Many artists will tell you that what they paint is not so much what they see with their eyes, but what they see with their hearts. This is especially true of children.
For almost four decades, Lions International has offered children across the globe the opportunity to create their visions of peace from their own hearts when clubs sponsor the Peace Poster Contest. Sponsoring the contest is one of the most unique and rewarding projects that your Lions club can be involved in, helping to inspire children to imagine a world of kindness, engage with your community and showcase all the incredible ways that Lions serve.
Peace Poster Contest helps children envision a world of peace
Designed for kids ages 11 to 13, the Peace Poster Contest offers children the chance to showcase their talent on an international stage and compete for exclusive prizes. The grand prize winner receives US$5,000 and a trip to a Lions international awards ceremony. Twenty-three merit winners receive a certificate of congratulations and US$500. All of the winning entries are recognized in LION Magazine and on our website.
There are so many great reasons for Lions clubs to sponsor the Peace Poster Contest. It boosts kids’ self-esteem and lets them know that their ideas matter.
“We host the Peace Poster Contest to encourage children to participate by expressing their ideas about peace and tolerance in our daily life through art,” said President Lion Tony Lim of the Medan Polonia Lions Club in Indonesia. “The benefit of hosting the contest is to promote kindness, connect with people from different backgrounds in the world to work hand in hand and share harmony through art.”
Past International Director Ed Lecius says that having had a merit winner from his club, the Nashua Lions Club in New Hampshire, two years in a row has not only brought attention to the club, but also to their Multiple District 44. “Locally,” he added, “we had a record year with over 100 Peace Posters submitted. It has also helped us with our membership. In the last several years, we’ve grown to over 100 members, added a new Leo club and just started a specialty branch club at a local retirement community.”
Lions clubs promote peace
There are so many great reasons for Lions clubs to sponsor the Peace Poster Contest. It boosts kids’ self-esteem and lets them know that their ideas matter. It also offers clubs the opportunity to promote peace while increasing their visibility in their communities. And most importantly, it gives children — and adults — hope for the future.
“We host the Peace Poster Contest because, for the kids, it’s their first real shot to say ‘this is what peace looks like,’” says Lion Michael Chan, charter president of the Silicon Valley Cyber Lions Club in California.
In a world filled with conflict and uncertainty, the need for kindness, peace and love has never been greater. And who better to illustrate this than a child? We hope these youthful visions of kindness and peace will help the whole world learn to see with their hearts, too.
Purchase your kit today to get started hosting a local contest and help promote a more peaceful world.
Madeleine Miller, ABC is the senior strategic communications specialist for Lions International.
