Help Bring About Peace for Our Kids!

Today is International Peace Day. We're spending the day letting everyone know little ways they can help bring about Peace. (To see all the awesomeness we are spreading over the interwebs, check out our Facebook & Twitter pages).

Our main focus of this event wasn't quite clear to us until yesterday. Yesterday we learned, along with many of you, that yet another teen had taken his own life as a result of being bullied, and ridiculed by his classmates.

Jamey Rodemeyer was only 14. According to his mother, he had been struggling with his sexuality (which, isn't uncommon for any teenager) for about a year. His struggles became even more difficult when coupled with the incessant mocking and otherwise hostile behavior he was faced with on a regular basis. He posted about his struggles, but things didn't stop. Now...he is gone.

He is not the only one. Over the last few years the number of teens who have taken their own lives as a result of unending bullying (anti-gay or otherwise) is heartbreaking, at best...Seth Walsh - 13, Lance Lundsten - 18, Carl Joseph Walker-Hoover - 11, Tyler Clementi - 18, Tiffani Maxwell - 16, Eric Mohat - 17, Haylee Fentress and Paige Moravetz - 14...

This needs to stop.

Our dreams of World Peace can never be realized if we cannot facilitate it in our homes, neighborhoods and schools first. We believe The Trevor Project is on the right track, so from now through Saturday September 24th, $1 from every ITEM sold at Isle of Enchantments will be donated to their Organization. Please help us help them spread awareness and facilitate acceptance initiatives around the nation.

If you are a parent, or are a teacher, day care provider, camp counselor (or otherwise involved with kids)... Check out these Kid-Friendly Peace Initiatives you can share with them. The earlier we can instill the values of Peace, Tolerance, & Acceptance, the better equipped they will be to help spread the word, and end this tragic cycle of hate.

Peaceful Blessings,

Isleen

A Somber Anniversary & an International Day of Peace

September holds two very important days. One is a day of reflection & remembrance, the other a day of unity and hope for the future.

September 11, 2011 marks the 10th anniversary of the day 19 Al-Qaeda members hijacked 4 commercial airliners and brought terror to the forefront of the American Consciousness. 2,996 people lost their lives that day...calling it a "tragedy" still seems rather insignificant.

 

Many services are being held this week, and will continue through to the 11th, and while it is still difficult for many to think about the horrors of that otherwise beautiful September day...I urge you to take a moment and remember those who's lives were cut short, and to be grateful for the police officers and fire fighters who so selfishly and bravely did their jobs.

 

As of this writing, we here in the US have been placed on High Alert as a "Credible, But Unconfirmed Threat" has been deemed credible by Homeland Security for the 11th. No matter your Faith, prayers or positive thoughts for safety certainly wouldn't hurt.

 

The other day Isle of Enchantments is quite excited about...it's International Peace Day! Yes, September 21st was deemed an International Day of Peace by the United Nations in 1981 (Well, it was actually the 3rd Tuesday in September until 2002 when they changed it to the 21st...but I digress).

 

It is a day of  peaceful gatherings, prayers for peace, peace walks, lighting of candles, interfaith peace conferences...and whatever else people can think of to do to bring awareness and to help create Peace in our lifetime.

 

We're planning a little something too. If you were around for World fair Trade Day, you'll remember we had a big Virtual Fair involving our website along with Facebook & Twitter. This will be scaled down a bit, but we will be offering a place for Peaceful Dialogue, ideas for how you can help facilitate Peace, crafts, videos, quotes and as always: FUN!

We'll be highlighting some of our Peace themed merchandise, and there will be an opportunity to win a little somethin'. Everyone who participates will get a fun Virtual Sticker that says "(Name) Partied with a Pixie for Peace!" (Still working on the design). :)

 

So, stay tuned to Twitter & Facebook and spread the word, 'cause Peace is kind of a big deal. ;)

 

Until we meet again ~ Isleen