50 World Organizations Collaborate to Launch WE Campaign in NYC

NEW YORK, NY -- We, The World announces the Global Launch of WE, a new campaign with an emphasis on local action/global participation designed to accelerate movement towards a culture of peace and a sustainable future.  The kick-off event takes place in Manhattan, NYC on Monday, June 21st, 2010, at Fordham University Atrium, 113 West 60th Street and Columbus Ave. from 7 pm – 10 pm. Tickets:  $20 until noon on June 21, $25 at the door, students and those with financial constraints suggested donation $10. For tickets and info go to www.WE.net

Join us in making the launch of WE June 21st a turning point that begins a new era of global partnership and public involvement. Featured speakers at the launch event are Jonathan Granoff, President of the Global Security Institute, attorney, and author whose focus is addressing the threats posed by nuclear weapons, Deborah Moldow, Rep. to the UN of the World Peace Prayer Society and co-chair IDP NGO committee, Shawn Sweeney, National Program Coordinator of Jane Goodall's Roots & Shoots, Letty Chiwara, UN Development Fund for Women and Rick Ulfik, Founder, We, The World. Special video messages from Nobel Peace Laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu, UN Messenger of Peace Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE, and 350.org Founder Bill McKibben. Music by Middle-Eastern drumming sensation Raquy and the Cavemen.

According to WE partner and supporter Archbishop Desmond Tutu, "We, The World and their many partners and allies invite you to join us in a movement without which all the other movements for change cannot be successful. The crucial movement we are talking about is the shift from 'I' to 'We'”. In a special video message for the WE Campaign, Jane Goodall says, "It's time for a shift. We, together, can make a major change - the kind of change we must see. Now is the time for WE!" At this time of social, environmental and economic urgency, WE is a catalyst for a new activism founded on an awareness of our commonalities and interdependence. The goal is to build awareness and coalesce political support to effect change.

The first WE Action Campaign, Unity & Peace, culminates with 11 Days of Global Unity ending on Sept. 21st the International Day of Peace. 11 Days of Global Unity, started by We, The World in 2004, now has more that 700 associated events and activities in over 60 countries. Calling for a mass movement of local activism and collaboration among people, organizations and coalitions, key objectives for WE: Unity & Peace are linked to major Partners' programs and calls to action as well as those of the WE Campaign. Partners include: Jane Goodall's Roots & Shoots, UN International Day of Peace NGO Committee, Four Years, Go, Bill McKibbon and 350.org, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE, Deepak Chopra, Immaculee Ilibagiza and many others. Events will include rallies, conferences, global action days, concerts, panel discussions and community group actions.

A core focus for the WE Campaign is to engage and mobilize high school and college students and empower youth involvement in the US and around the world. WE Student Action is organizing a Youth Outreach Initiative in collaboration with a number of youth directed organizations including Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots, with more than 11,000 groups worldwide, and the Inspired Futures Youth Campaign. The network, WE.net, provides the framework for a dynamic and interactive collaboration of people, organizations and coalitions working for social change.

WE Campaign organizers are inviting people around the world to submit their personal or organizational actions - events, programs, videos and commitments that reflect the spirit of WE and relate to the first campaign theme Unity & Peace. People may register their WE Actions at www.WE.net or email WeActions@WeTheWorld.org

"We are working to awaken a spirit of caring and involvement in the public so that millions of people see themselves as part of one global interdependent community," says We, The World founder, Rick Ulfik, "and act collectively to create a world that works for all."