The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints encourages its members to be active citizens involved in good causes in their communities.
Members of the Church across French Polynesia have joined with local government leaders and others in a community initiative called “Say No to Violence.”
Residents-in-the-town-of-Taputapuatea-join-in-a-white-march-to-show-their-support-of-programs-to-eliminate-violence-in-communities-in-French-Polynesia.-August-2021
Residents in the town of Taputapuatea joined with others across French Polynesia in a "white march" to show their support of programs to eliminate violence in their communities. August 20212021 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.Faced with these recent outbreaks of youth violence, the young men of the Maraa Ward from the Paea Stake wanted to make a difference.
DOWNLOADHe explained, “I put together a short script with simple staging, and all my friends were okay with being actors in the video. We wanted to deliver a message of unity and peace to all young people. "
Through their humorous video clip they invite young people to “change their behavior in order to serve rather than destroy, to help rather than fight, and to be useful rather than remain idle.”
Leaders in other parts of the country have organised community events with the same message. In Avera on Raiatea island, Tavana (mayor) Thomas Moutame called on citizens to participate in a march to say “No to Violence!”
Without waiting for more incidents to occur, the town council of the city of Taputapuatea and its Mayor Tavana Moutame did the same.
“We wanted to raise awareness and encourage families to stand up and reduce the plague of violence. We organised this peaceful march to say no to violence in all its forms. Living harmoniously together is everyone's business.”
Marchers were encouraged to wear white clothing to show their support.
Residents-in-the-town-of-Taputapuatea-join-in-a-white-march-to-show-their-support-of-programs-to-eliminate-violence-in-communities-in-French-Polynesia.-August-2021
Residents in the town of Taputapuatea join in a "white march" to show their support of programs to eliminate violence in communities in French Polynesia. August 20212021 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.Another stake leader, Jean Mariteragi, said: “Thank you to the mayor for this initiative! Congratulations also to all those who participated in this march and who are willing to make a difference in this cause.”
He also cited the words of Church leader Gary Stevenson, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, who has called on young women and young men to be and act as peacemakers.
“Please do all you can to make these places - your cyberspace, neighborhoods, schools, quorums, or classes - kinder and safer.”
“Young people talking to other young people to share constructive messages is also the key to bringing together, uniting and building a fairer, more respectful and more united society for tomorrow.”