One Day In Peace

Butterfly Board member Linda Grover
with President Clinton On January 4th

President Bill Clinton proclaimed January first an International Day of Peace on January 4, 2001. The letter sent to the President on this issue was on the letterhead of Authors for a Positive Millennium, a group I helped Linda Grover to resurrect after the Tree Island Millennium Gathering. Robert Muller was one of its founders.

In peace and light, Alan

Letter from Linda Grover

Dear authors and butterflies,

I understand you may want information about Alan's good works. Here is a document we're just putting together which illustrates one of the ways in which he has helped--with the Authors for a Positive Millennium and with the Tree Island Millennium Gathering. He has been tireless in his efforts to help.

We expect that our Congressional Joint resolution favoring a global day of peace and sharing each January 1st will be introduced soon by senior legislators of both parties in the US House and Senate, and that it will be enacted without dissent, hopefully at the same time that several other national legislatures consider similar initiatives.

You will note that the Dalai Lama attended a religious conference in the Holy Land last November which approved the idea of an annual day of peace and sharing marked by a Millennium or Jubillenium Meal.

Linda Grover Lingrove@aol.com April 4, 2000

One Day in Peace and The Millennium Meal
A Project of Authors for a Positive Millennium

ADVISORY BOARD: LINDA GROVER, FOUNDER, MILLENNIUM MEAL PROJECT; RICHARD LANDES, DIRECTOR, CENTER FOR MILLENNIAL STUDIES, BOSTON UNIVERSITY; CHRISTOPHER LEATHER, EUROPEAN COORDINATOR, AMSTERDAM; ROBERT MULLER, FORMER UN ASSISTANT SECRETARY-GENERAL; ROBERT SILVERSTEIN, FOUNDER, ONE DAY IN PEACE JANUARY 1, 2000; ROB WHEELER, CHAIR, THE MILLENNIUM PEOPLES ASSEMBLY NETWORK

Joint Resolution Designating January 1st each year as a day of peace and sharing

Whereas human progress in the next century will depend upon global understanding and cooperation in finding positive solutions to hunger and violence,

Whereas the millennial year offers unparalleled opportunity for humanity to examine our past, set goals for our future, and establish new patterns of behavior,

Whereas the people of this country and the world acted for the most part with unprecedented cooperation and good sense during the 24 hour period designated by the UN General Assembly as "One Day in Peace, January 1, 2000",

Whereas the example set on that day ought to be recognized globally, repeated, and improved upon each year,

Whereas the people of the United States wish to establish better relations with one another and with the people of all countries,

And whereas celebration by the breaking of bread together has traditionally been the means by which individuals, societies and nations join together in peace: Therefore be it

Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

That the president of the United States is hereby authorized and requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States, and inviting people around the world, to gather each January 1st with family, neighbors, congregations or people of another culture to make or renew a pledge of non-violence in the new millennium and to share a celebratory millennium meal. Further that Americans are urged to match or multiply the cost of their meal with a timely gift to the hungry at home or abroad, in tangible demonstration of a desire for increased friendship and sharing among the peoples of the earth.

ONE PEOPLE, ONE WORLD, ONE HOLIDAY FOR ALL

One Day in Peace and the Millennium Meal - Adding practical, positive significance to the January first date much of the world takes note of but doesn't take advantage of . . .

On the tense and troubled West Bank in Israel, just before sundown on Saturday, January l, 2000, a procession of Israeli citizens and their children approached the Palestinian refugee camp of Askar bearing gifts of food sacred to their culture. As the Millennium Meal bell, first rung by Tipper Gore at the National Press Club on 11/29/99, was struck three times, the children from both sides, speaking in unison, pledged: No more violence. No more hunger. No more feeling separate from one another. Then traditional enemies sat down to enjoy a first "Millennium Meal" together; afterward, all the children played. This simple exchange was created to inaugurate a new annual day of peace and sharing for all faiths and cultures.

Celebration as a Healing Force Regularly repeated ceremonies and celebrations, mostly involving food, are what hold the fabric of individual societies together. And from time immemorial, "breaking bread" together has been what links one group of people to another. Until recently it's been impossible for the whole world to act as one, to share one experience, one tradition, and that's resulted in a lot of division and mistrust. But now with rampantly advancing globalization, it's not only possible-it's necessary. Survival in the next centuries depends on global goodwill and cooperation-which in turn depends on the mutual trust that is built upon shared customs.

A Landmark Day for Humanity January l, 2000 was a day we, the people of the world, did ourselves proud. A date that had been anticipated with some trepidation for a thousand years, it was also a time when crowds of unprecedented size were expected to assemble, when terrorism was feared, when a third of the world's countries were involved in conflict, and when Y2K threatened to paralyze essential services everywhere. Yet with all of this, we did not panic, but just quietly prepared, in many ways. In a little-known action, over 100 governments, 25 U.S. governors, 1000 organizations in almost 140 nations, and hundreds of mayors around the world pledged to observe the "One Day in Peace January 1, 2000" program adopted by the UN General Assembly and for the most part they did. Individuals and families everywhere acted responsibly, and as a result there were no major riots, no stampedes in food stores, no collapse of the banking system, and in fact surprisingly little violence around the world. It was mostly a time of joy and reverence, providing an example we should commemorate-and improve upon-each January first till peace and sharing feel so good they become second nature to us, every day of the year.

Let's Banish Both Hunger and Violence Let's join with other nations to memorialize this first major shared global event, which incidentally took place on the first day of the International Year for the Culture of Peace. Let's annually celebrate the entire human family, its achievements and its aspirations, with a day dedicated to the premise that everyone on earth should have food to eat and that every child on the planet should feel welcomed into the global family. It should be a day when we exchange greetings globally and share a meal with friends and strangers, matching the cost of that meal with a gift to the hungry. A day we honor heroes of peace and pledge to refrain from violence in our homes, our neighborhoods, and our battlefields. A day we collectively measure our progress in solving global problems, and resolve together to take the next necessary steps.

And Let's Make it Fun Let's make every New Year's Day in the new millennium an occasion when families, friends, congregations, and communities gather for a festive meal. Let's enjoy ourselves as we teach those of other cultures about our traditions, and learn about theirs. And let's encourage our children to lead us by sending invitations to one another to create and then celebrate one day of peace together, at home and around the world.

Holidays A Proven Way To Promote Sharing, Unite Families and Build Prosperity

* Three U.S. presidents (George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and Franklin Delano Roosevelt) helped to establish our present-day Thanksgiving. This annual American holiday of gratitude, celebrated with food, has done much in times of both war and peace to link our diverse cultures in one tradition, raise our spirits, and encourage sharing of the harvest.

* In 1914, the U.S. Congress and President Woodrow Wilson acted to integrate several separate citizen drives to create an annual Mother's Day. This holiday, along with Father's Day yearly reinforces love and respect within today's far-flung families as it reconnects, bonds, and incidentally sparks a strong economic stimulus in the countries where it's celebrated.

* Earth Day is a relatively new annual event, but in the thirty years since its birth it has already inspired the minds and hearts of millions of schoolchildren. We have created a meaningful, practical day to focus on the well-being of the Earth. Now we need one for its people.

Making It Happen A Congressional resolution recommending a January first day of peace and sharing will be introduced soon, simultaneous to similar action in several other countries among the more than one hundred nations that endorsed One Day in Peace January 1, 2000. At that time an invitation will be sent to heads of state around the world asking their governments to join, formally or informally, in an annual observance. We ask individuals, corporations, schools, religious institutions and organizations everywhere to urge the widespread adoption of this simple initiative, so that through practice, one day at a time, one year at a time, we can learn to create the future of peace and plenty we all want for our children.

The Millennium (also known as the Jubillenium) Meal Project has already received support from:

* Tipper Gore, Office of the Vice President (with a television public service announcement)

* Orrin Hatch and Daniel Patrick Moynihan, United States Senate

* Patsy Mink and Tom Sawyer, U.S. House of Representatives

* The Congressional Hunger Center, One Day in Peace, and The Millennium People's Assembly Network

* The World Peace/Inner Peace Conference, The Netherlands, May 1999, led by Robert Muller, former UN Assistant Secretary-General

* The Interfaith Jubillenium World Conference on Religion and Peace International, Israel, November 1999, attended by the Dalai Lama and representatives of 19 religions

With your support, we can bring this practical vision to reality quickly. Please complete and fax or mail the statement below. If you are willing to help us with government, private sector or media relations please indicate that. Thank you.

I endorse the concept of an annual day of global peace and sharing of food to be held on January first each year.

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Signature Date

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Name (please print)

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Organization or Identifying Affiliation Contact Information

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Comments

History of the Project

In 1997, as the world approached Day 1000 before the millennial year, several authors got together on the Internet to share their ideas about the possible outcome of the year 2000. Their particular interest was in the year's use as a tool or lever to help inspire and accelerate lasting improvement in human behavior. In hopes that well coordinated and meaningful millennium activities could increase civility and thus diminish both hunger and violence in the new century, they formed Authors for a Positive Millennium. Founding members include: Robert Muller, former UN Assistant Secretary-General and author of 19 books; Linda Grover, network television head writer and author of three books dealing with the positive power of celebration; and Robert Silverstein, author of children's science books and co-founder of One Day in Peace, January 1, 2000.

In 1998, joined by Hillel Schwartz, senior fellow of the Millennium Institute and Millennium advisor to the White House; by the Lifebridge Foundation, by author Steve Diamond of One Day in Peace, and the Butterfly Gardeners Association, the group sponsored the Tree Island Millennium Gathering, which took place on Day 500 before the year 2000. Some fifty millennium commemoration and celebration groups from around the world attended this only known international Day 500 event, which was held at the Oregon Institute of Technology. Attendees included: First Night International (representing 215 cities); the Center for Millennial Studies, Boston University; Milenio (Costa Rica); the Great Worldwide Forum (Kazakhstan); WAM2000 (Barcelona); and Millennium Vancouver 2000 (British Columbia). A number of creative collaborations resulted, not only with millennium celebration groups but also with Y2K organizations, US government agencies and civic groups including Sister Cities International.

By the end of 1999 the One Day in Peace effort had been successful in signing more than 100 nations, 25 U S governors, hundreds of mayors worldwide and over 1,000 organizations in 135 countries to its pledge of no violence on 01/01/00 in our homes, neighborhoods or battlefields. In November this initiative was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly. Meanwhile an allied effort, the Millennium Meal Project, was successful in gaining White House support in the person of Tipper Gore as well as that of several members of Congress. The Millennium Meal idea was presented at the Hague Appeal for Peace, and was recommended to UNESCO as an ongoing annual global event by the World Peace/Inner Peace Conference in the Netherlands. It has also been endorsed by the Interfaith Jubillenium World Conference on Religion and Peace International in the Holy Land, attended by the Dalai Lama and representatives of 19 faiths, including the major religions.

On January 1, 2000, through the auspices of The Masters Group, a premiere Millennium Meal encompassing both causes; the elimination of hunger and violence; was held by Israelis and Palestinians at the Askar refugee camp on the West Bank. The Millennium Meal bell was rung, sacred foods were served. Afterward the children from both sides played together.

Although AM/PM is still small, we hope that in the years to come this unique literary organization will attract many fiction and non-fiction writers and media figures from around the world who are engaged not only in painting a positive picture of humanity's future but also in helping it become a reality.

Planning for 01-01-01 and Beyond

PREPARING FOR THE 1ST ANNIVERSARY OF ONE DAY IN PEACE and THE MILLENNIUM MEAL

Purpose: To prompt pledges of nonviolence on January 1 by individuals, communities and nations; to spark increased aid to hunger and international aid organizations throughout the year 2000; then through continuing annual celebrations to engender a lasting sense of family among an ever-growing number of the world's people.

April, May, June 2000
Work with members of U.S. Congress on a joint resolution calling for each January 1st in the new millennium to be observed as a national day of peace and sharing, and coordinate similar actions in other legislatures. Issue a total of 5000 invitations to participate to: (1) selected hunger, peace and interfaith non-profits and foundations; (2) food producers and shippers, supermarket chains, greeting card companies; (3) selected entertainment, sports, religious and literary notables; (4) to state governors, mayors of major cities worldwide. (5) United Nations agencies and officials, heads of state, ambassadors and ministers of culture. Launch Internet campaign enlisting youth and adults worldwide. Enroll well-respected 'global hosts' for the celebration and plan inaugural press event for late August. Begin work for a television documentary on the historic unifying power of celebration, assembling footage and arranging interviews with world dignitaries.

July, August, September 2000
Consolidate support from organizations, governmental bodies, etc., with a conference in early September. Facilitate cooperative advertising by sponsors, individuals and organizations seeking to end hunger and violence. Prepare for large-scale year-end publicity campaign. Begin production of television documentary chronicling: (1) global preparations for January 1, 2000 (2) the unexpectedly successful outcome on January 1, 2000. (3) projected beneficial effects of shared global celebrations in one decade, from 2001 to 2011. This documentary will be a lively and colorful account of how the world is learning to make peace.

October, November, December 2000
Continue all activities, airing the completed documentary as widely as possible, consolidating new support and expanding networks, particularly among the youth and the aged of the world, those historically most interested in holiday observances. Focus at this time on food distribution to the needy, so that as many people as possible can participate in the celebration. Secure pledges by individuals and groups to refrain from violence of any sort on January 1. Make final preparations for year-end publicity campaign and special 01-01-01 commemorative events

January 1, 2001 and Beyond
Celebrate annually, inviting more and more people to participate each year, until every hungry or lonely or alienated person in the world is included, and habits of peace and sharing have become so pleasant and familiar to us all that we practice them every day.

Potential Volunteer and Funding Resources Available to be Tapped - An Already Existing Infrastructure

· Several thousand non-governmental organizations, located in nearly every country in the world, are members of the One Day in Peace movement, the Millennium People's Assembly Network or the Jubillenium World Network, all endorsers of this project.
· Ten thousand active peace organization representatives participated in the 1999 Hague Appeal for Peace.
· Several hundred thousand anti-hunger organizations exist worldwide; most are badly in need of funds.
· Many commercial endeavors and workers' unions can benefit from increased trade resulting from the holiday.
· More than 100 nations co-sponsored or expressed written support for the UN General Assembly resolution urging observance of One Day in Peace January 1, 2000: Many city and state governments are also in support.

The One Day in Peace Millennium Meal Project is not so much a separate initiative as a timely and convivial meeting ground for many separate causes and projects of the heart that, joined together, can lead to lasting peace and plenty.

See: Authors For Positive Millennium