New beginnings present opportunities to renew and improve ourselves.  And if the tick of a new year can motivate us individually, the thunderous clap of a new millennium can arouse us collectively.

Certainly some pervasive change is in order.  Our relationships with each other and with the environment are so troubled that there might not be much left to celebrate come the dawn of the next millennium.

Coupled with this unique numerological opportunity for reflection is a unique tool for group reflection:  the Internet, the most egalitarian means of mass communication yet to evolve on this planet.  It enables one individual to propose to the entire group a resolution for the year 2000 (or 2001, if we also want to resolve to be accurate).

The best resolutions recognize simple truths and commit to adhering to them, sometimes using affirmations as an aide.

A resolution for a millennium looks to the big picture and the long term.  That means all of us, the whole earth, and for generations, starting with our children.

Indeed, attitudes towards other peoples and other species are molded during childhood and difficult to change population-wide thereafter.  A successful model for inculcating values, via a daily recitation in schools, is America's Pledge of Allegiance.

The unifying effect of such a pledge is easily appreciated.  However, the flip side of a strong sense of national (or religious) cohesiveness is often the conviction that other peoples are less important or worthy.  To say nothing of other species.

A more inclusive sense of belonging needs to be fostered.  By widening the group to which we feel connected, we narrow the group we feel justified in exploiting.  Eventually the extent of the former eliminates the latter.

In addition to patriotism, we can expand the loyalty we aspire to instill.  It is time to adopt a more visionary and all encompassing "world pledge" as a New Millennium's Resolution:

Ideally, this resolution/pledge would be recited daily in schools worldwide, as well as elsewhere. 
It is designed to be recited with a cadence similar to that of the Pledge of Allegiance:
    "I recognize a vital unity linking me with all humanity and humanity with all life acknowledging   that where none prevails over another each may prosper and all may continue."

This is NOT copyrighted, to encourage its free distribution.
No contributions are solicited.
However, if this resonates for you, please consider doing the following:

• pay for its publication in your local paper (or write a letter to the editor);
• email it to a friend (cc to all on your address book);
• post it to a bulletin board;
• start a newsgroup to discuss it;
• bring it to the attention of elected officials or celebrated persons;
• become a spokesperson for it;
• be creative; find other ways to publicize this resolution/pledge;
• email me with your comments or suggestions at wsandtt@redshift.com

Author Bio

"Will Sand has been published in Aberrations, Ultimate Unknown, Dark Planet, and Ibn Qirtaiba. He is a retired chiropractor, dividing his time between the central coast of California and the nether-ether-land of the Internet.

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