Precipitated by recent acts of violence in Benghazi, Syria and elsewhere around the world, International Day of Peace comes at a crucial moment.
The UN has declared September 21 of each year as a day to advocate for peace around the globe. See ways below to promote religious tolerance, fight for human rights, advocate for education and more.
Learn more at the UN and then let us know in the comments below how you'll take action.
Fight for human rights
The world’s largest grassroots human rights organization, Amnesty International fights injustice and promotes human rights. Among its many humanitarian projects, the organization is focused on liberating women in Afghanistan and eliminating the death penalty. For its tireless efforts to improve the lives of the oppressed, Amnesty International earned the Nobel Peace Prize. Find out how you can get involved here.
Advocate for democracy
Make sure your voice -- and that of other people -- is heard. First and foremost, learn about the issues, and then help others find out where to vote, register friends and family and publicize your commitment to democracy through organizations such as Project Vote. Find out how to get involved here.
Promote religious tolerance
HuffPost Religion has compiled a list of interfaith organizations that work to promote, maintain and restore peace. Learn about organizations such as Interfaith Encounter Association, Israel, which promotes peace in the Middle East through discussion and study, and Orthodox Peace Fellowship, which applies the Gospel to conflict resolution. Read more here.
Protect free speech
To ensure that the public has an unbiased voice that can openly speak out against injustices and maintain its liberating right to freedom of speech, the Committee to Protect Journalists works in more than 120 countries to enable journalists who face repressive regimes, debilitating civil war and other plaguing issues to report the news without fear of backlash. Find out how you can get involved in the organization here.
Support education
Support education initiatives through programs such as UNICEF's Education First, which will activate governments, nonprofits and foundations to equip kids worldwide with the education they need to compete. The organization also supports programs that promote gender equality and empowerment in education and tackles health issues that impede children's development. Find out how to get involved here.
See celebrations of peace below:
