. . DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION . .
An article by Digitalmex
The Mexican Red Cross, Toluca Delegation, received the Flag of Peace and was designated an Organization Promoting a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence. In doing so, it committed to strengthening actions based on dialogue, respect, empathy, and humanitarian care among its staff and volunteers.
During the event held to mark the International Day of Peace—observed on September 21—Mario Vázquez de la Torre, president of the Toluca Delegation, noted that serving others is also a way to contribute to peaceful coexistence.
“May our volunteers always serve as an example that helping others is also a way to build peace.”
Toluca Red Cross signs commitment to a culture of peace
In the presence of María del Rocío Pegueros Velázquez, honorary president of DIF Toluca, a letter of intent was signed to promote a culture of peace and non-violence within the Toluca Delegation.
As part of the agreement, volunteers presented and signed a ten-point declaration establishing principles to translate this commitment into the institution’s daily activities.
“True commitment begins right now; it starts with every word we speak, every difference we resolve through dialogue, every person we treat with respect, and every act of service performed with empathy and humanity.”
(Article continued in right column)
How can we develop the institutional framework for a culture of peace?
(Article continued from left column)
Vázquez de la Torre called on volunteers to extend these practices beyond Red Cross facilities and apply them within their families, communities, schools, workplaces, and other spaces where they represent the institution. Education and participation: keys to preventing violence
At the gathering, Alicia Cabezudo—an International Peace Ambassador and member of the *Mil Milenios de Paz* (A Thousand Millennia of Peace) Foundation—delivered a lecture on the historical development of the culture of peace since the end of World War II.
The specialist maintained that educating for peace entails assuming responsibility and fostering open, democratic participation, as well as promoting interdisciplinary work to incorporate diverse perspectives and methodologies.
“How wonderful it would be to have groups of proactive people who, drawing from their respective disciplines, contribute perspectives, viewpoints, and methodologies that enrich and strengthen efforts to build peace.”
Red Cross humanitarian work highlighted
Carolina Alanís, an international ambassador for the *Mil Milenios de Paz* Foundation, emphasized that those who join this movement embody values such as respect for life, solidarity, and human development.
She noted that the principles of a culture of peace have been integral to the Red Cross’s work since its inception in the 19th century; the organization provides humanitarian aid without regard to nationality, age, race, color, or gender, always placing the individual at the center of its care.
Key Facts
Why did the Toluca Red Cross receive the Flag of Peace? The Toluca Delegation received this distinction for its commitment to promoting a culture of peace and non-violence through dialogue, respect, empathy, and humanitarian service.
What commitment did the Toluca Red Cross make upon receiving the Flag of Peace? The institution signed a letter of intent and a ten-point pledge to foster peaceful coexistence among its staff and volunteers, both within and outside its facilities.
What role will Red Cross volunteers play in promoting peace Volunteers will seek to apply these principles when serving the public and to share them within their own families, communities, schools, and workplaces.
– – – – – –
If you wish to make a comment on this article, you may write to coordinator@cpnn-world.org with the title “Comment on (name of article)” and we will put your comment on line. Because of the flood of spam, we have discontinued the direct application of comments.