Global Love Day Catching On – How to Start A Movement
by John T. Goltz

Take a great idea, couple it with a strong vision, add the power of the internet, mix in passion and devotion and you have the recipe for a new movement spreading around the world.  Global Love Day is the idea of Harold Becker, Founder and President of The Love Foundation, Inc. (TLF), a Tampa, Florida based non profit with the mission of “inspiring people to love unconditionally”.

The thought came after waking at 2 a.m. on Nov. 30, 2003; this annual event seemed to be complete with date (May 1) and theme (Love Begins with Me).  Becker says it is as if the entire vision was downloaded like a new computer program, now he has the task of figuring out how to best run the program and share it with others.

The primary vision is one of global celebration in honor of everyone. It is the recognition that we are one humanity – that we all share the common bond of being human and, as such, are divinely special and should celebrate that.  No other observance reaches across all borders in the way this has the potential to do.  New Year’s Eve may come close, but is typically recognized as an event that seems to say “we made it another year, let’s party” and not all people share the same calendar.  Christmas is highly visible, yet only 1/6^th of the world population claims Christianity.

The amazing part to Global Love Day is that this phenomenon is spreading primarily by internet.  TLF has had responses from individuals all over the world (136 countries at this writing) and people are volunteering as country coordinators in an effort to share more love.  By accessing their website at www.thelovefoundation.com, musicians, artists, authors, homemakers, governments, students and businesses are sharing their support.

Now in its fifth year, already over 238 proclamations have been signed by mayors, governors and councils declaring May 1st as Global Love Day and the main flyer has been translated in 35 languages.  People around the world are sharing their visions and ideas for the day.  From groups gathering for community fellowship to a single mom and business owner in Kenya, promoting Global Love Day in her country, everyone is finding a way to celebrate love.

People can lend support by spreading the word, hosting an event, making a contribution or simply sending positive thoughts of love and support.  Becker states he would most like to see individuals find ways to love themselves and others without conditions that day, hence the theme “Love Begins with Me”.  Beyond that, the possibilities for celebration, creativity and expressions of forgiveness and love are seemingly endless.  TLF envisions people sharing this yearly celebration as a reminder of our ability to love all life, including our selves.

It remains to be seen if this tiny seed can grow into a global party where everyone is considered the honored guest.  Perhaps, this is an idea whose time has come.

For more information, contact John T. Goltz at:  jtgoltz @thelovefoundation.com