IYRC at World Harmony Run and "Live From The Road" daily news

Note: Download or View a Pdf file which includes a Part I (text) and Part II (related images). This web page is a consolidated version of the PDF file with some images integrated with text for quick reference. The PDF has more photos in context.

(1) IYRC: International Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures
(2) WHR: World Harmony Run
(3)  Many photos used with the text below, also apear in the IYRC examples page. For more context or date of a specific photo, use the links provided near the photos to the realted "live form the road" country daily reports at the examples page:
http://www.worldharmonyrun.org/unesco_year/iyrc_examples 

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Contents

Introduction:

This information is for coordinators , participants or those supporting the World Harmony Run in 2010. 

• Adjusted to fit time constraints:

• Photographers and Media representatives. 

Part I: Phrases to introduce IYRC at event or web sites.

A. Banner with IYCR logo in pictures    
B. 2010 IYRC is introduced or discussed   
C. Message of P resident of UNESCO General Conference (D.Hepburn)  

• a. Statements or messages of UN S-G, UNESCO Dir Gen 
• b. Other statements related to WHR and IYRC 

D. 6 Languages on banner are identified  

• a. Other languages mentioned 
• b. Participants in Language Identification exercise 
• c. International Mother Language Day. 

 

E. Logo many colors pointed out 
F. Values or Virtues related to IYRC are noted 
G. Local performance or presentation in front banner 
H. Flags and costumes represent various countries 
I. World heritage site is visited 
J. Running with the WHR Banner and 2010 IYRC logo  

 

• a. Passing of the torch between groups in front of banner 

Part II Picture examples with some additional explanation 

(the pdf file is seprated le for part II, whi 

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Introduction:

This information is for coordinators, participants or those supporting the World Harmony Run in 2010. Part one provides simple langue to introduce 2010, The International Year for the Rapprochement of cultures (IYRC) at World Harmony Run (WHR) events or at web sites reporting on related activities (e.g. "Live from the Road"). 

Part two provides some sample pictures and narrative which might be useful for local coordinators preparing reports of similar events.

Adjusted to fit time constraints:

Run coordinators need to confirm the amount of time allocated for their part in any local event and if the IYRC will be introduced by the local MC or by one of the runners during their presentation. The below suggestions should be adjusted to fit with local conditions and time or other constraints.

Assist Photographers and Media representatives.

Wherever possible, photographers and other media representatives at an event should be provided some basic information about the WHR and IYRC. (e.g. President Hepburn's Message) It can be helpful to share when a significant performance or a presentation might take place to increase the possibility of a clear picture with the banner and logo visible.

Part I: Phrases to introduce IYRC at event or web sites. Where:

A. Banner with IYCR logo in pictures:

• “The UN and UNESCO 2010 International Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures logo dedicated to "Cultural Diversity" appears on the banner carried by the runners this year”

(or)

• 2010 is the International Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures, This effort, as the banner shows, is supported by the World Harmony Run as the theme of cultural diversity and exchanges between cultures fits very well with the ongoing multi-year efforts of the Harmony Run..

• Further information on the year 2010 logo is presented here. http://www.worldharmonyrun.org/unesco_year/iyrc_logo

B. 2010 IYRC is introduced or discussed (especially if pointed to on banner)

• The UN and UNESCO theme for 2010 "International Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures" and their efforts to demonstrate the beneficial effects of cultural diversity were explained to us... This includes highlighting the importance of coming together for borrowings, transfers and exchanges between cultures

(or)

• The UN and UNESCO 2010 International Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures dedicated to "Cultural Diversity" was discussed as the logo for the year appears on the World Harmony Run Banner carried by the runners this year.

(If appropriate, may add something like :)

• It felt especially appropriate to have it in ________ (which historically had many different________ cultures, religions, beliefs and people coming together) or (which is known for its culture art or music) for example.

C. Message of President of UNESCO General Conference (Davidson Hepburn) is mentioned or shared 

	Davidson Hepburn, President of UNESCO General Conference

 

• "The message from Davidson Hepburn, President of the General Conference of UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), to all the participants of the World Harmony Run in 2010 was mentioned at the ceremony: http:/www.worldharmonyrun.org/unesco_year/davidson_hepburn_unesco_message) "(can excerpt or paraphrase a paragraph from message).
• President Hepburn was a friend of the Founder of the World Harmony Run, Sri Chinmoy, for over 30 years and they participated in many inspiring initiatives together, like today's programme."

a. Statements or messages of UN S-G, UNESCO Dir Gen is mentioned,

	UN Secretary-General, UNESCO Director General

 

• The UN Secretary General and the Director General of UNESCO statements have highlighted the years goals (can provide an example) http://www.worldharmonyrun.org/unesco_year

• In a letter to the World Harmony Run, the Secretary General also conveyed his "best wishes for the success of the event" to all the volunteer coordinators assembled for the international launch in New York on April 12. . http://www.worldharmonyrun.org/unesco_year

b. Other statements related to WHR and IYRC are also mentioned.
Other messages were also mentioned that further described the significance of 2010 and the Run and the importance of local events that provide a platform for people to come together. ( http://www.worldharmonyrun.org/unesco_year/iyrc_messages)

D. 6 Languages on banner are identified

• "As part of the introduction, the International Year 2010 was spoken about. This time a number of children in the school (or people at event) joined in reading out part of the UN and UNESCO logo for year 2010 in different languages"

	Languages on Logo 2010 International Year

(Or)

• "This location the staff and students were able to read out phrases in all of the 6 UN Official languages that appear on the Logo for the year: English, French, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, and Arabic."

a. Other languages mentioned -visiting, host, indigenous, first nations,

• "In answer to a question, it was noted that the space on the bottom of the logo (just after the 6th language) could be used to insert other languages from a host or visiting country!"

(or)

• "They pointed out the 6 languages on the symbol for the year 2010... While noting it would take quite a bit more space to list all the other languages used in the world"

b. Participants in Language Identification exercise hold torch

• "Those who participated in the year 2010 logo-language identification exercise/game, then held the torch together (with a team member who is fluent in two of the six languages)

(or)

• "Some people came to hold torch together after the 6 languages of the IYRC logo on the WHR banner were spoken about" This followed a part in programme where some from the group had volunteered to come up to represent one of the less familiar languages on the 2010 logo in this community: such as when Spanish, Russian, Chinese or Arabic were mentioned.

(or)

• We also discussed others languages that might be added, to the 6 languages of the IYRC logo on the WHR banner - So we were delighted to have some individuals (or teachers / students) present who knew the regional _________language and came forward to hold the torch together.

c. International Mother Language Day. (especially for multi lingual locations)

• "It was also pointed out that in February of each year a day is celebrated as International Mother Language Day"

• "This day dedicated to promoting linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism. It was proclaimed by UNESCO's General Conference in November of 1999. For information and related resources: UN site : http://www.un.org/depts/dhl/language/; UNESCO site: http://www.unesco.org/en/languages-in-education/

	International Mother Language Day was inspired by struggle to honor local language preference (e.g. Bangladesh, South Aftica)

E. Logo many colors pointed out (well received especially in multiracial and multiethnic communities)

• The banner which is displayed in our ceremonies includes the 2010 logo for this year's wonderful UN and UNESCO initiative. There are varying ways of implementing this universal and much needed theme and relating it to the 2010 logo. In addition to the different languages:
• When looking at the symbol on the year 2010 logo we notice that unique colors make up the whole.

	Multi Color Strands join, make whole

• We can also observe, at the top of the logo for the year 2010 there are many different color strands which join together, yet each one keeps its unique quality to make the whole. Similarly cultural diversity can provide important, varied and interesting experiences to all members that make up a community.

F. Values or Virtues related to IYRC are noted - at visit to school or during performances.

• We each were given cards with 52 virtues. Since in 2010 the UN and UNESCO are celebrating and appreciating cultural diversity, many of the values expressed have special relevance this year... (For example: friendliness, respect, and understanding. This theme was further explored at the other schools visited that day )

G. Local performance or presentation in front banner - especially if has cultural diversity or appreciation component. 

• Art: "some came for a photo with the 2010 year banner and art work that had been prepared for display just behind". (Or) With the passing of the torch, did you notice the different Virtue Gift illustration signs on the wall, that fit well with the theme of year 2010?
• Formation: All the children and teachers made a huge heart shaped formation to say "Thank You". It included everyone as well as the Harmony Run Banner with the 2010 UN and UNESCO International Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures Logo. When we ask where harmony and peace begin inside us most people usually say or point to their heart

• Playing Harmony Games and introduce 2010 year: "We played some harmony games which introduced the runners and where they were from. There was also a chance to explain the meaning of the run and UN and UNESCO's celebration of 2010 as year for the Rapprochement of Cultures.
• Performers and or audience with the banner: "International musicians on team perform for audience behind 2010 IYRC Logo on Banner." (or) "After the magician finished some of the children eagerly climbed on stage -- To have their picture with the Tulasi the magician and the banner with the 2010 logo for the International Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures"

H. Flags and costumes represent various countries beyond the host country - this reaching out through exposure, study and sharing of culture is similar to a theme of year 2010 

• Flags: During our presentation there were children standing behind us on the stage, each holding a flag of a different country that they themselves made.
• Dress: Some of the children on this day were also dressed in traditional costumes of their respective country for the program.
• Diversity theme: This diversity of flags and attire fit very nicely well with the Logo for the UN and UNESCO Year 2010 which is on the run banner this year
• The Harmony Run supports the goals of the International Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures: reaching out to others, sharing and appreciating our cultural diversity is very important

(or)

 

• Other Nations being represented: "It was quite a sight to see so many different countries' flags being displayed at the school... This fit perfectly with the theme of the Harmony run, appreciation of cultural diversity and the 2010 International Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures

(or)

• Class has country theme: Some classrooms were happy to show us the country they had been studying which illustrated their learning about other countries and cultures. A tour of the hallways gave a good indication of how the children decorated their classroom doors in various ways with a theme of a country The diversity fit well with the International Year 2010 theme.

I. World heritage site is visited

The participants were very pleased to be at a UNESCO identified world heritage site as part of the Harmony Run, especially during the Un and UNESCO 2010 Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures. The year encourages reaching out to appreciate and share cultural diversity and uniqueness. (Can be used with specific introduction to sites) 

• Example 01: "Heroes Square is at the end of Andrássy Avenue which is part of Unesco list of World Heritage related to Budapest http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/400 So it was very appropriate that toward the end of a very full day Some children joined for pictures holding the torch and banner with the very impressive warriors on horses watching in the background. Another group of children had other significant Historical figures in the square watching them."

• Example 02: "The blue sky and the blazing sun made for near record setting temperature, as we ran from the Parliament steps in Ottawa with the 2010 banner to the eternal flame. We then set out for the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1221), nestled below the embankment of Parliament Hill. Our first break was at the sign for the Rideau Canal, UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then the World Harmony Run team members were greeted by Francesco Corsaro of the historic Bytown Museum which is situated along the Rideau Canal."

J. Running with the WHR Banner and 2010 IYRC logo
Shots of the team or other participants running with the banner provide much joy and capture both the spirit of the run and identify what it is about in simple direct way. The action shot is often the one that is kept and with the banner present it gives the context immediately to later viewers. It is a natural way to also mention the 2010 International Year and logo and provide appropriate link.

• "Then with the Torch aflame and international flags and banner with 2010 IYRC logo flying in the wind, our large group of runners happily covered a mile or so to the center of the City.

  

a. Passing of the torch between groups in front of banner

Any time it is possible to capture the passing of the torch between obviously different groups such as schools, clubs or other affiliations participating in events it intuitively helps explain the theme of the 2010 International Year of "reaching out" and sharing.

It is very effective to see young and old, teachers and students, police cadets and school children, elected officials and their constituents and various members of multicultural and ethnic communities sharing an experience. When different cultural, religious or other communities including native or indigenous peoples participate together it is a powerful visual image.

  

• Many time students or others participating welcome the opportunity to carry the banner as well as the torch.
• Even if it is only carried for a short distance into a school , out of an event or in a parade it allows for more active participation of those present and interesting images. These can reinforce positive experiences to encourage future similar events.

Download or View a Pdf file which includes a Part I (text) and Part II (related images). This web page is a consolidated version of the PDF file with some images integrated with text for quick reference.

The Pdf file Part 02  has more photos in context. 

 

(1) IYRC: International Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures
(2) WHR: World Harmony Run

(3) Many photos used with the text above also apear in the IYRC examples page. For more context or date of a specific photo, use the links provided near the photos to the realted "live form the road" country daily reports at the examples page:
http://www.worldharmonyrun.org/unesco_year/iyrc_examples  http://www.worldharmonyrun.org/unesco_year/iyrc_examples