SEASON FOR NONVIOLENCE AT THE UNITED NATIONS

"The United Nation Season of Non-Violence conference on Wednesday March 20th was amazing!" Sabahat Hina, Susan Wagner High School Student

"I wanted to thank you for organizing a wonderful, eye opening and moving event. " Debra Henkel, Parent

16th Annual Season for Nonviolence 2013
Words and Water – Our Thirst for Peace!
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
United Nations ECOSOC Chamber

This year’s Season for Nonviolence event was held on Wednesday, March 20 from 1:15 – 2:30pm in the ECOSOC Chamber of the United Nations. Over 400 elementary, middle and high school students attend the program, representing the New York Tri-State area.

The title of this year’s event was Words and Water – Our Thirst for Peace! Speakers and performers focused their presentations on nonviolence, peace, the water crisis and positive global action steps. The sponsor for the event was the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) a United Nations agency which acts as the voice for the environment in the United Nations system. James Sniffen the Programme and Liaison Officer for UNEP was the sponsor speaker for the day. The keynote address was given by Bruce Knotts, Director for the Unitarian Universalist United Nations Office. Bruce shared information about the global water crisis, his work abroad; as well suggestions he had for ways young people can take action and make positive changes in the global community.

The MC for the program was Deepen Shah a former SNV NYC Task Force member as well as a good friend of the Temple of Understanding. Presentations and performances included: SK Duff a teacher from Hoboken Charter School and one of his students Jonah Henkel who shared their work on a project entitled H2O for Life, Reginald Wilson from Repertory Company High School for Theatre Arts performed a beautiful song about peace and water and Susan Wagner High School, PS 30 of Staten Island and St. Mary’s of Middletown, NJ shared spoken word and songs focusing on nonviolence and water.