Manifesto We create images of peace and joy, images of today for tomorrow.Rose Marie Gnausch Why did we give birth to the elephant as a symbol for peace? We have chosen the elephant because it is the only one who is a model that shows us how power and greatness can be used for the well-being of all. The elephant is a model for us humans with its peaceful grandeur. The elephant is naturally outside the food chain. He doesn't know the principle of attack or flight. The elephant never uses its natural power to pursue others, nor to exploit or destroy them. He never harms another living being. In this way he becomes a model for humanity. A high objective that we make known through the elephants of peace. We do not want to teach our children the politics of feeling superior to others, but rather to set a peaceful example of the most powerful and popular of all animals, the elephant. We want to write a new history of humanity, where true greatness is combined with benevolence! This model could also be lived among people for a better world for all. Living in harmony with other living beings, is this such a utopian goal? The elephant shows mankind THE WAY to travel. WHO IS ELEPHANTS FOR PEACE? We are an international association that engages and unites under the sign of the elephant of peace for a peaceful and cross-border exchange of all people without discrimination or stigmatization. WE ARE active in difficult points and places of memory where people are prevented or have been prevented from meeting peacefully; or facilitate reconciliation actions by state or private actors. WE ARE a participatory movement that works with images of elephants. Knowing that the human brain thinks in images, we use this faculty as a means of change. Before and during our interactive exhibits, thousands of elephants are artistically created and the works are sent around the world as personal ambassadors of peace. WE WANT a peaceful and democratic world in which all people are protected from war, exploitation and ethnic, racist, religious and political persecution or disadvantage, as well as gender discrimination. We advocate universal rights for all. WE WANT to stimulate international dialogue with the elephant symbol and encourage people in their ideas and creative powers. The artistic works of the Elephant of Peace make us imagine a new image of a reality of peace and strength that can be represented and touched in real space-time. WE WANT to offer all people who love peace, and especially children and young people, an open platform with soft, playful and non-political actions. With the creation of real images, they get involved to help bring about personal and / or social change. WE ESTABLISH A SYMBOL The vast majority of people want to live in peace and want a life free from hatred and violence. These people and their desire for peace can be made visible through images. As a universal symbol of this wish for peace, Elephants for Peace introduced and established the elephant as a symbol of peace, and initiated actions under this symbol around the world. WE WORK LOCALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY All the democratic and emancipatory movements have organized themselves at the international level to develop their effects. We are here to express humanity‘s desire for peace in images of peace and joy that transcend state borders and cultural barriers. Images make us visible and connect us with our neighbors. Artistic inspiration has been universal since humans have existed. WE HAVE BEEN A COMMUNITY OF INTERNATIONAL ARTISTS FROM THE BEGINNING Since 2009 Elephants for Peace has appeared in international and cross-border activities, starting with Cyprus. Artists from many countries actively engaged at this moment when, as a result of their work, the border between the divided halves of the city of Nicosia opened for the first time and the citizens, first and foremost the two mayors , de are met after years of separation. WHY DO WE INSPIRE CHILDREN AND YOUTH? Children have a natural urge to play and to express themselves in a fun way. Flawless and unburdened creativity animates them. They admire the elephant for its strength and tranquility and its ability to stay in peace. Children have a message: it is often the message of friendship and solidarity. This is often the message of peace, especially in countries torn by conflict and in threatened areas. For them it is quite natural to speak up or send the elephants they themselves have created to the world as messengers of peace. WHY ARE ATHLETES SUPPORTERS? Sport is universal. The Olympic idea is the idea of Olympic peace. Since sport has existed, sport has initiated teamwork, fairness and each other across national borders. The athletes have been inspiring young people and committed to peace, international understanding and a world free from arrogance and nationalism, racism and hatred for decades. The elephant is also their symbol of peace. WHY ARE CINÉASTES AND ACTORS OUR SUPPORTERS? The effects and messages of cinematic art are tremendous. Globally, many filmmakers and actors from all over the world have put their art at the service of humanity: against fascism, against colonialism and apartheid. We are dedicating a Peace Film Prize which recognizes courageous and instructive films of our time. US AND THE PEACE MOVEMENT The peace and anti-war movements are numerous and emphasize different actions. We sympathize with all peaceful people who are active for peace between themselves and others. We respect the particularities of different groups and organizations and wish to foster their dialogue with one another. Since 2010, we have been working continuously and in close collaboration with the World Peace Forum (Luxembourg) and received the Luxembourg PeacePrize during the first year of the award. Since 2015 we have been a partner of “Living Peace International” (Portugal) and a partner of the Universal Circle of Peace Ambassadors Paris Geneva. US AND HUMAN RIGHTS Human rights are essential. Without guaranteed individual rights, there is abuse of provision and the authority of democracies is undermined. Countries with threatened human rights in danger and restricted democracy have a particular tendency to arouse resentment and / or to adopt an aggressive foreign policy. States that do not respect human rights often embody - as history shows - both internal and external violence. US AND POLICY Elephants for Peace works without political ambitions. If there are contact points or agreements with political actors, representatives or institutions, we are happy to take note. We are for an open exchange of views without censorship. We show solidarity with the oppressed and the political incapacities as well as with the populations of the militarily occupied areas. As a non-profit association in Germany and a non-governmental organization (NGO - non-governmental organization) in the international environment, we exert an influence on international identity. We aspire to achieve peaceful, tolerant and just societies. Posted by the administrative council: „Elephants for PeaceCommunitye. V. “ Bernkastel-Kues, Köln / Bergheim, Barcelona, Marseille, 2021 Rose Marie Gnausch, President / Andrea Horstmann, Vice-President Joachim Richter, Treasurer / Sabine Faß-Follmann, Assessor
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