United Way of Greater Atlanta in Gwinnett celebrated the dedication of our Peace & Unity Room at the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce. The Rotary Club of Gwinnett County sponsors this space. This special event took place on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, with a dedication program and ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The Peace & Unity Room is the first space set to support our Gwinnett Equity Inclusion and Belonging Initiative. This initiative aims to reduce the race, ethnicity, gender, and socio-economic gaps as factors for improving child well-being and peacebuilding in our community. United Way is bringing together diverse groups to work towards a more inclusive and harmonious Gwinnett County by providing a hub for activities that promote peace, unity, and community engagement. The adjoining Community Collaboration room further enhances this mission, serving as a testament to United Way’s commitment to building strong, connected communities through partnership and collective action.
The Peace & Unity Room supports a range of activities, including:
- Small Self-Facilitated Conversations: Engage in discussions about peace, unity, and related topics, providing a platform for voices to be heard and ideas to be shared.
- Learning Opportunities: Training on mindsets and skills for peacebuilding, cultural competencies and equity.
- Collaborative Groups: Tackle challenges and seize opportunities for peace and unity in our community, fostering teamwork and collective problem-solving.
- Storytelling Exercises: Share and celebrate the unique experiences of individuals and the community, highlighting diverse perspectives and fostering understanding.
- Reflection and Meditation: Find tranquility and mindfulness in our serene space, offering a retreat for reflection and personal growth.
In 2021, Wayne Ellison, the Gwinnett Advisory Board Chair and President of the Rotary Club of Gwinnett at the time, wanted to contribute to the Initiative. He shared his vision for a space to be set aside where people could meet, talk, listen, and get to know each other, thus reducing biases and barriers among us. In 2022, Wayne conceived the Peace and Unity Room.
“There’s never a good time to have an uncomfortable conversation. We can no longer kick the can down the road; it is time to have an uncomfortable conversation so that we can become the community God has called us to be,” said Ellison.
Under Ellison’s leadership, the Rotary Club of Gwinnett secured a grant to help furnish the space and equip it with supportive technology.
Join us in celebrating the dedication of the Peace & Unity Room and be a part of our journey toward a more inclusive and harmonious Gwinnett. Together, we can make a difference and build a community where everyone thrives. View the photos in the Gwinnett Daily News.
