Celebrating United Planet Day 2011 on the Fall Equinox

Sept. 20, 2011 - PRLog -- Contact:  Mary Babic       617 267 7763   mary@unitedplanet.org  http://www.unitedplanet.org

Celebrating United Planet Day 2011 on the Fall Equinox

Volunteers and team to engage in activities in Boston and around the world; contests draw to a close

BOSTON, MA – September 20, 2011 – United Planet Day always falls on the Autumnal Equinox -- the only day in the year when the middle of the sun is positioned above and below the horizon, shining on every location on Earth for an equal amount of time. On September 23, 2011, the international nonprofit will celebrate this moment, and engage in activities to spread the message about fostering mutual understanding, improving the quality of life for everyone, and creating harmony among the people of the world.

“It’s a great moment to stop and think about the one planet we all share, and how much we have in common, no matter where we live,” said Dave Santulli, Executive Director of United Planet. “Our vision really is a united planet – people communicating and forging bonds based on the commonalities of our daily lives. Breaking bread, educating our children, laughing over a cup of tea. The more we celebrate these common threads, the more we build a better world.”

United Planet, with staff and volunteers in many countries around the world, is also celebrating its tenth birthday this year. The organization will spread activities over the course of the week. In Boston, where United Planet has its main office, members of the team will volunteer at Cradles to Crayons, a local nonprofit that serves low-income and homeless children; enjoy a cultural awareness presentation on public sculpture in Boston (followed by a trip through the Boston Garden); and host an international lunch for team members and alumni. Finally, the team will set up a table in Boston, and spread the word about the joy of volunteering abroad.

United Planet will also announce the winners and finalists of two contests on the Day. The United Planet Day Contest welcomes media that celebrate cross-cultural understanding: photos, writing, and videos. Everyone will have a chance to vote for their favorites starting the day after United Planet Day.

“Our thanks to the many people who sent in submissions to the contest,” said Santulli. “It’s inspiring to see the beautiful photos and to read the touching stories of volunteers experiencing life in other countries.”

And United Planet is celebrating its wonderful returned volunteers with the United Planet Annual Distinguished Alumnus Community Engagement Award. People are currently voting, and the winners will be announced on Friday. The nominees run a range of age, gender, countries visited, and more!

About United Planet

Over the past ten years, United Planet has worked with local communities all over the world to find meaningful work for volunteer travelers; and has placed thousands of volunteers in those communities to live and work – for periods ranging from a week to a year. United Planet is the U.S. and Canadian member of the International Cultural Youth Exchange (ICYE) Federation, founded in 1949.

For more about United Planet Day and the media contest, please visit:
http://www.unitedplanet.org/united-planet-day