YMCA Peace Week
Celebrating the presence of peace in our local and global communities
Throughout the week, YMCAs across the country promote ways we can build peace, and highlight the peace-building work that happens all year round, both inside and outside the YMCA.
This year, YMCA Peace Week will be celebrated November 16-23, 2024.
“…Peace has many dimensions. It is not only a state of relationships among nations. We cannot expect to live in a world of peace if we are unable to live in peace with those close to us – even those who differ from us… The responsibility for peace begins with each person, in relationship with family and friends, and extends to community life and national activities…” — YMCA Statement of Peace, World Alliance of YMCAs, 1981
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About YMCA Peace Week
YMCA Peace Week has offered activities to help children, youth and adults explore peace from a personal, local and global perspective. During YMCA Peace Week, we encourage people to build community and act for peace. When we act for peace, we come together to help build a stronger and healthier community by promoting a sense of belonging, fostering empathy, embracing pluralism and addressing the social determinants of health.
The YMCA Peace Medal
The YMCA Peace Medallion, introduced in 1987, offers a reminder that it is possible to build a more peaceful world, community by community, and that everyone can be engaged in these efforts. By highlighting peace concerns and celebrating others who share these values and are engaged in similar work, we remind the wider community that these concerns are a core part of the YMCA’s work.
As part of Peace Week, the YMCA awards Peace Medallions to remarkable individuals or groups who, without any special resources, status, wealth or position, have demonstrated a commitment to building peace within their community or in communities elsewhere in the world. Peace Medallion recipients can be parents, students, community groups, people who have given freely of their time and talent to make local and global communities more peaceful places to live.
2024 Peace Medal Recipients
Youth Recipient

Jeda Anderson
Jeda Anderson has been a champion for equity and inclusion throughout her time at Eden High School. As a founding member of the Black Affinity Group and a four-year leader of the Student Equity Alliance, Jeda has created safe spaces and driven meaningful conversations about belonging. Her commitment extends into the community through her volunteer work with Future Black Female, a non-profit supporting Black female youth, and her efforts to share the history of the Underground Railroad in St. Catharines during Black History Month.
Jeda’s dedication reflects the YMCA values of PEACE. She fosters Participation by organizing events that promote inclusivity, demonstrates Empathy by creating spaces for shared experiences, and leads with Advocacy by raising awareness of Niagara’s history. Her impact has made Eden High School and the wider community more inclusive and supportive for Black students and youth, empowering others to celebrate resilience and diversity.
Group Recipient

Fort Erie Volunteer Fire Department
Since 1896, the Fort Erie Volunteer Fire Department (FEVFD) has been a cornerstone of safety and service in the community. Beyond their crucial role in emergency response, the department actively promotes fire safety education and community well-being. With 115 volunteers under the leadership of Fire Chief Mark Schmitt, the FEVFD conducts workshops, mentors youth, and supports charitable initiatives that build strong community connections.
The department exemplifies the YMCA values of PEACE through their acts of Participation in local events, Empathy during emergencies, and Community building through education and outreach. Their commitment to mentoring young individuals fosters Empowerment, and their advocacy for safety ensures a culture of preparedness and resilience. The FEVFD inspires others to work together for the betterment of their community, embodying the courage and selflessness that define peace.
Adult Recipient

Betty Talbot
Betty Talbot is a shining example of service and a steadfast advocate for peace. A dedicated Lioness member and board member for Community Living and the Brain Injury Association of Fort Erie, Betty has made a profound impact locally and internationally. Her tireless advocacy for individuals with disabilities demonstrates her unwavering commitment to inclusion and equality.
Betty exemplifies the YMCA values of PEACE through her efforts to foster Participation by involving others in community initiatives, Empathy by understanding and addressing the needs of others, and Advocacy by championing the rights of marginalized groups. Her work builds Community connections and empowers individuals to thrive. Betty’s dedication inspires those around her to create a more inclusive and peaceful society, embodying the values at the heart of the YMCA.
2021 Peace Medal Recipients
2020 Peace Medal Recipients
2019 Peace Medal Recipients
Recipient of the 2018 Peace Award for his work with a variety of community organizations including YMCA Strong Kids, The United Way, Big Brothers / Big Sisters, Out of the Cold, the City of St. Catharines Heritage Committee and the Lincoln County Humane Society.
Recipient of the 2017 Peace Award for his work with Niagara Conservatory of Music. Greg launched the Music Gives Movement program in 2015 to help low-income families across Niagara keep their children in music that otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford music lessons.
Recipient of the 2016 Peace Award for his work with Momentum Choir. As a music therapist, he gets people involved in music who otherwise may not have access to a traditional choir experience. As an advocate for members of the community with intellectual disabilities, he gives everyone the opportunity to showcase their talents. Momentum Choir has been trying to do that for ten years, blazing a trail for musicians who live with a disability to give back to the community, to share our music, and make our community a more peaceful place to be.