UPF USA Celebrates International Day of Families

Contributed by Emiljun Rapada, UPF USA

Families across the United States celebrated the United Nations’ International Day of Families, held every year on May 15. This day is not just a celebration but also an opportunity to promote awareness of issues relating to families and to increase knowledge of the social, economic and demographic processes affecting families.

In observance of this holiday, several local Universal Peace Federation (UPF) chapters also held unique celebrations with families and friends of diverse ethnicities and faiths in order to promote the family as the center of social development and shared economic prosperity.

Salt Lake City

On Sunday, May 15, UPF Utah hosted a “Family Day” at Sugarhouse Park in Salt Lake City. Wendy Stovall, the executive director of UPF Utah, warmly welcomed all the guests and thanked them for coming out for a picnic despite the torrential rain that had been falling. She went on to explain the significance and theme of the event and also the five core values of UPF with the greatest emphasis on the family, saying that the family is the fundamental unit for building peaceful nations and ultimately a peaceful world. Mrs. Stovall concluded her remarks by emphasizing that the goal for the day was to strengthen our families by rededicating our marriages, and she invited those who were interested in doing so to speak with her.

Following this, the attendees engaged in icebreaker activities to get to know one another better and then enjoyed a delicious potluck meal as they chatted with each other. After lunch, the children as well as some of the adults had fun playing Frisbee, soccer and other ball games, including an egg and spoon race for the younger children.

Dallas

On the same day, UPF Texas held a peace forum at the Dallas Family Church, bringing an interfaith component to their International Day of Families celebration. This forum served as an inaugural event for the Dallas UPF chapter. At the conclusion of the presentations, Mr. Richard de Sena, regional secretary general of UPF North America, appointed one of the forum participants as an Ambassador for Peace.

Las Vegas

On Wednesday, May 18, UPF Las Vegas hosted a forum on marriage and the family, which is one of the main issues on which UPF USA focuses. Three guest panelists were invited to a discussion of the topic “How to Seek, Find and Keep a Loving, Lasting Relationship,” which was moderated by Sera Hirano, chair of Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP) Las Vegas.

The panelists were Rev. Jerushia McDonald Hylton, whose great concern is the youth of today; Hope Igarashi, representing Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU); and Nick Phillips, a local businessman. Questions were made to the panelists on such issues as the qualities needed for a good relationship, the costs and benefits of dating, and the value of commitment. Nick Phillips was appointed as an Ambassador for Peace by Leslie Rigney, executive director of UPF Nevada, and Katherine Duncan, chair of UPF Las Vegas.

New York City

The following day, Thursday, May 19, UPF USA representatives were invited to a program at the United Nations headquarters in New York City titled “Grandparents in the Family: Key for Intergenerational Solidarity,” which was hosted by the UN NGO Family of New York, in cooperation with UPF, the International Council of Psychologists, and the Latter-day Saint Charities.

Four experienced speakers gave a wide spectrum of insights and perspective on topics ranging from aging to remembering, influencing and having satisfying relationships, as well as the challenges that grandparents experience.

Elizabeth, NJ

On Sunday, May 22, UPF USA representatives co-hosted an International Day of Families Multicultural Festival together with the Elizabeth Family Church of New Jersey. More than 100 people gathered to celebrate the importance of family and the beauty of a multicultural and diverse community. The event commenced with an international lunch buffet with homemade dishes and cuisines representing almost every continent.

The Elizabeth Family Church Band, headed by Pastor Darryl Franklin, opened the program with a rendition of “We Are the World,” followed by a video presentation introducing UPF and its work. Mr. de Sena was present to give the keynote address and passionately described the values and significance of the family as the cornerstone for peace and prosperity. He encouraged the community to host an Interfaith Peace Blessing, in order to rededicate their marriages and empower their families to become contributors to a peaceful community and world.

Different cultural presentations were staged by groups of all ages. Ethnic dances from Thailand, the Philippines, and Lebanon were presented as well as vibrant moves from Africa and Latin America like the cha-cha and the salsa. Assistant Pastor Emiljun Rapada and Worship Director Elena Bahian, both of the Elizabeth Family Church, coordinated the event.