Perhaps it's a blessing that the launch of the Earth Charter Summit comes so soon after the terrorist attacks on America.
The Earth Charter is the first document to globally recognize humanity's environmental, economic, social, cultural and spiritual interconnections. Drafted over the past 10 years, it has drawn upon the input of thousands of people in 56 countries, as well as 7 U.N. summits and more than 200 NGO (Non-Governmental Organizations) position papers.
The charter expresses the deepest values and hopes for the future, and can be read by visiting: www.earthcharter.org. The Earth Charter Summit is the grassroots launch of the charter's U.S. Declaration of Interdependence, and takes place simultaneously in 12 cities on Sept. 29.
Each participating city connects via satellite up-link for the kick-off keynote speakers, David Korten (President of Positive Future's Network) and Steven Rockefeller (Earth Charter Commissioner) and again for the closing speakers, including Danny Glover. During the rest of the day, each summit is customized to maximize the interest and involvement of local people.
Tampa's summit takes place 9 a.m.-8 p.m. at the University of Tampa's Pepin/Rood Stadium and features the following: a signing of a charter scroll (ongoing throughout the day); music arranged and orchestrated by Fred Johnson of the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, 9:35-10:50 a.m.; panel and group discussions; and a post-summit celebration with music, an art exhibit, wine and cheese, 6:15-8 p.m.
The national coordinator of the Earth Charter community summits is Tampa resident Jan Roberts, founder and president of the Institute for Ethics & Meaning, which has also launched the Community Spirit of Caring movement in Tampa.
The University of Tampa is at 401 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa. Call 813-760-0577.
This article appears in Sep 27 – Oct 3, 2001.