Rotary Peace Pole Program
Planting a Lasting Message of Peace
Discover how Rotary Peace Poles unite communities around a simple, enduring hope: May Peace Prevail On Earth.
A Global Symbol of Hope and Understanding
For the Rotary Club of Swarthmore PA, a Peace Pole is more than a marker—it is an invitation to practice peace in everyday life. It encourages individuals to choose understanding over division, communities to work together with compassion, and future generations to imagine a more just and peaceful world. By placing this universal message in public spaces, Rotary helps turn a global ideal into a local promise.
“May Peace Prevail On Earth.”
A shared call to let peace guide our thoughts, strengthen our communities, and shape a brighter future for every generation.
The Rotary Peace Pole Journey
From a simple message of hope to a growing network of community landmarks, Rotary Peace Poles bring people together around one enduring promise: May Peace Prevail On Earth.
1980s
A Message Takes Root
Rotarians began embracing Peace Poles as meaningful symbols of goodwill, connecting Rotary’s commitment to international understanding with a message recognized around the world.
1990s
Local Service Becomes Visible
Clubs partnered with schools, parks, houses of worship, and civic groups to install Peace Poles in shared spaces—turning service projects into daily invitations for reflection and respect.
2000s
Languages Build Bridges
Peace Pole installations increasingly featured “May Peace Prevail On Earth” in several languages, honoring the cultures represented in each community and celebrating our common humanity.
Today
A Global Call to Everyday Peace
Rotary clubs continue to dedicate Peace Poles through local and international service, inspiring neighbors, students, and visitors to choose understanding, kindness, and action for peace.
What a Peace Pole Stands For
Peacebuilding
A Peace Pole creates a visible place to pause, listen, and choose peaceful solutions in our homes, schools, and communities.
Cultural Understanding
Its multilingual message welcomes every voice and reminds us that peace is a shared hope across nations, traditions, and beliefs.
Community Connection
Planning and dedicating a Peace Pole brings neighbors and local partners together around a lasting expression of unity.
Service Above Self
Each installation reflects Rotary’s promise to put goodwill into action through service that strengthens understanding and hope.
From Dedication to Daily Practice
Each Peace Pole installation begins with collaboration. Rotary members work with community partners to select a meaningful, accessible location—often at a school, park, library, garden, or gathering place—and choose languages that reflect the people it serves. The pole is then installed as a durable public symbol carrying the message, “May Peace Prevail On Earth.”
A dedication ceremony gives the community an opportunity to gather, share reflections, and make a personal commitment to peace. Students, civic leaders, families, and local organizations can all take part, creating a moment of connection that extends well beyond the event itself.
After the dedication, the Peace Pole remains a quiet but powerful reminder that peace is practiced every day: in how we speak, how we listen, how we welcome others, and how we serve. Its message invites every passerby to turn hope into action.
Rotary Peace Pole Program
Community Peace Initiative
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My Role
Project Overview
Peace Pole Frequently Asked Questions
Learn how Peace Poles share a simple, enduring message of harmony—and how you can help bring one to a meaningful place in our community.
What does a Peace Pole inscription say?
Every Peace Pole includes the message “May Peace Prevail On Earth.” It may be displayed in English and additional languages, creating a welcoming expression of unity that can be understood and appreciated by people from many backgrounds.
Where can a Peace Pole be placed?
Peace Poles are often installed at schools, libraries, parks, community centers, houses of worship, gardens, and other public or private locations where people can pause, gather, and reflect. The site owner’s approval and a suitable, visible location are important considerations.
Can individuals or organizations participate?
Yes. Community groups, educators, families, businesses, and other organizations can partner in a Peace Pole initiative. Participation may include identifying a location, helping coordinate the project, contributing support, or joining the dedication ceremony.
What happens at a Peace Pole dedication ceremony?
A dedication can be simple and meaningful, with brief remarks, readings, music, student or community participation, and a shared moment of reflection. The Rotary Club of Swarthmore PA can help shape a ceremony that fits the host site and honors the message of peace.