Thursday, January 15, 2004

2005 Newark Earthworks Moonrise Working Group

Mission Statement

The purpose of the 2005 Newark Earthworks Moonrise Working Group is
twofold:

1. We will join together at the Octagon Earthworks to witness this
once in a generation event and help make that experience accesible to
as wide an audience as possible;

2. We will use this event to celebrate the achievements of the
builders of this ancient wonder of the world.

We, as citizens of Ohio and representatives of various groups and
institutions with a vested interest in the Newark Earthworks state that
it is our responsibility and privilege to serve as organizers and facilitators for groups and individuals who wish to come and participate in the wonder. We are committed to fostering good will and encouraging participation from a wide spectrum of perspectives, interests, and beliefs.

The schedule of events associated with the 2005 Moonrise and the organization of appropriate ceremonies will present certain difficulties. For example, the Observatory Mound will not accomodate everyone who wishes to observe the moonrise. Decisions must be made about who, if anyone, will observe the moonrise from this particular vantage. If there are to be be welcoming addresses or dedicatory speeches or ceremonials, these should be coordinated. In conjunction with the Newark Earthworks Center of OSU-N and the Ohio
Historical Society, we will plan and develop recommendations for the
organization of the event.

We are not a closed group, and invite any interested groups or individuals who share the goals of inclusivity and good will to be part of this working group.