Profile of the Light Millennium-2008
http://www.lightmillennium.org

***Celebrating the 8th Anniversary with multi-participations from all walks of life globally...
This is a global multi-media alternative platform for ALL for Greatness in Humanity...***

8th Anniversary and the 9th Year since its Introductory Issue

Philosophy:
Light Millennium is built on the first article of the United States Bill of Rights: Freedom of Speech, in conjunction with the Universal Human Rights Article #19, on Freedom of Expression. It invites citizens of the world to submit, in an appropriate artistic medium, ideas and experiences that will help foster better understanding and connections between people of different cultures and beliefs. Since January 2000, LM has been publishing and presenting a diversity of ideas without censorship through writings, images and music that promote the well-being of the world and its inhabitants.

History:
Light Millennium was introduced on the web in August 1999 by Bircan Ünver as a global multi-media platform inviting individuals to represent themselves and their communities. In January 2000, LM brought in multi-volunteer participation, and was formally incorporated as a “not-for-profit” organization on July 17, 2001. Individuals or organizations that share the same objectives as LM are encouraged to participate in our platform as writers, researchers, editors, activity or event organizers, and fundraisers. Contributors range from 7 to 90 years old, come from all over the world, and have backgrounds in various disciplines. LM formally celebrated its 8th Anniversary on May 2, 2008. However, LM is in its 9th year since its Introductory issue (1999), and has upheld the philosophy that all ideas can stand side by side as long as we respect and have tolerance for each other, and for other ideas, cultures, and religions.

Funding:
LM is a Charitable & Public Benefit organization and has relied on 100% volunteer work and in-kind sponsorships gathered for public events. To this date, LM has been formed and developed with the voluntary efforts of its founder and supporters, supplemented by four fundraising efforts.

Achievements: The organization has e-published 20 issues of Light Millennium in English, 18 issues of ISIK BINYILI in Turkish, 2 issues of Turkish-Greek Synergy in English and Turkish (a total of 40 original e-publications as of May 2008), and since 2000, has organized 52 events (the latest one on Yunus Emre with Prof. Talat Halman on Oct.27, 2008) including panels, conferences, lectures, special screenings, literary readings, poetry events, story nights, and campaigns (for Fugen Gulertekin & Tsunami Aid/Sri Lanka). T

he Light Millennium TV (“LMTV”) series was launched at Queens Public Television by Bircan Unver under the umbrella of the Light Millennium in January 2000 as a monthly series; since then 60 programs were produced and aired under the LMTV. Bircan won several awards for her TV programs. LMTV broadcasts independent programs on arts, culture, freedom of expression, peace and global issues. For “LMTV” Videography, please see> http://lightmillennium.org/bu_videography.html.

The Light Millennium has become associated with the Department of Public Information of the United Nations effective as of December 12, 2005, and member of the Non Profit Coordination Committee of New York. The LM has participated in the 58th, 59th, and 60th United Nations Annual DPI/NGO (Department of Public Information of the United Nations)Conferences. On behalf of the organization, Bircan has been a member of the 59th, 60th, and the 61st of the Planning Committees of the UN/DPI-NGO Conferences, and related subcommittees. LM sponsored “UN Vision & Millennium Developments Goals Through Speaks the Arts program in 2006, and also during the 2007 Conference, titled "Climate Change: How It Impacts Us All" at the UN-HQ within the context of the Conference, titled “The Wild Cards in Climate Change: Weather Warfare, Geo-engineering and ENMOD.” http://www.un.org/dpi/ngosection/conference/4_Wild_Cards.htm - http://www.undpingoconference.org .

The Light Millennium website has been visited in over 135 countries since April 14, 2005. As an open global alternative platform, over 800 volunteer content contributors have formed the Light Millennium since January 2000. Bircan was awarded as a “Global Peace Volunteer” for her efforts on behalf of the Light Millennium by the Turkish-American local newspaper FORUM during the celebration of its 100th issue in NYC on October 25, 2008. Bircan was invited to speak at the Inaugural Meeting of the 7th “International Conference on Peace Non-violence Action” which is organized by the Anuvrat Global Organization (ANUVIBHA) in Jaipur, India from Nov.10 to 14, 2008. At the 7th ICPNA, Bircan was also the keynote speaker at the 3rd Plenary Session of the conference, titled "Culture of Nonviolence, Shared Cultures and Universal Culture.” Further, she received the “Peace Worker Award” from Anuvrat Global Organization, and also received “Honorary Guest” award from Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, former president of India, and prominent scientist. During her very brief trip to India, she also gave a talk to the students of the Mass Communications at the Mangalayatan University in Aligar. In her speech, Bircan focused on “Alternative Media and its Potentials.”

Comment:
"What is especially interesting is that [the Light Millennium] publishes articles by people with great experience and provocative points of view," Professor and Former New York Times Foreign Correspondent Stephen Kinzer said to Queens Chronicle newspaper (March 25, 2004). "Many private web sites and blogs are filled with one person's ramblings. Light Millennium is the opposite of that. It's an increasingly sophisticated online magazine that provides insights that people won't find in many other places." Dr. S.L. Gandhi, President of the Anuvrat Global Organization, in his recent e-mail, stated: “We have invited you as a speaker, and also as a friend who has contributed a lot to social excellence and universal peace.”

The Future:
The Internet is one of the main platforms for creating global connections. LM started with a core audience of Turks and Turkish-Americans and provided a link to a global community of thinkers interested in peace, humanitarian issues, dialogue and international cooperation. In recent editions, the audience has broadened and contributions are now received from all over the world. Historically, Turkey has been a bridge between Europe and Asia; between Islam and Christianity; between Democracy and Religion. Bringing those old Turkish traditions to the Internet, LM has the potential to be a bridge for humanity, spreading the message of peace and tolerance to all cultures and all countries.

Ongoing Projects:
- I DREAM, THEREFORE I AM ­ Dec. 16, 2008, Dervish Restaurant, NYC ­ Public Event -
- PARADE OF FACES: Who Speaks for Turkey? With Stephen Kinzer ­ A 6 parts of documentary.
- A Book Tour with Stephen Kinzer on CRESCENT & STAR: Turkey Between Two Worlds, 2008 Edition
- A Book Presentation & Signing Program with Ambassador Ann Dismorr for TURKEY DECODED (Feb.2009)
- A Book Presentation & Signing Program with Emily Bunker for NURI’s DONKEY
- Open Museum: Highlights from Archeological sites of Turkey ­ A Lecture by Prof. Samuel PALEY
- A Panel & Book Signing Program with Adalet Agaoglu for SUMMER’S END

Highlights:
- Light Millennium formed a Support Group. Coordinator of the Support Group: Hümeyra Kocak, Manager, Finance Sector - The organization formed a Youth Volunteer Committee. Coordinator of the Youth Volunteer Committee: Merve Arabaci, Student, NYU.
- Fall 2008 issue of the Turkish version of the Light Millennium, ISIKBINYILI.ORG, is dedicated to: LEADERS FOR HUMANITY (Insanlik icin Liderler). Content coordinator of the issue: Fatos Simsek, North Carolina. - L

- Light Millennium aims to expand and diversify its Board of Directors and Advisory Board. If you are interested in being a part of the LM through your ideas, professional, and cultural background, or willing to contribute to the above or newly proposed projects, please contact with:
Bircan Ünver E-mail to> contact@lightmillennium.org
Figen Bingül, Secretary General of the Light Millennium: figenbinul@lightmillennium.org

--Updated on December 1, 2008.