Synop_Sn

GCF’s fundamental purpose is to elevate the dialogue as to world problems. In periodic single-topic symposia and occasional comprehensive multi-day sessions, we are bringing together some of the finest minds in the world, of somewhat varying viewpoints and a wide variety of disciplines, for thoughtful and candid dialogue on a host of peace and justice concerns. By elevating the dialogue, we hope to increase understanding, which may in turn lead to right action in the real world.

Another basic premise of GCF is well stated by the new slogan for WILPF: “Another world is possible; another U.S. is necessary.” Hence, we envision creation of a number of institutes which can interact productively with each other and with GCF, including: The American Idea Institute; Barristers Without Borders; Corporations Serving Humanity; and the Edward R. Murrow Journalism Institute. For more information on GCF, its board, its advisory council, and the above institutes, contact: James T. Ranney, Chair, GCF, 1018 West Cliveden St., Philadelphia, PA 19119-3701; 215-849-9165; ; www.globalconstitutionforums.org.

GCF Fundamental Values and Premises:

“I like to believe that people in the long run are going to do more to promote peace than are governments. Indeed, I think that people want peace so much that one of these days governments had better get out of the way and let them have it.” Dwight David Eisenhower

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead

“Whatever may be the limitations which trammel inquiry elsewhere, we believe that [we] should ever encourage that continual and fearless sifting and winnowing by which alone the truth can be found.” University of Wisconsin Regents

“I still have absolute faith in human destiny, a clearer and clearer conviction that we are approaching a great common tenderness. I write knowing that the danger of the bomb hangs over all our heads, a nuclear catastrophe that would leave no one, nothing on this earth. Well, that does not alter my hope. At this critical moment, in this flicker of anguish, we know that the true light will enter those eyes that are vigilant. We shall understand one another. We shall advance together. And this hope cannot be crushed.” Pablo Neruda

“The future depends on what we do in the present.” Mahatma Gandhi