As young people from the Chicago area, Jasmine Babers* and Maddi Jane**, we care about the future of this city. We are proud of its history and invested in its potential to be a beacon of peace and prosperity. Hearing about the increase in violence in our communities has become a daily reality; there isn’t a better time for peace than now. 

Will you join us to make peace a reality in Chicago for International Day of Peace on September 21?

As we look to create peaceful solutions to violence on September 21st and beyond, we need teamwork to show the world that peace in Chicago is possible. As the world observes the International Day of Peace on September 21st, we must come together as a city, a nation, and a global community in the fight to end violence – starting with 24 hours of peace. 

We can look at this as a day labeled by governments around the world, or we can see this as a chance to own the day and take a real step toward what we all want. We believe no situation is too complicated, and no knot is tied too tightly not to be unraveled by love. As violence increases, it gives love more open doors to be shown. As a city we have the reputation for being one of the most violent in the country. It doesn’t have to be this way. We have faith that this city’s reputation can do a 180, but it starts with you, me, us… each one of us has a role to play.

For at least one day, Peace Day, when faced with opposition, turn the other cheek. When angered, outraged, or wronged, take the higher road. Support people doing right, and challenge those doing wrong. Why not practice responding with love to every single person you encounter for one day and see how many steps toward our goal of peace we can take together?

Today, choose peace.

Then do it again. If you choose to go beyond, you will be contributing to a new era of peace in our city, and in the world.

We ask that, in honor of International Day of Peace on September 21, you pledge to observe 24 hours of non-violence. Will you join us by committing to engage in kindness and refrain from violence for the 24 hours of September 21?

If so, will you please declare your commitment by signing our peace petition below?

#WagePeace

Working together for peace,

Jasmine Babers and Maddi Jane

*I, Jasmine, grew up in the Quad Cities. I have seen too many instances of violence across our city. As a young adult, I am working to promote gender equality and girls empowerment. After experiencing the bullying of girls in my life, I founded LOVE Girls Magazine, featuring stories by girls and for girls. My goal is simple: ensure that girls in Chicago and across the country have media sources and stories written by girls like them about promoting self-esteem and confidence in girls everywhere.

**My name is Maddi Jane. I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and have been a public figure in the music industry since I appeared on The Ellen Show at age 11. Since then I’ve been blessed to acquire approximately 1.4 million subscribers on YouTube worldwide and thousands of followers across various social media platforms.  Now as a young adult, I aspire to promote uplifting and positive messages through music. I want to encourage teens to use social media as a tool for purposes other than self-promotion, and use it for benefitting others. As a way of doing this, I recently launched a campaign with charity: water via YouTube to advocate for people who can’t advocate for themselves. It’s important to me to raise awareness on how music and social media can be used to make a positive difference in the world, including this call to peace on September 21st in Chicago.