device called the mosquito, it is youth deterrent device that uses a sonic sound (singular frequency) to annoy youth and drive them away from loitering in certain areas, then we looked at the charter of rights both UN and Canadian to see if we thought it might be breaching any of these rights, during this we ate jerk chicken, rice and peas, and some festival. The turn out was average, but the discussion was good. If you have any thoughts or feelings about the mosquito, or don’t know about it contact us.

April 17th, 2008 - PSA contest
We had one of are partners Greg Fenten, come in from the Downsview Conflict Mediation Services to talk about conflict and what that is, and how to better deal with it. Afterwards we had a contest to come up with some ideas for some new PSA’s, a couple of guys that had come for the first time won. Their idea was to show Toronto from a positive view and a negative view and have the PSA ask the question of which Toronto do you want to be yours. If you have ideas your self please do not be shy to email them to us or enter them on the web site.

March 12, 2008 - We want to go camping!
Youth Core Participants,

Please remember to bring in your camp registration forms. We want to be able to attend TROOP together. If you need another copy or more information please click on the link below.

http://torontopolice.on.ca/communitymobilization/troop_application_forms.pdf

March 11th, 2008 - OM!
We held a facilitation training today. We had fun with some icebreakers, role-plays and new material developed by Steven. Topics explored body language and how to use our voices. The group’s favorite was the Aum or the “OM”. The Youth Core Group will utilize the skills in PEACE workshops. Contact us for April’s training. Sign up now!

March 6th, 2008 - Past, Present & Future
Another meeting another success!

At this weeks meeting we heard from guest speakers from Breaking The Cycle and TCHC. We explored the issues of our environment and how they affect us. “The Heart” exercise explored how our pasts contribute to our present. We later broke into small group to work on material for our next PEACE magazine. Be sure to join us this Thursday.

Feb 23rd, 2008 - Facilitation training
Saturday afternoon member of The PEACE Youth Core gathered for facilitation training. The afternoon consisted of icebreakers, identifying body language, role-plays and a better understanding of a working team. The day was a success and thanks to all that helped in the planning and facilitation.

Want to learn facilitation skills? Learn more about guns and gangs? Sign up for our March Break Madness training! Please contact Savannah Shears 416-597-8297 or savannah@tgmag.ca.

All youth are welcome☺

Feb 21st, 2008 - weapons
At this evening’s PEACE meeting the Youth Core Team has a discussion regarding guns, weapons and their accessibility. The group was able to ask open questions to Officer Matt. He was honest and clear bout the laws. The group also saw the first edition of the PEACE magazine. Coming to a school near you!

Thanks to all the youth and a special thanks to Anthony, Julian and Todd. Awesome job☺

Feb 15th, 2008 - Battle of the Sexes
Friday evening Project PEACE attended Battle of the Sexes, a break dancing competition. It was a competition for local and international break-dancers. Some dancers traveled all the way from Japan and Argentina. There were female vs. male battles and over 30 team battles. The competitors battled from 7pm through to12am. Joseph a PEACE facilitator competed and won the battle! Thanks to Joseph for representing and rocking the PEACE shirt☺

The Youth Core team also had an information booth and spread the PEACE message. We had a great time!

Feb 14th, 2008 - Leaning to dance!
This evening we had three workshops delivered by PEACE Youth Core Members. Steven started the evening with martial arts. Those were some tuff positions! Jenna was next and heated things up with a salsa. The groups got the basic steps and were even turning their partners. Way to go! Last but not least David taught the basics of Breaking. The illusion steps were kool! The group was challenged, disciplined and learned how relive stress, channel anger in a positive manner and have FUN! Thanks to all who participated and Happy Valentines Day☺

Feb 7th, 2008 - Poverty
Last night at the Peace meeting we had a lengthy discussion/focus group around the subject of poverty, some the issues that lead to poverty and issues that perpetuate poverty. A lot of very good points were made by all of those who attended and a very large thank you to those that observed. The video that was taken will be used as an educational tool for the Toronto Police. Rumor has it that the Chief of Police will also participate in the viewing. Once again thank you to everyone!

Don’t forget to call or email Savannah if you would like to attend the screening of A Winter’s Tale. savannah@tgmag.ca

Feb 2nd, 2008 - Toronto Sport Leadership Program
On Saturday Feb.2, 2008 Peace went to the Metro Hall to promote the peace project and had a booth for a presentation for a new group of young people and some adults. From 4:45pm to 6:00pm Peace facilitators conversed with youth and adults, giving out business cards and pamphlets.

THANK YOU to all the facilitators and volunteers-

Anthony, Annastasia, Tena, Mary, Keenan

Jan 26th, 2008 - 3-2-1
Project PEACE has a new PSA (public service announcement) being shown on The OneStop network. It can be seen on the TTC platforms and bill boards all over Toronto! It has playing since January 26th and was created by The PEACE Youth Core Group, at The Students Commission. We will be posting it on the website shortly. Thanks to everyone the results are GREAT!

Jan 24, 208 - Pizza and Wings
After pizza and wings. We had the group identify what they thought would be good topics to discuss at future meetings, so that we can build are knowledge around guns, gangs and the culture it effectively creates. Some of the topics we came up with were:

- assistance for families of involved youth

- Drug culture and safety

- opportunities and resources

We've also been building on the four pillars and what they mean for us personally and as a group. We've been doing this through a warm to keep it simple and interactive. This week was understanding and we have done listening and respect. We were also worked on putting a three short movies together as one and the script for the fourth movie. The magazine group is working on building content. Lot's of creative ideas!

Jan 10, 2008 - Press conference
The morning of January 10th David, Rawle and Vince attended a press conference. Minster Stockwell Day announced that more than $7.7 million fund 15 crime prevention projects. PEACE is one of the 15 projects! Check out the article.

http://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/media/nr/2008/nr20080110-eng.aspx

http://www.marketwire.com/mw/release.do?id=809228

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20080110/crime_funding_081001?s_name=&no_ads=

http://www.nationtalk.ca/modules/news/article.php?storyid=6340

Jan 17, 2008 - Handgun ban?
We had an interesting meeting! There were 25 youth in attendance. We missed quite a few people and hope to see you next week☺

The group ordered Caribbean food and dinner was great! After a quick icebreaker we discussed the heated topic: Should handguns be banned? The group came to the coconscious that banning handguns won’t solve the problem but at least it’s a start. The group would like to see more being done about illegal hand guns being smuggled into Canada. The group then spilt in two. The magazine group continued to come up with great stories, ideas and will focus on art next week. The movie group has completed the story and will be working on the storyboard next week.

We look forward to seeing everyone on Jan 24th at 5:30pm. Don’t be late!

Thurs, Jan. 3rd 2008 - Happy New Year
This week we had 16 youth attend the PEACE meetings. It was a lot of fun seeing everyone again and their plump bellies after the holidays. PEACE is glad to see everyone still being the energetic youth that they are and getting the flow back into the projects at PEACE. We started the magazine again, everyone had written up a little something that will be contributed to the PEACE magazine. They either wrote about what was their inner fear, a poem, or simply drew a picture. This week we also had a new member come to the meeting, so we’d like to give a shout out to Aza. PEACE meetings will resume every Thursday at 5pm to 8pm, those who have PEACE shirts do not forget to bring them on Thursday for a group picture. Welcome back everyone lets make this year the year of PEACE! See you next Thursday.

Dec 11th, 2007 - You tube
The ramp we painted went to the Grey Cup. Check us out on You Tube early in the morning☺

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-PN2K_YMzJU

Dec 6th, 2007 - Where Do You Feel Safe?
We had many new young people at this week’s meeting. We had an icebreaker three wishes and a lie. It was followed by a discussion about where and when we feel safe. Many PEACE core members felt safe in public areas but unsafe traveling to and from them. Many shared incidents that they experienced. We chowed down on Popeye’s and then worked on various tasks such as the PEACE magazine and next steps.

There were 50 youth present and we hope to see new people next week!

November 17th, 2007 - Community Police Consultative Conference 07
On Saturday November 17 the Student Commission attended a conference at the McDonald Block. The P.E.A.C.E. Presentation was facilitated by Maurice Myrie, Steven Clark, Savannah Shears with P.C. Vince Langdon, and Sgt. Matic of the Toronto Police Service, we also had some new trainees Tena Brown, Sallya Aleboyeh, and Muhammad Hossain watching on and learning how facilitating was done. We had a very good feedback from the CPLC members and Police Officers that were present. Doing this presentation was interesting talking to the different individuals in attendance and hearing what they thought and letting them know how it was as a youth in Toronto and how our own life experiences relayed to it. This is something that I believe should happen much more around the city. During this conference we were able to put up of our new posters that were made by the youth apart of the Students Commission. Also we were able to provide them with the new flyers that gave them more updated information and pictures about us. We had a lot of feed back from CPLC members, police officers, and many more people. On the officers that watched the presentation were amazed of the presentation and want to now book this for placed that they think would benefit from the program

November 15th, 2007 - Drama!
This week we had about 25 youth attend the meeting. Most of who were regulars, but we had 2 new youth come from a school we presented at. Pizza was had, and we did some improvisational drama for the warm up and greeting. We had a strong discussion about the importance of reporting crimes in schools. We also explored why some of Toronto’s risky neighborhoods don’t report crimes, and the attitudes around these behaviors. We also discussed the importance of trying to change this. The rest of the evening we brainstormed new videos ideas and formed a women’s discussion group.

November 8th, 2007 - Hip-hop can kill Listen responsibly
This week we tried something new! We usually we eat at about 6:30, but we have now changed dinner to 5:30 pm so that we have more time for discussion and other activities. Our discussion was about a sticker which was found in the subway that says “hip hop kills, listen responsibly”. We tried to decide whether this statement was valid or not (your input is still welcome). The group found positives and negatives in the sticker. It remains a hot topic. The rest of the evening was used for a variety of activities.

Oct 11th, 2007 - Weekly meeting
This weeks meeting was another full house. Welcome to our new members! Pytor joined us at our meeting. We did some icebreakers and had a great discussion about the increase of guns in our city. After dinner we created the outline for our next film. A young father pressured into selling drugs. Should be an interesting addition?

Oct 9th, 2007 - Breakfast Televison
Lights! Camera! Action!

This morning we were at a BMX bike park for 6am. We were joined by professional BMX riders, The Toronto Argos, Crime Stoppers, The Toronto Police and of course City TV. We painted our PEACE logo on a ramp that will be displayed at the Grey Cup. It was fun regardless of the early hour and the rain? Check out the kool photos taken by Teena. Shout out to Ninja for doing an awesome flip off the ramp. It made a great intro. We can’t forget how full of paint we got and Anastasia’s scream when an Argo tapped her on the back. LOL!

Oct 4th, 2007 - So Many Projects So Little Time
The Youth Core Members have been busy!

At last’s weeks meeting we shot half of a new film. Jenna play’s a student being recruited by a gang for her computer skills. Great job Jenna, you cried on the spot! Anastasia played a fierce gang member.

This week we deigned and created facilitator ID, a poster for the office and score cards for the meeting. We brainstormed some awesome ideas for the next installment of our film.

Our facilitators were busy this week. They conducted presentations at: St. Dustan, Robert Service, The ESP Kick Off, Clairlea and Malvern Family Services.

Look for us Tuesday the 9th on Breakfast Television. 7-9am we’ll be spray painting a bike rap for display at the Grey Cup?

Aug 25th, 2007 - Parkdale Festival Raising Youth Awarness
PEACE took the Parkdale Festival by storm! Not only did we have an information booth set up but we performed as well. Gifty, Joel and Romil a.k.a Mind, Body and Soul performed positive Hip Hop. We didn’t stop there! Steven and other members of T-Dot Soul hyped the crowed with breaking and lyrical b-boying. We look forward to participating next year.

http://www.parkdalefestival.com/media.htm

Sept 13, 2007 - PEACE: Helping students make the right decision at the right time
PEACE rocked another workshop. Savannah and Jessica were there but Steven was the shinning star! Check out his quotes. Who else would stop a presentation of a couple hundred VP's and Principals to remind them to respect the speaker? Go Steven!

June 4, 2007 - Celebrating the PEACE at Sir Sanford Flemming Acadamy
Good work, Savannah, Jessica, Amina and Howe. Two of who are recent graduates of Fleming. Way to represent!

Jan 23, 2007 - PEACE project speaks to local youth
PEACE had our public launch at The East Scarborough Boys and Girls Club. What great hosts! We had a great turn out with guests such as The Chief of Police, Mary-Anne Chambers and Argo’s linebacker Chuck Winters. Youth talent was diverse, Reggaton to Freestyle artists. Thanks to everyone to participated.

2005 - PEACE project guns for cease fire
Like our Step Up DVD? Read the article below to see who and how it was made.

2006 - Video Signals PEACE
Check out the Badge article about our video contest. Great picture of Sgt. Dave Saunders!

July 2007 - Keeping the PEACE in schools
Check out the article the Badge wrote. Shout out to Amina, Howe, Savannah and Jessica, who represented PEACE!

Sept 13, 2007 - Video two in the works!
20 members attended The PEACE Youth Core meeting this week. Welcome to our three new members! This week we split into five groups to create storyboards for the second installment of our video creation. Everyone had great ideas and worked very hard. We also came up with the concept for a new PSA. Jenna your idea rocks! Next week we’ll start at 5:30pm and get down all the detail for shooting. We can’t wait for our new PSA to be playing in the TTC and on the giant screens around the T DOT.

Aug. 16th, 2006 - PEACE meeting!
This Thursday at the PEACE meeting, 22 young people attended and three of them were from one of PEACE's partnering agency, Breaking the Cycle. Two of The Students Commission staff members, Craig and Todd., were involed with the play. Craig filmed the five scenes, and Todd played the person recieving the package from Sang, the person playing the main character. Everyone played their roles very well. Tex was and awesome bully and Sang is doing an amazing job as the main character. Together, we finished five out of the eight scenes meaning we only have three more to go! Our guests from Breaking the Cycle were also great and actively involved and we home to see them every week! On Monday August 20th, most of the people that were at this weeks PEACE meeting will be participating in the second part of facilitation training. Next week is going to be exciting! For behind the scene photos of this weeks filming, take a look at our gallery page.

Aug. 19th, 2006 - P.E.A.C.E.
This week at the PEACE meeting, 11 youth attended. Also, two people from PEACE's partnering agency Breaking The Cycle were present and were a great help. Everyone enthusiastically participated in finishing the last four storyboards and finishing the script. All youth are anxious and excited to start filming one of the four parts of our play next Thursday at The Students Commission.

Aug 10th, 2007 - Mind, Body and Soul
Mind, Body and Soul contributing to the positive music scene in Toronto is a group consisting of a singer, rapper, and spoken word artist. Talking about social and political issues that define the way we live and questions certain perceptions of the way society reacts to a situation. We are performing at Parkdale Festival on the behalf of Project P.E.A.C.E. Mind, Body, and Soul’s mix tape is coming out soon, and keep a look out for the website as well.

http://www.parkdalefestival.com/schedule.htm

Aug 3rd, 2007 - Caribana Launch Party
On Friday August 3rd, PEACE was invited to the Toronto Police Services Official Caribana Launch Party at Police Headquarters in downtown Toronto.

The Toronto Caribbean Carnival Festival is one of North America’s greatest celebrations attracting over one million participants annually. The parade was originally modeled after Trinidad’s Carnival, but has become an international festival. It celebrates the West Indian culture through music & dance (soca, calypso, reggae, chutney and steel pan). The festival is highlighted by a large street parade with costumed dancers and Caribbean music playing in the background on large floats. Caribana has been running annually since 1967. It was originally performed as a gift from Canada’s West Indian community, as a tribute to Canada’s Centennial year (100th anniversary of the Canadian Confederation).

July 27th, 2007 - UNHABITAT
On Friday July 27 2007, we were invited to a Roundtable Discussion with UNHABITAT (United Nations Human Settlements Programme) to present some of the initiatives and projects of our organization. One of PEACE’s partnering agencies, East Metro Youth Services attended. Representatives of other agencies were also there, such as Toronto Community Housing Corporation, which deals with housing for the poor and help to eliminate the development of slums in the city of Toronto, The Center for Mental Health and Addictions, Peacebuilders International, which is a registered charity building sustainable communities through partnerships among youth and adults, a Toronto Police Officer and Community Safety Secretariat members.

There were two presenters, Tim Challen and Juma Assiago from UNHABITAT. UNHABITAT is the United Nations Agency for Human Settlements. It is authorized by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities with the goal of providing comfortable shelter for everyone. UN Habitat’s programmes are designed to help policy members and local communities find workable lasting solutions to urban issues.

The representatives from other local organizations were invited to the discussion to learn more about UNHABITAT’s latest project, the Kilimanjaro initiative. Tim Challen founded the Kilimanjaro initiative in 2005 after he was shot in an armed robbery in Nairobi, Kenya. After recovering in Switzerland, he returned to Africa motivated to create a safer environment. Everyone watching his PowerPoint presentation was shocked to see the crime rates there due to a lack of opportunity and poor housing environments.

The main objective of the Kilimanjaro initiative is to encourage youth to believe in themselves and to give them opportunities to take on a constructive role in their communities. One of the activites that the initiative offers is an annually organized climb up Mount Kilimanjaro, which is the highest mountain in the continent of Africa. The climb shows how a sport can be used as a tool towards a development of a community. The climb helps bring together youth to work together cooperatively so they can exchange ideas and experiences, and public sectors that deal with the delivery of goods and services by and for the government. The roundtable discussion participants were astonished at the sight of youth working together to accomplish the same goal.

The Kilimanjaro initiative also raises funds for projects highlighted by the Safer Cities Programme in Kenya and Tanzania. These projects focus on the knowledge, skills, and practical experience of youth groups and how that can play towards the physical, economic, and social development of their communities.

PEACE is currently looking at ways we can be involved in making cities worldwide safer, and working with UNHABITAT in the future.

July 26th 2007 - PEACE Meeting
This week at the PEACE meeting, 21 youth attended; five of them were new. It was our highest number yet! The group brainstormed reasons why our main character becomes involved with a gang. There were many good ideas, but we decided that it would be because of the influence of a family member. We also developed the plot and where we would be filming. It was also decided who would be playing the different characters. Congratulations to Sang on landing the main role.

July 19th 2007 - PEACE Meeting
This week at the PEACE meeting, we brainstormed possible storylines for a play that we will be working on the next couple of weeks. It will be going on the PEACE website. We talked about locations that we could film and who would be in the play. Next week we’re going to decide which idea we’re going to use for the play. Then, we’re going to start writing the script and decide who gets what part.

Monday July 16th - Yet Another Workshop
On Monday July 16th, a workshop was presented to youth at Our Lady Of Lourdes Catholic School in Toronto. It was the youngest group of children (ages 9-12) to ever have an opportunity to see a PEACE workshop. It was given by Savannah and Amanda. Following the workshop was a break dancing demonstration done by Steven and a friend. The audience seemed to enjoy the workshop and had a better understanding afterwards of the dangers of gang involvement. The first workshop presented to such a young group was a success!

July 12th, 2007 - PEACE Workshop at Toronto Police Headquarters
On July 6th 2007, two youth core members presented a P.E.A.C.E Workshop at Toronto Police Headquarters located in Toronto. The presentation was given to approximately 100 young people between the ages of 15-18 from schools across Toronto. The students are employed at various police stations for the summer.

The youth core members facilitated a presentation that lasted for an hour and a half. The presentation started with an introduction of the PEACE members and the background of Project PEACE. The video that was shown was Step Up, which displays scenarios that could happen is someone as to get involved in gangs and gang related activities. Many of the audience members had something positive to say such as:

“It was inspiring” – Nadine, 17

“I didn’t fall asleep like all the other ones and it was inspiring” – Andrew, 14

“It was an educating experience” – Suzanna, 15

“It was fun” – Roji, 16

“It was hot” – Denise, 14

“Start snitching” – Sheetal, 17

“It gave me an opportunity for PEACE” – Shandel, 15

“Think before you aim” – Kadeem, 15

July 11th, 2007 - PEACE Project Article
The Toronto Police Service has posted an article on their website about PEACE

Check it out here

June 16th 2007 - Project PEACE rocks yet another showcase!
We held a showcase at Denis in Flemo. We had a lot of amazing performances from various artists. Shoutout to T-West for dominating the battle ring during the freestyle battle.

Thanks to all that participated and came out to support this PEACE initiative.

Look out for the next upcoming showcase! Coming to a 'hood near you!

April 11, 2007 - PEACE Project PSA
The message continues to grow as the PEACE Project PSAs can now be seen by thousands of Toronto commuters everyday! The No Joke, Step Up, and website promo spots can now be seen on TTC subway platforms courtesy of the ONESTOP network. In addition, the Outdoor Broadcast Network is airing the PSAs on it's screens, and Freefone is playing the spots too. If you haven't seen them yet, keep an eye out around town, or check out the "Products" section of this website!

April 2nd, 2007 - PEACE Workshops!
The Youth Core Team and trained members of The Toronto Police have been busy filling requests for workshops in Toronto communities. The workshops have been varied from youth, adults or a mixed audience. A few of our presentations have taken place at Native Child and Family Services, The Safe Cities Conference, Tumivult Youth Shelter and John Innes Community Center.

As of April 1st workshops commenced for The Toronto District Catholic School Board, in both their elementary and secondary schools.

A training session for youth facilitators will be taking place at The Students Commission Thursday April 12th, from 6-8pm. If you are interested in becoming a paid facilitator please contact us.

If you would like a workshop in your school or community please contact us at savannah@tgmag.ca or 416-597-8297.

Jan 22, 2007 - PEACE Products Launched
Three DVDs, two Public Service Announcements, and one pamphlet were released to the public today. The pamphlet provides information to youth and families about resisting pressure from gangs. The DVDS, one dramatic style, one documentary style, assist PEACE presenters (youth, police, and youth workers) in workshops available upon request.

Jan 15, 2007 - Training
100 police officers, community agency partners, school officials and youth were trained as presenters of the three PEACE videos and anti-gang pamphlet. This team is prepared to respond to requests for workshops and presenters to help young people and their families deal with the pressures of gang recruitment and gun violence.

June 15th, 2006 - What We're Up To Now
Working with Students Commission facilitators, adult staff, and with at least one representative from the Toronto Police Service present at every meeting, the young people on the PEACE youth core team, which has grown in number to about 20-30 young people, focus on completing various youth-led tasks. Currently we are working on a gang pamphlet which consists of important information about why gangs exist, how new members are recruited, initiation processes and the difficulties of exiting. The pamphlet will be distributed throughout Toronto and area schools, community centres, as well as to parents, teachers and anywhere that will help benefit and contribute to the well being of our communities.

Other things that are keeping us busy include: updating our website hoping to make it more appealing and interesting to youth by including more still photos and video clips, working on our upcoming summer showcase which will be an outdoor BBQ event (keep checking back for updates on the date, time and venue of the showcase) and there is a group who is writing and recording a jingle about the PEACE Project that we are approaching various Toronto radio stations to try and get it aired.

Our weekly meetings take place on Thursday evenings at The Students Commission office located at 23 Isabella Street, just a couple of blocks south of Yonge and Bloor. We always welcome new members, so if you’d like to get involved call 416-597-8297 and ask for John, Steph, or Angie. You can also email our general mailbox if you’d like more information email tgmag@tgmag.ca

June 2006 - Partnerships
Project Peace members have continued to work with the Toronto Police Service Board ( this is A CIVILIAN BODY that is responsible for money and financing etc.), to facilitate a better understanding of youth culture and more emphasis on there being diversion programs instead of sending youth to jail.

June 2006 - The Small Screen
Project Peace has been working together with a few Canadian TV stations trying to generate interest in starting a youth show dedicated to

youth issues and hosted by a young person, the purpose of this would be to show youth opportunities in which they can actively take part in and promote small youth organizations.

May 27 2006 - PEACE Showcase review
The Showcase was as a great success. Over 100 people of all ages participated in a discussion about gangs and gun violence, were entertained by dancers, freestylers, a cappella singers and PEACE’s very own ‘Ninja’. The members of PEACE are very pleased with the responses and positive feedback we got from our participants! Thanks to Flemington Public School, Toronto Community Housing, Lawrence Heights Community Centre, and The Toronto Argonauts Stop the Violence Foundation and FLOW Radio.

Jan 4th, 2006 - Submit a Video Story Idea!
We've opened up a place for ONLINE story idea submission, you can only submit a story idea online about how to end gun and gang violence. Click here to do it.

Oct 29th, 2005 - Info Brochure
Click here to see an informational brochure we developed.

And here is a promotional video that was developed

Nov 1st, 2005 - Posters
We've done a series of posters, click to view: one, two, three, four.

Nov 20th, 2005 - Workshops
Part of our job is to go out to schools and community centres and "get the word out". More info in the "Events" section.

Dec. 19th, 2005 - New Site
www.peace-project.org version 2.0 is now online.