Trends in Global Grassroots Organizing by We, The World

, THE WORLD

TRENDS MARCH 2017

in global grassroots organizing

IN THE NEWS: ENVIRONMENT EARTH MONTH RALLIES & ACTIONS

Starting on the Equinox - World Water Day - March for Science on Washington - Planet Heart World Peace Earth Day Celebration - Climate March

IMPOSSIBLE PEOPLE DOING IMPOSSIBLE THINGS Dr. Scott Mills reflects on the possibilities of humankind.

READ MORE PAGE 23

trends in environment

trends in unity

COLIBRIS

350.ORG

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 Faced with the obsession with permanent, relentless growth, increased mechanisation and chemical input to agriculture and the growing disconnection between humans and nature, Pierre

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 Right now, water protectors are being evacuated from the main camp at Standing Rock. The state of North Dakota issued an emergency evacuation last week for the main camp, formerly known as Oceti Sakowin, that goes into effect today. While some are optimistic as new camps emerge on higher ground and as the land is returned to its former state, others can’t help but feel heartache to see the camp pack up and to see Dakota Access prepare to drill under the Missouri River. From March 7th — March 10th Indigenous peoples from across Turtle Island (The United States) will hold a tipi camp near the Washington Monument and on March 10th thousands of Indigenous Peoples and their allies, including 350.org, will march through Washington D.C. to demand that Indigenous rights be respected, that tribal consent is given when any economic development happens on tribal land, and that President Trump meets with Tribal Leaders so he can take accountability for his actions. March with us. Rise with Native Nations. Click here to sign up and learn more.

The movement, which has no political or religious allegiance, has created and supported projects for the Presidential elections in 2012 and 2017, backed and produced films to inspire and provide solutions - 'Demain' ('Tomorrow') being a huge hit in many countries last year founding schools and a 'university' complete with MOOCs and has created a physical and virtual web providing multiple forums (fora) for people to create, build and share all kinds of community projects. Pierre Rabhi (Writer, Environmentalist & Founder of the Colibris - Hummingbird - movement) calls for an 'insurrection of consciousness' for people to open to a different vision of society and a return to a 'happy sobriety' as a more sustainable way of life.

trends in unity

trends in interdependence

GLOBAL PARLIAMENTCONTINUED OF MAYORS FROM PAGE 9

" In our interdependent world, cities have not only the obligation but the right to achieve solutions to global issues.” Dr. Benjamin Barber (Founder) Dr. Benjamin Barber is a renowned international theorist and author. The Founder of the Global Parliament of Mayors, he created Interdependence Day on September 12th to celebrate the growing movement of a network of “citizens without borders” to challenge parochialism and promote cooperation across frontiers; to enlarge our thinking to embrace what connects us, and build on those connections to fix our global problems and heal our fractured world. In a recent issue of The Nation Dr. Barber demonstrates how cities can actively counter the power of President Trump (https://www.thenation.com/article/in-the-age-of-donaldtrump-the-resistance-will-be-localized/) “The Global Parliament of Mayors Project aspires to alter fundamentally how be govern globally in response to such pressing cross-border issues as climate change, immigration, the refugee crisis, pandemic disease, terrorism, nuclear proliferation, and volatile financial markets. Our goal is to establish a new, nonpartisan global governance platform that empowers mayors to deliver viable cross-border solutions to global challenges.”

WORLD PEACE PRAYERCONTINUED SOCIETYFROM PAGE 5 The Power of Thought: Thought forms create an energetic field strong enough to empower the course of planetary destiny.

The Power of Words: Words carry vibrations strong enough to inspire, heal and transform the human heart as well as the Kingdom of plants, animals and all creation. The Power of May Peace Prevail On Earth: May Peace Prevail On Earth is an all inclusive message and prayer. It is a meeting place of the heart bringing together people of all faiths, backgrounds and culture to embrace the Oneness of our planetary family. Our Mission is Simple: To spread the Universal Peace Message and Prayer, May Peace Prevail On Earth, far and wide to embrace the lands and people of this Earth. James Twyman, “May Peace Prevail on Earth”

IMMIGRATION FACT SHEET MORE MEXICANS ARE LEAVING THAN COMING TO THE U.S. NET LOSS OF 140,000 FROM 2009 TO 2014. NUMBER OF MEXICAN MIGRANTS APPREHENDED AT U.S. BORDERS IN 2015 DROPPED TO THE LOWEST LEVELS IN NEARLY 50 YEARS. THE NUMBER OF MEXICAN IMMIGRANTS LIVING IN THE U.S. ILLEGALLY HAS DECLINED BY MORE THAN 1 MILLION SINCE 2007.

THE POVERTY RATE IS

LOWER IN SANCTUARY COUNTIES COMPARED TO NON2.3 SANCTUARY COUNTIES, ON AVERAGE. "AREAS WHERE UNAUTHORIZED IMMIGRANTS WERE MOST CRIME PREVALENT GENERALLY REPORTED LOWER CRIME RATES THAN RATE OTHER REGIONS" FEWER CRIMES COMMITTED PER 10,000 PEOPLE IN SANCTUARY 35.5 COUNTIES COMPARED TO NON-SANCTUARY COUNTIES. PERCENT

THE CHANCE OF BEING KILLED BY A REFUGEE TERRORIST ATTACK IS 1 IN 3.6 BILLION

SOURCES

THE CHANCE OF BEING STRUCK BY LIGHTNING IS ONLY

1 IN A MILLION

http://www.pewhispanic.org/2015/11/19/more-mexicans-leaving-than-coming-to-the-u-s http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2016/04/14/mexico-us-border-apprehensions http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/refugee-terrorist-chances-of-killed-one-in-3-billion-donald-trumpimmigration-ban-syria-yemen-libya-a7548151.html http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/odds.shtml http://www.governing.com/gov-data/safety-justice/undocumented-immigrants-crime-effects-study.html migrationpolicy.org 11

Trends in ENVIRONMENT SUSTAINABILITY, RESILIENCE, SOCIAL JUSTICE AND THE ENVIRONMENT THE CHALLENGE

By Maxine Margo The Many Shades of Green/50 Shades of Green Divas with Megan McWilliams and Maxine Margo: themanyshadesofgreen.com and thegreendivas.com

Getting out the message via grassroots radio/podcasts to promote actions to protect the land, water, and air for future generations to come. We must do everything in our power to fight for Mother Earth!

“The more clearly we focus our attention on the wonders and realities of the universe about us, the less taste we shall have for destruction.” Rachel Carson

It is a crucial moment in history when it is more essential than ever that we all come together to fight injustice, and move to be change agents for peace, understanding and respect for one another and the Earth. This is a test of what humanity will do to persevere and preserve the diversity and beauty which surrounds us daily.

CHANGE AGENTS ADDRESSING THE CHALLENGE

earthday.org

Building the world’s largest environmental movement

UPCOMING EVENTS

thewaterbearers.org

We work with world leaders and strategic partners who take a no-nonsense attitude toward making global change.

EARTH DAY NYC 2017 Noon Rally – “Stop Trump’s Climate Agenda” 4.22.17 N00n – 1:30pm; Foley Square; 111 Worth at Centre Street For more information, please visit www.facebook.com/events/1365742080184720/ 12

trends in environment

PROTECTING OUR ENVIRONMENT AND ADDRESSING CLIMATE CHANGE

THE CHALLENGE

By Heather L. Bain WE Team Coordinator, Environment Committee

The American people are in the unenviable position of determining best courses of action to help protect our environment and safeguard not only our country’s natural resources but also our planet from the impact and effects of climate change in an era where our Federal Government not only challenges the science of its existence but has also appointed people to serve in key positions where they can reverse course and unwind much of the progress so many have worked decades to achieve in this regard. Fortunately for us, there are many organizations well positioned to help us tackle this challenge. Today I highlight one of them- The Sierra Club. As the Sierra Club’s website notes, “Founded by legendary conservationist John Muir in 1892, the Sierra Club is now the nation's largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization -with more than two million members and supporters. Our successes range from protecting millions of acres of wilderness to helping pass the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and Endangered Species Act. More recently, we've made history by leading the charge to move away from the dirty fossil fuels that cause climate disruption and toward a clean energy economy. For more information on the Sierra Club, please take a look at their Mission Statement and Strategic Plan Overarching Visionary Goals. The Sierra Club’s Executive Director, Michael Brune, wrote in a recent blog post that their legendary founder, John Muir, was quite aware there will always be people willing to put greed and self-interest a head of the greater good and make wrong or inappropriate choices regarding the nation’s natural resources. Brune went on to write: “The irony is that Pruitt [Scott Pruitt, the new head of the EPA] is correct when he says we don't need to sacrifice jobs or the economy to protect the environment. After all, jobs in the solar sector are growing at 12 times the rate of the rest of the economy; there are four times as many solar workers as coal miners. But we still have to make choices. The health of the economy, for instance, will depend on whether we choose to invest in achieving 100 percent renewable energy, choose to upgrade our power grid, choose smart transportation solutions, and choose reduce the danger of climate change. If we truly care about jobs, then instead of obliging "despoiling gainseekers," we should choose to help workers make the transition from polluting fossil-fuel industries to the renewable future. And always, always, we should choose to protect public health -- which is not only the right thing to do but also makes economic sense”. READ MORE PAGE 23 13

trends in environment

EARTH MONTH: RALLIES & ACTIONS Celebrating Earth Month Worldwide: March 20th (Equinox) through April 22nd and Beyond!

This year a variety of organizations, (including those above), with people around the world, are celebrating Earth Month. Earth Month is a convergence of events and activities starting with the Original Earth Day on the Equinox March 20th, including World Water Day March 22nd, continuing through April 22nd (Earth Day celebrated), and culminating with the Peoples Climate March on March 29th.

Earth Society Foundation EarthSocietyFoundation.org

The Compassion Games CompassionGames.org

The Earth Society Foundation invites you to ring a bell for peace March 20th at 6:29AM USA Eastern Time wherever you are. In New York City the 47th Annual UN Peace Bell Ceremony will take place at the Zen Garden in the UN, with dignitaries and civil society. We will observe nature's moment as citizens of Earth. We will recognize that "we are one human family and have only one Earth."

On World Water Day March 22nd we will launch and build momentum for Earth Week happening from April 22nd through April 30. During Earth Month we will pass the Compassion Torch to different Champions of Compassion who are standing to Protect and Restore Mother Earth. The Earth Day Science March is happening on April 22 and the Climate March is happening on April 29. 14

Planet Heart PlanetHeart.org Celebrating Our Planet. Healing Our Heart. Planet Heart’s 10th Anniversary Annual World Peace Earth Day Celebration is April 22nd, 2017 in New York City. at the Church of St. Paul and St. Andrew, 263 West 86th St. 6:30pm. See the full page notice for more information.

trends in environment

Earth Month Continued

The Global Unity Calendar GlobalUnityCalendar.org

The Earth Day Network www.earthday.net On Earth Day April 22nd, 2017 Global Teach-ins and the March for Science in Washington DC and other locations.

For more Earth Month events and activities, check out the international Global Unity Calendar: GlobalUnityCalendar.org where you can add your own group's events and announcements too!

HISTORY OF THE ORIGINAL EARTH DAY ON THE EQUINOX

The first Earth Day was held March 21, 1970 on the Equinox in San Francisco and other cities. Excerpt from the International Earth Day 2006 Proclamation, San Francisco: WHEREAS, the first Earth Day was celebrated on the first day of spring on March 21, 1970; and WHEREAS, plans for the first Earth Day were announced in San Francisco at the November 1969 United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization Conference on the Environment; and WHEREAS, the first Earth Day proclamation was issued by San Francisco Mayor Joseph Alioto on March 21, 1970; and WHEREAS, Earth Day was, and is, followed by the Environmental Teach-In on April 22, and World Environment Day on June 5, we celebrate a season for Earth.. For more on the Original Earth Day on the Equinox see EarthSocietyFoundation.org 15

trends in environment

Planet Heart's Annual World Peace Earth Day Celebration

Produced by Andrew Kaen in Association with We, The World (fiscal sponsor), & Jodi Serota. Come join us in NYC in a Conscious Community Gathering in Unity, Honoring Mother Earth & The New Earth, with Inspirational Talks, Live Music Performances, Ceremony, Meditation, Vendors and Celebration. Celebrating Ten Years of Oneness, Peace and Sustainability! 2007 - 2017 “Every day is Earth Day where Peace Within Brings Peace on Earth ” - ReAwakennd Save the Date! SATURDAY APRIL 22, 2017 6:30 PM (Sharp)- 9:30 PM Doors open 6PM for Registration Church of St. Paul and St. Andrew 263 West 86th Street (Corner West End Ave. 86st) For registration and other info go to www.planetheart.org

MEET YOUR PRESENTERS

Julian Michael

Myra Olivia Jodi Jackson Olkowski Serota 17

Bethany & Rufus

Deborah Moldow

Rick Ulfik

march for science

EARTH DAY APRIL 22, 2017 #marchforscience The March for Science is a celebration of our passion for science and a call to support and safeguard the scientific community. Recent policy changes have caused heightened worry among scientists, and the incredible and immediate outpouring of support has made clear that these concerns are also shared by hundreds of thousands of people around the world. The mischaracterization of science as a partisan issue, which has given policymakers permission to reject overwhelming evidence, is a critical and urgent matter. It is time for people who support scientific research and evidence-based policies to take a public stand and be counted.

marchforscience.com 18

Trends in Economic Justice HAZEL HENDERSON'S ETHICAL MARKETS MEDIA PROMOTES A SUSTAINABLE, GREEN, AND JUST ECONOMY WORLDWIDE By Rick Ulfik, Founder of We, The World and the WE Campaign at WE.net

THE CHALLENGE Continuing and expanding the movement for Business Social Responsibility is key to rolling back catastrophic rising Inequality, pollution, and climate disruption.

CHANGE AGENTS ADDRESSING THE CHALLENGE

www.ethicalmarkets.com/about ETHICAL MARKETS MEDIA is an independent media company promoting the emergence of a sustainable, green, more ethical and just economy worldwide. We share the goals of all our non-profit groups and friends listed on our Partners/Links page. Â We research, assist and report on all the new organizations: civic, non-profit and for-profit, as well as individuals working for the transition to the new economies of the dawning information-rich solar age.

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

www.democracyatwork.info Democracy at Work is a non-profit 501(c)3 that advocates for worker cooperatives and democratic workplaces as a key path to a stronger, democratic economic system. We envision a future where workers at every level of their offices, stores, and factories have a voice in the direction of their enterprise and its impact within their community and society at large. Economic Update is a weekly program hosted by Economics Professor Richard D. Wolff who takes complex economic issues and makes them understandable.

TRENDS IN ECONOMIC JUSTICE Ethical Markets© is a TV breakthrough, departing from the traditional formats of the financial media, based on the obsolete economic models of the past century…while conserving the core values that allow markets to succeed and economies flourish: TRUST, HONESTY, TRANSPARENCY, FIDELITY in CONTRACTs, FAIRNESS and SERVICE to employees, customers and the public. ETHICAL MARKETS’ TV series seeks to foster public understanding of all these issues…and awareness of the new players and the choices they offer to consumers, employees, investors, asset managers, financial planners and citizens to align their own lives, work, investment decisions and daily activities with their own highest goals. By showcasing all these groups and individuals spearheading the new ethical markets, we seek to grow this emerging, job-creating sector and expand its market share—-globally and locally.

Renewable Non-Polluting Energy Green Transition Scoreboard Global Total $7.13 Trillion

Hazel Henderson, President Hazel Henderson is the founder of Ethical Markets Media, LLC and the creator and coexecutive Producer of its TV series. She is a world renowned futurist, evolutionary economist, a worldwide syndicated columnist, consultant on sustainable development, and author of The Axiom and Nautilus award-winning book Ethical Markets: Growing the Green Economy (2006) and eight other books. She co-edited, with Harlan Cleveland and Inge Kaul, The UN: Policy and Financing Alternatives, Elsevier Scientific, UK 1995 (US edition, 1996), and coauthored with Japanese Buddhist leader Daisaku Ikeda, Planetary Citizenship (2004).

“The upward trend in investments since 2007 aligns with our recommendation to invest at least 10% of institutional portfolios directly in companies driving the global Green Transition,” says Henderson. As of Q4 2015, the GTS totals $7.13 TRILLION cumulative in non-government investments and commitments tracked since 2007 in the global green transition now underway. 20

DREAMING ON THE BARRICADES

By Robert Levine Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator, We, The World I. Each step a journey, a pilgrimage uptown a journey through a universe of misunderstanding. Each step a journey a meditation a pilgrimage not to India not to Jerusalem, a journey uptown through streets to subway to meadow as the buildings turn to liquid and dolphins swim north towards sounds of chanting and drums. Each step a meditation, a showing of intention without space without time, each word spoken not for the ear but to penetrate to reawaken each cell, each organ to a new communion of bodies and mind.

II. The moon draws and we follow the path to the place where it was born, first carved and floated into the sky. A string of light shines into my eyes pulling me up, while the glow that surrounds it gently presses my shoulders to the ground. Grounded and uplifted, we follow, with each step sacred, each step the first each step the last, to the crater that remains, filled with water and reflections, a small island of land (restlessly floating) paying homage to its origins.

We approach in a state of restful excitement, each step sloping, pressing, eyes never leaving the moon, to the wooden bridge that brings us to the center of that island. As the moon withdraws, set in darkness we stand in a circle dancing a sacred hokey-pokey to the goddess.

Robert is the Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator for We, the World and the WE Campaign. He is on the FIONS Board and is one of the principal instructors at TGR Yoga. An activist, writer and poet Robert has written extensively on the deep inner connection between politics and spirituality.

Trends inÂ hEALTH DESTROYING THE PLANET DESTROYS OUR HEALTH By Angel Fullerton Outreach and Volunteer Coordination, We, The World; International Bestselling Author, Life and Business Coach

THE CHALLENGE

Health issues abound around the globe. From lack of access to clean water to lack of access to healthy organic foods and pharmaceutical companies are poisoning millions for profit. Â

"THE GREATEST WEALTH IS HEALTH." Virgil We must find ways to support holistic, integrative, proactive and preventive health practices, provide for universal healthcare worldwide, combat diseases, and promote the connection between individual well-being and societal health.

CHANGE AGENTS ADDRESSING THE CHALLENGE http://goevomed.com/start/

https://foodrevolution.org

The rates and costs of chronic disease are rising globally. Our current medical model works well for acute illnesses and trauma, but is not adequately equipped to reverse or prevent chronic and degenerative illness.

The Food Revolution Network is committed to healthy, sustainable, humane, and conscious food for all. Guided by John and Ocean Robbins, with more than 350,000 members and with the collaboration of many of the top food revolutionary leaders of our times, the Food Revolution Network aims to empower individuals, build community, and transform food systems to support healthy people and a healthy planet.

Our mission is to help medicine adapt to its new environment, inspiring the creation of a medical system capable of effectively reversing, preventing and managing chronic illness. We believe Integrative and Functional Medicine holds the key to solving this global problem with its upgraded operating system that empowers the patient to play a role in their own health and addresses the root cause of chronic disease.

READ MORE ON PAGE 24

trends in children & youth

EMERGING GLOBAL LEADERS PROGRAM ATTEND PRESTIGIOUS DPI/NGO CONFERENCES By Charles Weiss, Mater Dei Prep School, New Jersey, USA

“We need peace, and we cannot just keep on saying it. We need to take action. We need to get children involved." - Karen Nortz, a freshman at Mater Dei Prep,

On Thursday, February 16, 2017, ten members from the Mater Dei Prep School (http://MaterDeiPrep.org) Emerging Global Leaders Program attended the DPI/NGO Education for Global Citizenship Conference and the International Day of Peace Planning Conference at the United Nations. Peace ambassadors from all over the world met at these prestigious conferences to create a more sustainable planet through effective leadership and begin planning the upcoming International Day of Peace in September. Seraph students were honored to be in the presence of peacekeepers such as Deborah Moldow and Monica Willard who are co-chairs for the NGO International Day of Peace as well as Brenden Varma, a representative from the UN Department of Public Information. Other attendees included George Anthony, primary representative of Pathways to Peace and coordinator of the Emerging Global Leaders Program; Avon Mattison, the President of Pathways to Peace; Rick Ulfik, the founder of We, The World and 11 Days of Global Unity; Victor Kazanjian, Exectuive Director of United Religions Initiative; Mussie Hailu, the URI Africa Regional Coordinator; Sande Hart of the Compassion Games; and Nina Meyerhof, Children of the Earth.

At the conference, Brenden Varma announced the theme, Together for Peace: Respect, Safety, and Dignity for All, for the International Day of Peace. >From September 11 – September 21, students in the Emerging Global Leaders program will start the 11 Days of Global Unity. The eleven themes are unity, interdependence, environment, economic justice, health, children and youth, women, human rights, freedom, disarmament, and peace. Following the conference, members of the Emerging Global Leaders Program will begin to design an educational tool kit for refugee children to help them assimilate into their respective educational communities and begin preparations for the International Day of Peace. All are encouraged to join the Emerging Global Leaders Program in their efforts to promote peace on September 21, 2017. For more go to https://www.materdeiprep.org/page/academics/emerging-global-leaders-program 26

InterNational children's Month is proud to host International Children Love to Create and Play Game on 2017 The Real Farmville Glass Gem Rainbow Corn internationalchildrensmonth@gmail.com

IMPOSSIBLE PEOPLE DOING IMPOSSIBLE THINGS

By Dr. Scott Mills, Ph.D. drscott@planetsark.com planetsark.com Almost everything about us is utterly Last week, 1,700 people gathered impossible. outside of Washington, DC to do the impossible: to imagine another We are impossible beings world - one where politics is grounded in love. The gathering, Living on an impossible planet called Sister Giant, was filled with insight, inspiration, revelations and Engaged in an impossible experiment information that suggest how we can do that. From the language we speak to the air we breathe, we paint in the medium of impossibility. There is such tremendous power in that.

I’ll be writing a series of articles over the next few weeks to talk about some of the practical actions that we can take to make a difference in our world. I know this has been a trying time for so many people and bringing more love into politics might seem impossible at first glance. But we are impossible people and when we remember that rivers of possibility appear as if by magic before our eyes. I invite you to look into the mirror below and remember who you are.

So much that some want to pretend that we should be practical. Realistic. Pick the lesser of the evils. But for impossible beings Living on an impossible planet Engaged in an impossible experiment Doing impossible things is the only choice.

IMPOSSIBLE PEOPLE We are only one of the many, many species that inhabit the Earth. For most of our history, we were smaller, slower and weaker than most of our neighbors who would have been happy to eat us. We have survived the ravages of disease, the oppression of all kinds of governments and the perils of our dark nights of the soul. And yet, against all odds, we are still here. LIVING ON AN IMPOSSIBLE PLANET On a tiny planet that’s mostly water. On a planet that, like Goldilocks, is not too close to the sun or to far away to make life sustainable. On a planet whose mysteries we are only scratching the surface of and yet we call it home. ENGAGED IN AN IMPOSSIBLE EXPERIMENT To be guided by our higher angels, to listen to the call of love, to open our hearts and our minds and evolve ourselves back to the light that we came from. And what’s more impossible than for one human being to love another human being - in the midst of our unpredictable moods, our rages and our despairs, our passions and delights. What’s more impossible than to look at the one we call other and realize that we are one.

DOING IMPOSSIBLE THINGS With each breath - one after the other, one step after the other, one day after another. We reach out and love the Other. We dive deep and love ourselves. We find within us the path to be kind, to be compassionate, to connect, to rage, to weep. We do the impossible. We can not settle. We can not accept the lesser of evils. Or any evils. Even in the midst of despair. Despair is simply forgetting that you are an impossible being living on an impossible planet engaged in an impossible experiment. Even in the midst of anger and confusion. Anger and confusion simply are reminders to shine brighter, to be the light that can more clearly see the Other as part of you. The age of the practical, the realistic, the expedient has ended. The age of the impossible is upon us. Now is your time to dream, to do impossible things and to see yourself as the impossible being that you are! 29

Trends in WOMEN INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY MARCH 8, 2017

women.unify.org The Global Sisterhood launched March 8, 2016 with 650 Sister Circles in over 65 countries gathering to cultivate sacred sisterhood, shifting competition, comparison, and jealousy into respect, unity, and upliftment.

WomenEmpowerment.International

#WE is a new brand being promulgated by a new #WomenEmpowerment, #StopDomesticViolence movement called #WE Movement. #WE is orchestrating a " We Are The World" type video being filmed and recorded for national / international release. The #WE video, done in the manner of " We Are The World" will be a video, CD compilation, DVD, and concert series done successively in cities across America after launching in Atlanta on April 9. The vision was created by visionary Lowell Beasley and co-founded with UN Ambassador / MLK Award winner, Tina Michelle. Now joined by Co-Chairmen, Heidi Little, #WE is planning launches in cities across America including Birmingham; Fresno, Chicago, Dallas, Washington, DC, Miami, LA, Phoenix, etc. The movement is planning an ongoing series of concerts, united artist videos, forums, rallies, documentaries and conventions repetitiously as they develop each market, building a united network for women empowerment and against domestic violence.

Lowell Beasley The Latin Goddesses TV Show Heroes Jam LowellBeasley.com 30

A new tour that is a movement, for women's empowerment. Created by and for the people.

Atlanta on April 8th, 2017

trends in women

The Charter for Compassion International Women and Girls sector recognizes our power and impact on a global community to address and affect what we see as the need to shift the narrative in our world from fear to love, from division to unity, and from Reaction to Response. These bi-monthly webinars will provide a platform for both thought leaders and experts in their field as well as community and grassroots leaders to share the cutting edge work they are doing in their respective fields for creating a care- and compassion-based reality for people and planet. Our campaign will include: 2-monthly webinar calls pre- and post-call Facebook discussions blogging programs that our Partners may bring to us to inspire and encourage community engagement at the local level and further the message of each of these calls. March Monthly Series: Compassion, The Golden Rule and Activism March 8: 8:00 AM PST Training Mind, Body and Spirit with Dr. James Doty March 22: 8:00 AM PST Compassion In Action with Jon Ramer www.charterforcompassion.org/reaction-to-response Contact Us: WomenAndGirls@CharterforCompassion.org 31

trends in women

http://www.cnn.com/2017/02/15/politics/womensmarch-general-strike-date-set

womenstrikeus.org

The International Women’s Strike on March 8th, 2017 is an international day of action, planned and organized by women in more than 30 different countries. In the spirit of solidarity and internationalism, in the United States March 8th will be a day of action organized by and for women who have been marginalized and silenced by decades of neoliberalism directed towards working women, women of color, Native women, disabled women, immigrant women, Muslim women, lesbian, queer and trans women. March 8th will be the beginning of a new international feminist movement that organizes resistance not just against Trump and his misogynist policies, but also against the conditions that produced Trump, namely the decades long economic inequality, racial and sexual violence, and imperial wars abroad. We celebrate the diversity of the many social groups that have come together for the International Women’s Strike. We come from many political traditions but are united around the following common principles. An End to Gender Violence Reproductive Justice For All Labor Rights Full Social Provisioning For an Antiracist and Anti-imperialist Feminism Environmental Justice for All 32

Honor women all over the globe on International Women's Day on March 8! This day is celebrated on the same day every year, in countries around the world. It is a day when women are recognized for their achievements without regard to divisions, whether national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic or political. At Global Girlfriend, we believe that every day is International Women's Day. We believe that empowering women, celebrating their work and advocating for women's equality is the most powerful thing we can do to honor them. When you carry women-made, fair trade products in your store you become part of this global movement. Thanks for being part of the movement to empower women and change lives! globalgirlfriend.com 33

"Echoes of Tomorrow Upon the Solar Winds of your Soul"

by ReAwakennd (Andrew Kaen ) www.reawakennd.com

Echoes of tomorrow Radiating blue skylight Harvesting on the Solar Winds Of your Soul Tweeting "I know you, you know me" Echoes of tomorrow Bring memories of a time past When All was One and One was All Listen to the Angels sing The birds fly above your Light in Oneness with All that is As the caterpillars crawl to their last path as they embark on their new life as butterflies you too are ready The saying is Golden The words are silent The Solar Winds of your Soul All knowing in joint bliss solitude The Inner You is the Outer Me We are One Echoes of tomorrow Dreams of today Wither to the moon and back Galaxies far and wide As if but a inch apart Within the Solar Winds of your Soul Echoes of tomorrow Sweet sap of God's birch wood trees Trinkle down inside the hollow juices That harvest the Oneness within Your Higher Calling Where All is One and One is All

Just Call your Name And unite with tranquility That soothes the Solar Winds Of your Soul's evolutionary chart Singing sweetness and bliss Where the Angels unite with flying colors to bring you Eternal Love That within you Unlocks the Golden Key To your Calling Releasing your wisdom To the masses of Mother Nature's gifts all around and within you Echoes of tomorrow Awaken the slumber Giant within you The Solar Winds upon The Footprints of your Soul Lie in the many directions That await your Mission And Purpose Here on this glorious Planet Called Earth, circa 21st Century in this time continuum Remember your Oneness Echoes of tomorrow Ring true to this day As if tomorrow is today And today shall live Forever imprinted in The Solar Winds of your Soul Awaken and find within you The Golden Key to your Calling And call upon your Inner Knowingness To release the life work you Are to share with the world now

No more diverting No more waiting for The echoes of tomorrow Have arrived today What a blessing Just breathe it in With your eyes closed In Silence And Smile. Be Alive and go for it! You are not Alone. Be You True And woo the world Upon the magic of your Soul The New Adventure begins And is neverending. Echoes of today As your slumber Giant within you Awakes The Solar Winds upon The Footprints of your Soul Lie in the many directions That await your Mission And Purpose Here on this glorious Planet Called Earth, circa 21st Century Remember Now the Oneness Of the Solar Winds upon your Soul Craving to join as One with others Who are awakening and remembering You are not Alone We are All One. Rejoice! Smile! And hug your neighbor! Amen. Copyright 2014

Trends in HUMAN RIGHTS THE EARTH IS THE BIRTHRIGHT OF ALL PEOPLE The Challenge

By Alanna Hartzok The International Union for Land Value Taxation www.TheIU.org

The emerging worldwide movement to fairly share the commons – the gifts of nature, of land, air, water, minerals, and space itself – has ancient roots in societies that held deep respect for the sacredness of life. The economic laws of jubilee “clean slate” debt cancellations and fair land tenure systems were the underpinning guidelines for both freedom and fairness in human affairs and enabled the creative unfoldment of each member society. How strange that there is a public finance (yes tax) approach based on this knowing that can be traced back thousands of years to the Indus River Valley of Vedic India. Henry George discovered these fundamental truths in his own time and wrote about them in his masterwork Progress and Poverty published in 1879. His inspiration and (at)practical policy approach is very much alive today. Some “Georgist” organizations are The Center for the Study of Economics, The Robert Schalkenbach Foundation, The International Union for Land Value Taxation, The Henry George Institute, Earth Rights Institute, Prosper and EarthSharing in Australia, and many others in several countries worldwide. The United Nations Habitat Agency has recommended this “beyond left and right” tax approach that removes taxes from labor and productive capital and instead charges a “commons rent” fee to fund socially useful goods and services. This eliminates land hoarding and land speculation and keeps land affordable in the developed areas and essentially free for use in the most rural areas. To read the International Declaration of Individual and Commons Rights to Earth go to: http://www.theiu.org/international-declaration

Contact me, Alanna Hartzok (alanna@centurylink.net) if you would like more information or better yet, to work with us to help your town or city implement this form of tax policy. We also work with the Community Land Trust model for rural areas.

Trends in FREEDOM INDEPENDENT NON-COMMERCIAL NEWS MEDIA IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST By Rick Ulfik, Founder of We, The World and the WE Campaign at WE.net

THE CHALLENGE

Freedom and Democracy depend on reliable, fact based Media that do not count on revenue from commercial advertisers or owners whose profit motive could affect what issues are covered, who is investigated and how the stories are presented. While you may not agree with points of view expressed by particular guests on the following media outlets, I have found these shows to offer comprehensive news and analysis, and hard-hitting investigative journalism, without misleading "Alt-Facts", "Fake News", personal attack rants and generalizations that distract and discourage so many people on the web these days. Here is a brief sampling of some of my personal favorites:

democracynow.org Democracy Now! is a national, daily, independent, award-winning news program hosted by journalists Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez. Pioneering the largest public media collaboration in the U.S. Democracy Now! provides access to people and perspectives rarely heard in the U.S.corporate-sponsored media, including independent and international journalists, ordinary people from around the world who are directly affected by U.S. foreign policy, grassroots leaders and peace activists, artists, academics and independent analysts.

http://www.wnyc.org/shows/otm WNYC’s weekly investigation into how the media shapes our world view. Brooke Gladstone and Bob Garfield give you the tools to survive the media maelstrom.

http://www.wnyc.org/shows/bl Brian Lehrer leads the conversation about what matters most now in local and national politics, our own communities and our lives. Brian regularly includes guests from all parts of the political spectrum and makes sure to present opposing points of view when interviewing them.

Fairness & Accuracy In Reporting (FAIR) fair.org FAIR, the national media watch group, has been offering well-documented criticism of media bias and censorship since 1986. We advocate for greater diversity in the press and scrutinize media practices that marginalize public interest, minority and dissenting viewpoints. CounterSpin, FAIR’s weekly radio show, hosted by Janine Jackson, provides a critical examination of the major stories every week, and exposes what the mainstream media might have missed. 36

ianmasters.com Background Briefing is a radio program featuring international and national news, expert guests, policy makers, and critics offering analysis and insight on national security, foreign and domestic policy, political, cultural, and social issues.

Economic Update with Professor Richard Wolff http://www.democracyatwork.info/eco nomicupdate Economic Update is a weekly program hosted by Professor of Economics Richard D. Wolff that focuses on the economic dimensions of everyday life wages, jobs, taxes, debts, interest rates, prices, and profits taking complex economic issues, making them understandable, and exploring alternative ways to organize markets, and government policies.

TRENDS IN DISARMAMENT WORKING TO ABOLISH NUCLEAR WEAPONS AND SHIFT MILITARY SPENDING TOWARDS DIPLOMACY AND DOMESTIC NEEDS

By Rick Ulfik Founder, WE, The World and the WE CampaignWe.net

THE CHALLENGE

US President Dwight D. Eisenhower warned about growing militarism in his famous 1961 speech. He said:

"We must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military industrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist... Disarmament, with mutual honor and confidence, is a continuing imperative. Together we must learn how to compose differences, not with arms, but with intellect and decent purpose.”

CHANGE AGENTS ADDRESSING THE CHALLENGE ciponline.org

gsinstitute.org The Global Security Institute is dedicated to strengthening international cooperation and security based on the rule of law, with a particular focus on nuclear arms control, nonproliferation and disarmament.

The Center for International Policy promotes cooperation, transparency and accountability in global relations. Through research and advocacy, our programs address the most urgent threats to our planet: war, corruption, inequality and climate change. We advocate policies that advance international cooperation, demilitarization, respect for human rights, action to alleviate climate change and stop illicit financial flows.

Jonathan Granoff is President of the Global Security Institute and Advisory Board Member of We, The World. He is an attorney, author and international advocate emphasizing the legal, ethical and spiritual dimensions of human development and security, with a specific focus on advancing the rule of law to address the threats posed by nuclear weapons. He said,

William Hartung is the author of Prophets of War: Lockheed Martin and the Making of the Military-Industrial Complex. He is Director of the Arms & Security Project for the Center for International Policy. The Arms & Security Project's work is to promote a more effective U.S. foreign policy that focuses on preventing conflict rather than engaging in military action. William Hartung was a Featured Speaker for We, The World's 11 Days of Global Unity TeleSummit on the Theme of Disarmament. On current US plans for military spending, he said,

"In the recent General Assembly of the United Nations, over 130 nations voted for a resolution that stated there is an ethical imperative to eliminate nuclear weapons, characterized as immoral. There is room for dramatic positive change. The Global Security Institute, and its programs of the Middle Powers Initiative and Parliamentarians for Nuclear Nonproliferation and Disarmament, has for over fifteen years demonstrated responsible and effective advocacy that has helped stem the spread of these horrific devices, create policies that enhance security, and forge an international movement of civil society and governments to achieve a nuclear weapons free world."

"One thing is already clear: this drastic tilt toward yet more Pentagon spending and away from investment in diplomacy abroad and civilian needs at home will only further militarize American society [and] accelerate inequality."

resources for taking action www.5calls.org

peoplesaction.org

http://BlackLivesMatter.com

www.citizen.org www.indivisibleguide.com

www.wnyc.org

change.org

drmactioncoalition.org

badandnasty.com

http://policy.m4bl.org civ.works

TRENDS IN PEACE

BUILDING A WORLD THAT WORKS FOR EVERYONE By Annie Geoke Co-Founder of the Earth Rights Institute annie@earthrights.net

THE CHALLENGE

"How we hold the earth is how we hold each other."

Earth Rights Institute exists to support a culture of peace and justice worldwide by establishing dynamic worldwide networks of persons of goodwill and special skills, promoting policies and programs which further democratic rights to common heritage resources, and building ecological communities. Our goals are to EMPOWER impoverished communities of the global south in managing and directing their own local development; BRIDGE the divide between academic research in sustainable development and action in the field; BUILD a culture of Peace by promoting cross-cultural collaboration and encouraging appreciation for cultural diversity; and ADVANCE solutions to crucial global issues in global development. Article: The Economics of War and Peace here: http://www.earthrights.net/docs/economics-of-war-and-peace.pdf

EARTH RIGHTS INSTITUTE www.earthrightsinstitute.org Contact Earth Rights Institute if you would like to work with our integrated, holistic partnership approach to building sustainable communities, ecovillages, towns and cities.

CHANGE AGENTS ADDRESSING THE CHALLENGE

Peacemakers E-course Read more and sign up: www.SpiritualityandPractice.com/PeacemakersE-Course

trends in peace

LETTER FROM ZANZIBAR: A MESSAGE OF PEACE

By Ali Mussa Mwadini, Executive Director, Peace Activist & Founder amwadini1950@yahoo.com

Dear Friends in Peace,

The recent history of Zanzibar has been marred by political division and related violent episodes. Since the early 1990’s there have emerged two dominant parties and repeated clashes between them led to the loss of innocent lives and the degradation of national unity and peace throughout the archipelago. Peace accords between the contending parties have not been effective and therefore a concerted campaign for political and social tolerance is being pursued to re-establish a culture of harmony and peace in Zanzibar.

We greet you all in True Peace & Solidarity. Zanzibar City of Peace Clubs Project. Zanzibar Peace, Truth & Transparency Association (ZPTTA NGO), is committed to the promotion of peace & peace related issues through increased negotiation, reconciliation and dialogue; and through the promotion of forgiveness and advocating for Human Rights, Gender Equality, Good Governance and the Rule of Law. ZPTTA NGO, registered in Zanzibar and Tanzania, is non-profit, and is not Political, not Military and not Religious.

We need each other to heal, and we need each other to learn from our long-term experience of unnecessary conflicts in the Community. We are working with all our means and very hard from the grassroots to bring together all Zanzibar People through our Project. We know it is not easy, but with the support of people around the world our Community, our organization and all its members will stand firm, hoping the Zanzibar Community can be turned round to accept the Peace Clubs as a source and means of reaching their goal (True Culture of Peace) and find the way forward to live together in Peace and Harmony.

We are working to respond to the NEEDS of people living in the rural communities and in the towns on the issues of Peace, Human Rights, Gender and the Non-violent way of life in the Zanzibar Community. ZPTTA NGO is struggling against calamities such as Disputes, Violence, Conflicts, Terrorism and Genocide. We are working in the Unguja & Pemba Islands. This initiative has been going on for two years and we are currently working in North District Unguja implementing the first Phase of our Project Promoting a True Culture of Peace in Zanzibar Community. To build and recover the traditional culture of Peace in Zanzibar, the organization will focus on, and make sure, that the community and society in general recovers this culture and removes the concepts destroying the culture coming from the political system.

We believe that only through joint action can we break the cycle of violence. We call on both nations to join us in this non-violent to achieve peace and reconciliation in Zanzibar Community. Peace does not happen by itself; it requires commitment, perseverance and continuing efforts.