Weaving
Communities of
Courage to
End Violence
As part of the Winnipeg Military Family Resource Centre commitment to raising
awareness about all forms of violence including violence against women we are pleased to
announce our participation in One Million Stars to End Violence Project. This is an international
art installation initiated by Samoan-Australian artist and weaver, Maryann Talia Pau, who began
this project in Brunswick, Victoria, Australia
The One Million Stars initiative aims to end violence by bringing people together to
weave stars. These stars represent light, courage and hope to end all forms of violence,
including violence against women. The goal is to weave 1 million stars for display at the 2018
Commonwealth Games in Australia. More information about this initiative can be found at
www.onemillionstars.net
The Winnipeg MFRC has registered as a Star Weaver Community. As a Star Weaver
community we have committed to making 10,000 stars. We need your help in achieving this
goal. MFRC’s across Canada have consistently supported military families and been strong
advocates for healthy relationships. We are hoping that your MFRC will choose to partner with
us in this project and help us reach our goal of 10,000 stars. With thirty two MFRC’s across
Canada, our goal of 10,000 stars is more than achievable. Together, we can make a difference
and create hope and healing. Our initiative will run until April 28, 2017. All stars must be made
by July 2017 in order to be included in the art installation at the Commonwealth Games.
If you would like to partner with us or would like more information on this initiative please
contact Kim Smyrski at [email protected] or Dana Glover at [email protected]
Ways to support our STAR weaving community and get involved:
1. Challenge your MFRC to set a specific goal of stars created.
2. Incorporate STAR weaving into your ongoing MFRC programming.
a. Our plan is to have STAR kits premade and available so that they can be accessed
by coordinators, clients, etc and made at any time without any preparation.
b. It takes less than 10 minutes to weave one STAR
c. Instructions for STAR weaving can be found at the following links:
http://bit.ly/2eZmuwU
http://bit.ly/2eZlrxc
3. Invite military and civilian partners in your community to take part in STAR weaving.
4. Weave solo in the comfort of your own home or invite friends and family to join you.
5. Include STAR weaving in your next staff or board event.
This is your opportunity to be part of the solution to raising awareness and prevention of all
forms of violence. It is also an opportunity for your artistic creations to be part of an
international exhibit.
Background
One Million Stars to End Violence
Weaving Communities of Courage to End Violence
By Maryann Talia Pau
One Million Stars to End Violence is a love and peace filled community project. These beautiful
stars are symbols of light, courage and solidarity to end all forms of violence, including violence
against women, bullying and racism.
The Million Stars project began in Brunswick Victoria, 2012 as my personal response to the rape
and murder of a local woman. Since then, it has grown into an international weaving movement
with stars being woven by communities in Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific Islands, Europe
and the USA. Some of these stars have been part of stunning displays at the Royal Exhibition
Building Melbourne, Queen St Mall Brisbane (G20), Myer Melbourne and the Sydney Opera
House.
The Million Stars project is an opportunity for us to be light and hope in the world and to make
something beautiful and powerful together. We know that domestic violence, violence on
our streets, racism and harassment is happening RIGHT NOW and often it is difficult to know
what to do to help those who are suffering and to help prevent it.
The Million Stars project is an opportunity to remind each other that we CAN do something
about it and not feel paralysed by all that is broken with humanity.
The short term goal is to weave one million stars and to display at the Commonwealth Games
on the Gold Coast in 2018 in Queensland, in partnership with the Gold Coast 2018
Commonwealth Games (GC2018) arts and cultural program. The long term goal is be light and
courage for each other and not act violently with our words and actions, but with passion and
generosity.
Every woven star reminds us that we have to MAKE peace and safe spaces and that it doesn't
just happen. Every star is a commitment to resist violence and revenge, to believe in
forgiveness and healing.
Ending violence is OUR responsibility, not one person, not one organisation or leader. Us.
Everyone is welcome. Everyone matters.
With light & love
Maryann x
Source: www.onemillionstars.net/about
Frequently Asked Questions
How can we end violence by weaving stars?
The One Million Stars project offers a hopeful and uplifting way for people to talk about the
overwhelming human crisis that is violence. Through weaving stars, with others or by ourselves, we
keep the conversation of dealing with violence in our communities alive and active. We create
space for people to ask those critical questions: What is the best way to end violence? Whose
responsibility is it? How we support each other and work together across ALL of society so that it's
shared between all of us. We don't need a tragedy to galvanise community solidarity. We can be
diligent and committed and collaborate to end all forms of violence in our communities - against
women, children, men, the environment, physical, emotional, sexual, ALL OF IT.
Why one million stars?
One million stars represents how monumental the task of ending violence is. It requires the effort
and commitment of everyone across the world: government leaders, non-government, human
rights activists, school communities, faith communities, men, and women. EVERYONE.
Do I have to share personal stories at a weaving group?
No. Sometimes, a person may approach a star weaving teacher or leader and share what the
project means to them. This is not a counselling session, but it is designed to be a safe and creative
space for fun, relaxation and meeting new people with a similar value of wanting an end to
violence.
What does the star represent?
The star represents different things in different cultures. For Maryann, the star is a reminder of her
ancestor’s skill, courage and innovation to navigate the oceans using the light of the stars. The star
connects Maryann to her Samoan and Pacific Island culture, her loved ones and her values as an
artist, collaborator and sista. For the One Million Stars project, the stars represent light, courage
and solidarity to end all forms of violence, including violence against women, bullying and racism.
The stars remind us to shine light into the world by being our best and most courageous self, to
stand against violent behaviour, and to find support to change if we behave in violent and hurtful
ways.
Is the project just for women?
No. This project is for anyone who wants to make a peaceful statement against violence. Violence
happens towards men, children and women of all ages, races and socioeconomic backgrounds and
it’s important that we all tackle this issue together.
How can I involve men in my community?
There are men, women and children around the world who are weaving stars to acknowledge all
kinds of violence, including violence against gay, lesbian and transgender people, religious violence,
and violence against boys and men. This project invites people to discuss, highlight and work
towards ending any form of violence that they care about. Think about the different types of
violence that affects men in society and invite them to get involved.
Can I weave with other materials aside from ribbon?
We encourage stars to be woven in any materials you have access to. This could include, but is not
exclusive to, magazines, newspapers, wrapping paper, fabric or felt.
What size do stars need to be?
Stars can be woven in any size.
Source: www.onemillionstars.net/faqs