Every year, the Institute for Ethics and Meaning organizes Earth Charter community summits across the country to bring citizens together in celebration of the Charter. The Charter is an international agreement for a "compassionate, just and sustainable world" that was written by thousands of people (not governments or organizations) in 78 different countries over the course of 12 years. It is a declaration of interdependence that calls for economic and social justice, peace, democracy and ecological integrity. This year, we are lucky enough to host a 2004 Earth Charter Community Summit & Multicultural Festival right here in Tampa.Folks from cities all over the world convene at these events, and there are numerous diversions and activities to satisfy the masses. The daylong festivities include free workshops on topics such as "Sustainable Energy in an Urban Center" and "Baffa-Baffa: A Multicultural Experience," as well as global artwork, poetry and dance by talents like Brandy Stark, Darla Rewers, Kathy Iwanowski, Leslie Campbell, Maire Raine and Rhonda J. Nelson. Also featured is world music by Tampa Capoeira, Didg Revolution, Dragon Fly and Chroma, and a drum circle finale led by Jana Broder. Attendees are encouraged to bring an instrument to take part in the drum circle.
In conjunction with the event, the Earth Scouts Festival for Children takes place from 1 to 4 p.m., featuring children's entertainer Shana Banana, sing-a-longs, face-painting, and hands-on projects that cover subjects like economic justice, human rights, non-violence and peace, and democracy.
Of course, no festival would be complete without tasty foodstuffs, and local restaurants Byblos, Miguel's, Mise En Place, St. Bart's Island House, Viva la Frida Café and Zaeem Palace provide an array of international fare.
The festival begins at 11 a.m. and lasts until 5 p.m. at Hillsborough Community College — Dale Mabry Campus, 4001 W. Tampa Bay Blvd., across from Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. For more information about the Summit or Earth Charter, call 813-254-8454 or visit www.earthchartersummits.org.
—Leilani Polk
This article appears in Oct 6-12, 2004.