Circle Unity Center MISSION STATEMENT The Circle Unity Center will provide a sanctuary for the community and grassroots organizations to unite and create the healing changes needed for our planet and society. It will offer a constant location for people to learn about and experience indigenous cultures and spiritual teachings as well as launch and continue a movement toward environmental, social and political reform. Through these connections we will construct a support system for the universal restoration of the Earth and humanity. STATEMENT OF NEED The health of our planet and all species is in a critical state of emergency. Humanity has created an imbalance by too much taking without the equal amount of giving back. Most people are alarmed by the issues facing us, but do not believe that they can make a difference. They are captivated by a sensationalized and subjective media, overwhelmed by the complexities of a solution, or do not know what to do or where to get involved. Presently, there isn't a place in most communities for people to gather to work together on grassroots issues. Aboriginal peoples have an ancient understanding of the interconnectedness of all life and the interdependence all species have on each other. They recognize that the Earth is an entity instead of a commodity and thus treat the Earth as a sacred living being, a paradigm that needs to be integrated into mainstream awareness and ethics. There is a critical need for a grassroots hub/indigenous spiritual center in every community to create a cycle of awareness, actions, harmony and solutions to improve the health of our planet and all species. There is a vital need for the Circle Unity Center. STRATEGY The solution must include a movement toward unanimity among humankind and reverence for the Earth and all species. To do this we need a place to work collectively to combat our tribulations together. The Circle Unity Center will be this place. Balance can be restored by offering indigenous spiritual and cultural teachings and also by providing a grassroots hub for communities and organizations to assemble, network, organize, take action, and be educated. There is motivation, interaction and strength in numbers. At present, there are very few places in our country that have grassroots action/indigenous cultural centers. The Circle Unity Center will fill this void. The Circle Unity Center blends indigenous spiritual and educational teachings with a grassroots action center. One portion of the Circle Unity Center will be operated by the indigenous spiritual and community leaders from throughout the globe. They will conduct spiritual and cultural teachings, lectures, symposiums, workshops, art instruction and recreational programs. A special focus will be given to youth to make them an intricate component of the Circle Unity Center. The grassroots element of the Circle Unity Center will be established for the community so all will have access to information, have a place to convene, and have a hub for grassroots organizations. The information provided will give the description of our challenges (such as environmental, social, human rights, and peace and justice issues) along with programs and events to construct solutions. Included will be a multimedia library/communication area which will act as the core of the center. There will be meetings, speakers, authors, artists, discussions, workshops, symposiums, gatherings, and educational/recreational activities. Also, there will be projects, campaigns, programs and actions planned and initiated. The Time Dollar System and volunteering opportunities will be organized and established. We will also have a support group to sustain activists in their emotional, mental, and physical struggle to create change. A special focus will be given to youth outreach to support them in organizing their own youth movement in grassroots and Indigenous issues. A global youth cultural exchange program will be planned and initiated through the Circle Unity Center. Also, partnerships will be formed with educational institutions to create updated curriculum regarding present day situations, concerns and needs of the international Indigenous community. Together we can create a healing change for the Earth and all species. Through the Circle Unity Center there is hope. OBJECTIVES To initiate and motivate actions to create unity, healing, understanding, and reverence for the Earth and all species. To provide the place to share and honor Indigenous spirituality and culture and in return sponsor and support native people, their communities and lands. To provide a fully equipped action center (multi-media library/communications hub) for Indigenous and grassroots people, organizations and communities to gather to strategize, organize, and initiate actions to create healing for the Earth and all species. To have a centrally located center that is connected to open land. Organize youth outreach projects to attract a youth movement. Create partnerships with educational institutions to update curriculum of Indigenous history and present day issues and needs. Establish the Time Dollar System and organize volunteering services within the community Provide support groups to sustain us emotionally, physically, mentally and to some, spiritually. GUIDING PRINCIPALS Honor and advance the interconnectedness of all species and our interdependence on each other Support the actions initiated through the Circle Unity Center that will aid in the healing of the Earth, humanity and our natural world. Walk with reverence and truth. Support and promote unity. Honor the diverse cultures of all people. Support indigenous people who struggle to preserve their culture, languages and lands. Be open and well-structured. Be autonomous through council and consensus decrees. Know that it is possible to create a healing change. STRUCTURE There will be a council of elected people who will make the decisions concerning each sector of the Circle Unity Center. Indigenous people will establish councils for their aspect of the center and the grassroots segment will have their own separate council. Meetings are open door for the grassroots councils and all members of the Circle Unity Center are encouraged to attend. During the decision making, every voice is welcome. All decisions are made through consensus of those members attending the meeting and regulated through the grassroots council. The Indigenous Council is closed door so that they will have the freedom to make their own decisions. If you are interested in working with us on the Circle Unity Center Project, please contact Victoria Valentine at: Cell 717-823-2079; NativeNag@aol.com LONG TERM PROJECTS: Preliminary work and research for the following programs and projects have already begun. It is our intention to have these programs in place or operating on viable level within the next few years. Honor Journey Circle Unity Center SustainEd - Local Department of Peace Indigenous Awareness Living Cultural Journeys Eco-Cultural Tourism The Rising Nation Lena'pe Community Center If you are interested in working with us on any of Earth Rhythm Goals & Projects, please contact us: contact@earthrhythm.org