World’s Biggest Book, Created by Massachusetts School Children, Kicks Off “Global Peace Tour”
“The Big Book: Pages for Peace” World Tour Begins at United Nations Headquarters in New York City on Sunday, March 20, the International Day of Happiness
NEW YORK, NY–(Mar 15, 2016) – “The Big Book: Pages for Peace,” a massive book measuring 12 feet tall by 10 feet wide, will be displayed for the first time at United Nations headquarters in New York this Sunday, March 20, marking the first stop in a planned 2016 World Tour. “The Big Book” begun in 2004, now weighing more than a ton (!) includes contributions from more than 3,500 notables, including 9/11 First Responders, Nelson Mandela, Jimmy Carter and the Dalai Lama.
“We are thrilled that The Big Book will be on display during the UN’s International Day of Happiness,” said Betsy Sawyer, Founder of the Pages for Peace Foundation. “And even more excited by the prospect of taking this amazing book around the world to spread its powerful and enduring message of peace. This has been the dream of our kids for over 10 years.”
The Big Book began as a classroom project at the Groton-Dunstable Regional Middle School in Massachusetts in 2004 when Ms. Sawyer and eight 5th grade students formed the “Book Makers and Dreamers Club” with a goal of building the biggest book in the world on the topic of peace. From that moment on the Club began soliciting letters, poetry, artwork, photos and even songs in answer to its questions about world peace.
More than 10 years, 1000 student participants, and 3,500 contributors later, the book is now comprised of more than 1000 pages and weighs more than a ton.
After being displayed at United Nations headquarters in New York City, The Big Book will head to the Republic of Korea, where it will be featured at the 66th United Nations Department of Public Information (DPI)/Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Conference in the City of Gyeongju from 30 May to 1 June 2016.
“Around the world, children and youth are committed to peace,” said Jean Trudel, Co-founder of PeaceDay365 and Co-chair of the Program Sub-committee for the UN DPI/NGO “Education for Global Citizens” conference in the Republic of Korea. “The Big Book is a powerful physical manifestation of this commitment. Our Global Peace Education Tour will bring the book’s universal message not only to citizens of the world, but to world leaders, too.”
For more information, please visit the Pages For Peace website:
http://www.pagesforpeace.org/big-book-world-tour-kicks-off-sunday-march-20-2016/
About the Pages for Peace Foundation
The Pages for Peace Foundation is a 501c3 not-for-profit foundation supporting peace education, community service and public speaking skills for students in grades 5-12. The Foundation was formed in 2008 in response to public donations toward building and exhibiting the World’s Biggest Peace Book. The Pages for Peace Foundation is dedicated to the concept that kids CAN make a difference and aspires to teach peace through sharing messages in the World’s Biggest Peace Book with children and adults around the world. Please visit our website to learn more or to make a donation: http://www.pagesforpeace.org
About PeaceDay365
Founded to support the International Day of Peace on September 21, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #16, Peace Justice and Strong Institutions, PeaceDay365 serves as a bridge between civil society, business, NGOs and the UN to help leverage and create greater awareness and impact of peace education and global citizenship.
Please visit our website to learn more: https://www.facebook.com/peaceday/?fref=ts
This press release was made possible through our media partner PVBLIC Foundation, an organization focused on using media to drive impact and social change.
PVBLIC utilizes existing and emerging technologies to increase issue awareness around important causes and to help non-profits amplify their message.
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