Eric Andati
Nairobi, Kenya

"I learnt of the Companion Flag from my childhood buddy Amos Akwabi of Nairobi. He has done such a marvelous job in our local schools and has requested me to join him in this noble mission.

"There is nothing as hard as trying to stop an idea whose time has come. Companion Flag is such an idea. It has since come to my attention that people of accomplishment rarely sit back and let things happen to them. They go out and happen to things. This is what we intend to do with Companion Flag!"

Gilberto Hernández Quirós, M.Sc.
San Jose, Costa Rica

Gilberto is a Costa Rican professor who has has devoted much of his life to fostering bilingual education. He is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in Education with Specialization in Pedagogical Mediation at Universidad De La Salle—the first Companion Flag school in Central America! Gilberto is the National Director of the Companion Flag Project in Costa Rica.

Connie Coffman-Hobson
Seattle, Washington USA

Connie, a World Religions and US History teacher at Seattle's Roosevelt High School, has introduced the Companion Flag idea to her students.

"A World Religions student made this Companion Flag to be displayed in our classroom at Roosevelt High School after hearing Scott Wyatt's presentation about the Companion Flag and its message. I am grateful to have it displayed as a reminder of our unity within our diversity."

Kojo Ayanwola
Lagos, Nigeria

A professional drummer and band member with the internationally renown Lágbájá, Kojo Ayanwola took time out in November and December 2004 to introduce the Companion Flag to two Lago primary schools, and to the members of AYANPEJU, a national youth club dedicated to the study and preservation of African drumming!

Jim and Lois Ege,
Pentwater, Michigan USA

Jim and Lois attached a US flag and Companion Flag to the antenna of their motorcycle during a tour of Canada this summer (2004). Jim has been talking about the Companion Flag idea with his friends and acquaintances in the motorcycle world, and he hopes to see many more Companion Flags on the road next summer!

Kristi Odom,
Atlanta, Georgia USA

Travel and nature photographer Kristi Odom has featured the Companion Flag in her photo exhibitions, and shares the idea with people around the world. Visit her wonderful website at http://www.kristiodom.com/

Priti Sehgal,
New Delhi, India

Priti Sehgal (formerly Barman) is a journalist living in New Delhi. She is the first person to bring the Companion Flag idea to the capital of India.

"I am impressed by the CF concept and will try my level best to promote the same always. I never miss any oppurtunity to tell about the CF project to my friends and social circle as well."

Their journey is captured in astounding photographs and stories from the road at: www.yeungstuff.com.

Diane Shore has actively sought connections for the Companion Flag, doing everything from hosting a Companion Flag theme dinner with friends, to contacting colleagues with flagpoles at their homes and places of business, encouraging them to fly the Companion Flag.

"I believe in diversity and commonality amongst all people of the world. The Companion Flag is a symbol of understanding, acceptance and appreciation of all cultures which, when demonstrated, can lead to harmony on our planet."

Paul and Michele Aoki, both members of CFSI's Educators' Advisory Board, have made wonderful connections for CFSI throughout Washington State!

"Our love of international travel and foreign languages brought us together many years ago and taught us how much we have in common with others in the world. How delightful it was to see that perspective embodied in a symbol like the Companion Flag. We have shared the Companion Flag with friends at home and people we've met in Japan and Russia, and we plan to include it in our future world travels."

Sandra Toussaint, a founding member of the CFSI Board of Directors, has shared the Companion Flag vision with government leaders in Guyana. She is also responsible for the Spanish translation of the Companion Flag website!

"This idea asks me to reach inside and give of myself, not money or material things, but of myself...so that I can understand the language, verbal and non-verbal, of other persons."

Kris Donley, a founding member of the CFSI Board of Directors, has shared the Companion Flag message with other conflict resolution professionals in the US and beyond. Kris is the Executive Director of the Dispute Resolution Center in Austin, Texas.

"In my work with a community dispute resolution center, I'm often approached by schools for consultation on how we can shape the values of peaceful resolution in our youth. I tell them about the Companion Flag. I can think of no better way to simply define the relationship between self and global identity for even the youngest elementary school age child."

Cari Land, a school counselor, has launched two successful campaigns to adopt the Companion Flag at elementary schools where she works.

"I'm so honored to be part of this project! I heard about the Companion Flag from a fellow teacher who told me it was his dream to see our district take the Companion Flag idea and run with it. I felt it was a valuable educational tool for our students and decided to get started introducing it.

"Thanks to the support and participation of my colleagues, both schools where I work soon adopted Companion Flags during 2003! Even parents are getting excited about this idea and offering to deliver Companion Flags to other parts of the world during their summer vacations. Anyone can do this, but I still feel especially privileged to be an official ambassador... you should, too! If you're an educator and have questions about introducing the Companion Flag, feel free to e-mail me."

Yaw Asare-Aboagye has shared the Companion Flag idea with friends and associates in Seattle, Washington and Thousand Oaks, California

"To me, the Companion Flag emphasizes the fact that people are the same, despite their different cultures."

Karen Borsato successfully petitioned the City Council of the City of Quesnel, BC, Canada, to adopt and display the Companion Flag at City Hall.

Since then, the Mayor of Quesnel has made a goodwill trip to Quesnel's sister city, Shiraoi, Japan, where he presented a Companion Flag to Mayor Toshiaki Sakashita—a gift from the citizens of Quesnel to the citizens of Shiraoi!

Read more. . .

Melanie Olson spearheaded the introduction of the Companion Flag at her elementary school, then wrote a successful grant to fund the installation of a new flagpole, a new school flag, and a Companion Flag to go with it.

"The philosophy of the Companion Flag is an important concept for all people to embrace. As a teacher at Seattle Public Schools, I am privileged to have a Companion Flag in my classroom as a visual reminder of how we should honor our differences as well as what we have in common. My hopes are that all the children of the world will grow up with this value system, and pass it on to the next generation."

Stephen Sealey, a scholar-athlete, researched the Companion Flag then introduced it to his classmates at the Federal Way Public Academy, Federal Way, Washington.

"I feel that so many times we as human beings forget or even never realize how much we all have in common with each other. Differences seem to shadow and blanket those similarities and how we as humans recognize them. A flag waving in the air is the perfect reminder of those similarities, because a flag will always stay in one place no matter what circumstance you and others are in."

Cindy Wheeler and her children will deliver a new French flag and Companion Flag to an elementary school while visiting family in Callian, France (August 2003). They will invite that school to be a "sister school" to the Companion Flag school attended by the Wheeler children back home in the US. Stay tuned!

"My children were eager to support and promote this program after hearing it explained at a school assembly. We are lucky enough to regularly travel out of the country, and this has given the kid's a 'bigger view' of the world, and the part they can play in it.

"For me, I support the message of universality and celebrate the opportunity to promote unity in the world. I also believe children are the best vehicle to carry this message forth."

Read more. . .

Rev. Steven Towles, Director of the Unity Peace Center, facilitated the introduction of the Companion Flag at a Sunday service of Seattle Unity Church.

"The Companion Flag Project is more than symbolic in nature, it speaks of a very specific connection that needs to be acknowledged and reinforced in many different ways. We do have our differences and unique qualities, but we share this planet and we all have common interests that all too often are forgotten. The Companion Flag Project helps us remember that and act from that awareness."

Lettie Pickett serves on CFSI's Educators Advisory Board, has aided in the development of Companion Flag lesson plans, and has invited a CFSI speaker to visit her classes.

"El concepto de la Bandera Acompañante les dio a mis estudiantes la oportunidad de ver que todo humano comparte de los mismos sentimientos. Se entusiasmaron con la oportunidad de poder explorar sus pensamientos tanto como sus sentimientos y de darse cuenta de que ellos tambien pueden contribuir al mundo de manera positiva."

"The concept of the Companion Flag gave my students the opportunity to see that around the world there is a common ground which they share with all peoples. They were enthused with the opportunity to explore their thoughts and feelings and became aware that they too can make a difference in our world."

Andrew Biles, Jr., Vice President, North American Vexillological Association, was instrumental in the publication of an article about the Companion Flag in the NAVA News.

"The Companion Flag is the perfect accompaniment with any national flag symbolizing our unity with others and the brotherhood of mankind."

Marshall Norman, Pastor, and his wife Shanti Devi, Musical Director of Unity Church of Kent, have facilitated the church's adoption and permanent display of the Companion Flag.

"At a time when everyone is rethinking the word "patriotism", it is especially important to be more universal in our outlook. I, for one, consider myself a universal patriot. I'm proud of this universe and am glad to be here. The Companion Flag promotes this idea. Our love and respect must grow to include all of life. I am proud to fly the Companion Flag outside our church because it honors all nations."

Brenda Wilbee, author and teacher, uses the Companion Flag to inspire hope in her students.

"I teach composition at Whatcom Community College and I use the Holocaust as thematic material. Last year, the Companion Flag was introduced to my students for the first time. This hopeful idea revitalized their writings and nourished the idea that a repeat of history can be avoided."

Sunyoung Yi graciously translated the Companion Flag website into Korean, making it accessible to millions of Korean-speaking people around the world.

"The Companion Flag is a pure symbol of humanity that promotes the essential identity of human life."

Hannchen Menck graciously translated the Companion Flag website into German, making it accessible to millions of German-speaking people around the world.

"The Companion Flag makes a very important statement that is both timeless and relevant. Mankind needs to realize that beneath our apparent differences we are all one. The more Companion Flags soar in our skies the closer we will be to peace. It is my deepest desire that the Companion Flag and what it stands for will be embraced by all families, communities and nations in the world."

Hiroya Sato has introduced the Companion Flag to the students of Sankakuyama Elementary School, Sapporo, Japan, each of the last two years. He also teaches a class on Companion Flag lesson development to future teachers at the School of Education, Hokkaido University.

"It feels good when the idea of Companion Flag spreads out in Japan."

Read more. . .

Sally Bagshaw introduced the Companion Flag to the management of the Watermark Tower, a residential high-rise in downtown Seattle. Thanks to Sally, the Companion Flag is now a regular part of the Seattle skyline!

"I believe we are each responsible for building the progressive community in which we want to live. Every time I see the Companion Flag waving on top of the Watermark Tower it reminds me YES! I can make a positive contribution to the world today. It's a matter of conscious choice, starting with me, minute by minute, in Seattle."

Read more. . .

Scott Wyatt, creator of the Companion Flag, wound-up a 22-year law practice to launch the Companion Flag project in January 1999. His continuing dedication to this vision is matched by the unwavering support and encouragement of his wife, Rochelle.

"I've imagined a world where children are encouraged by the symbols around them to honor all parts of themselves: their differences, diversity, and special affiliations, as well as all that they share in common with people everywhere."

Gail and Bill Valenti are ardent supporters of the Companion Flag, and they prominently display it at their home in Seattle. Bill is a founding member of the CFSI Board of Directors.

"Having spent almost 20 years living and working outside the US, Gail and I have come to appreciate the universality of basic human interests and aspirations: clean environment, sound education, the dignity of work, safe, secure cities and towns, sufficient and nourishing food, etc.

"Symbols are powerful catalysts for human behavior. The Companion Flag is a compelling and desperately needed symbol of the common aspirations of all human beings. We are honored to act as ambassadors in propagating this important symbol."

Theresa Mottet, Director of West Coast Sales for Lindblad Expeditions, has provided generous financial support to the Companion Flag project, and is spearheading a proposal to fly the Companion Flag on Lindblad's five ocean-going ships. Stay tuned!

"I've embraced this idea as my own. I fly the Companion Flag
proudly at home and feature the nameplates on my car. I also
tell the story of the Companion Flag within my community and the world as I travel. It is just a matter of time before the spirit of the Companion Flag will be readily received everywhere, as our world becomes smaller and hopefully more compassionate."

CFSI gratefully acknowledges former Seattle Times editorial page editor Mindy Cameron, whose lead editorial on the Companion Flag, published February 25, 2002, introduced the Companion Flag to hundreds of thousands of Seattle Times readers.

"The idea is one of elegant simplicity: Embrace a universal paradox by flying two flags, one that celebrates our differences and one that acknowledges our commonality."

Read the entire editorial (.pdf). . .

Mitchell Gold, General Secretariat of the International Association of Educators for World Peace, has shared the Companion Flag vision with IAEWP representatives in over 100 countries. His good works are found at www.homeplanet.org.

"May the Companion Flag website become the most honoured site in the world and may peace prevail on earth."

Mimi Hudson shares the Companion Flag vision with her faith community and beyond.

"I find the Companion Flag one of the most important symbols in the world today, a symbol of our commonality in a world of war and suspicion."

Huston Smith, acclaimed theologian and author of The World's Religions.

"Thank you for the Companion Flag. I intend to take this idea to the Parliament of the World's Religions when it meets in So. Africa in December and spread the word about it there. Good work!" (1999)

Jenny Cummins has mounted a US and Companion Flag on her deck, and the reactions of passers-by have surprised her.

“When I first heard about the Companion Flag, I didn’t think it would make much of a difference. However, since hanging the flags, many people have stopped to ask me about the Companion Flag. Each time I explain, the asker is very impressed. I'm reminded that just one little pebble thrown in the water creates a wider and wider circle. Don’t be the last person to stand up for peace in our world. Be one of the first.”

Anatoly Ionesov, Director
International Museum of Peace and Solidarity
Samarkand, Uzbekistan

"I'm happy to be associated with the Companion Flag project which, I believe, is one more wonderful tool to show and promote the unity of the humankind and the need of global solidarity. The Companion Flag is on the permanent display in our Peace Museum and we introduce it to all our visitors. See you one day in our part of the world, here in the heart of Central Asia. Do come!"

Laura Sealey, a parent who saw the need for the Companion Flag at her son's school, e-mailed the website address to her son's social studies teacher. Within weeks, the class was studying and debating the Companion Flag idea.

"I know the message is getting out there. It is so important to think about what everyone has in common. Cultures may differ, and governments may differ, but people have similar needs."

Sandra Mussey, an international teacher in the field of intuitive development, has shared the Companion Flag vision with people around the globe.

"I first heard about the amazing vision of the Companion Flag at the 1999 International Conference on Conflict Resolution in St. Petersburg, Russia. Since then I have shared this vision with many of my students, colleagues and friends around the world. I see the Companion Flag as a path to peace and healing, representing our capacity to make heart connections around the globe."

Ann McRill proudly displays a Companion Flag decal on her car, and a license plate frame reading: Fly the Companion Flag. She is pleased to share the Companion Flag idea wherever she goes!

"I belong to the human race. I have basic needs for companionship, safety, trust, respect, and connection with others. The Companion Flag symbolizes (tangibly and publicly) what I know on a personal level. I feel whole and healthy as an individual only when I am aware of my connection to all living things, my creator, and my planet."

Anne Reese, a technical writer and piano teacher, has shared the Companion Flag vision with friends and family members, both by
word-of-mouth and e-mail.

"I have enjoyed traveling to several countries, including Russia,
Thailand, Fiji, Australia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. Although each culture is wonderfully unique, the commonalities among everyone I've met always far outweigh the differences. The Companion Flag is an idea that is long overdue, and I'm glad to play even a small part in its eventual widespread adoption."

Kathleen Passero has volunteered at many Companion Flag events, and in 2002 single-handedly initiated a campaign to have her church adopt and fly the Companion Flag!

"My own dream of designing a flag for world compassion, clarity, and courage led me to the Companion Flag vision over a year ago. I have since introduced the idea to my family members, friends, and a few strangers. The Companion Flag now flies at the Unity church in Kent - much to my delight!"

Mario Stoltz
Germany

"I learned about the Companion Flag by pure coincidence while searching the web. The idea of turning elements of separation into elements of unification thrilled me. Many people in my country have a more reserved relationship to flags than, for example, people in the US. However, the goal of adopting the Companion Flag globally can bring the world forward."

Anita Lenges' amazing joie de vivre and enthusiasm for the Companion Flag have combined to make learning about the Companion Flag an unforgettable experience! Anita is a university instructor and member of the CFSI Educators Advisory Board.

"I work with teachers to explore the relationship between culture and
mathematics. While talking about cultural diversity and the need for
mathematical diversity, I also share about the universals of mathematics and people. The mathematical universals are not what people typically think of as school mathematics. All cultural groups develop mathematical tools and processes that are integrative aspects of their cultural practices. So along with all people needing food, love, safety, ..., they also develop mathematical practices. Funny, huh? While working with teachers from Indonesia, I gave them all lapel pins and Companion Flag cards to take back with them to remind them of our friendship and unity. Perhaps we need another language represented on the CF website for Bahasa Indonesia!"

Tijana Timotijevic
Reading, England

"The more I travel, the more I am convinced how much we need the Companion Flag as a symbol to celebrate humanity. Across the world, we are more similar than we are different. By recognizing that, we can make the world a more peaceful and a less lonely place."

Andrea Blair has introduced the Companion Flag to her neighbors by mounting a flagstaff with a US flag and Companion Flag next to her front door.

"For me, the Companion Flag symbolizes human similarities and acknowledges our differences. There could be no better time than this, when our world is being torn apart by wars and disagreements, to put into action the principles of the CF."

Stevin Strickland
Tashkent, Uzbekistan

An English teacher and Peace Corps volunteer working in Tashkent, Stevin not only facilitated the introduction of the Companion Flag at his school, the prestigious Academic Lyceum of the University of World Economy and Diplomacy, he introduced it to the entire Uzbekistan Teachers of English Association and many other influential groups and individuals. Professors Gulandom Bakieva and Abbas Iriskulov (see below) of the Uzbekistan State World Languages University, learned about the Companion Flag through Stevin's efforts, and thereafter spearheaded the adoption of the Companion Flag at that university in October, 2003!

Profs. Gulandom Bakieva and Abbas Iriskulov
Uzbekistan State World Languages University

Professors Bakieva (right) and Iriskulov led the way in adopting the Companion Flag at Uzbekistan State World Languages University. Professor Bakieva is the Vice-Rector of the University and a Member of the Parliament of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Professor Iriskulov is Director of the Ministry of Higher and Secondary Special Education.

Read more. . .

Chaouky Kaboul, owner of Seattle's Academy of Languages, along with Hassan Kassem of Beirut, Lebanon, and Wahab Ansari of Doha, Qatar, combined efforts to complete (without charge or expectation of return) an Arabic translation of the Companion Flag website, making it accessible to millions of Arabic-speaking people around the world. CFSI cannot possibly thank them enough!

"I feel that whatever little I do for the Companion Flag is part of my civic duty as a global citizen."

Read more. . .

Karrie Dietz and Michael Galligan
Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Karrie and Michael, teachers at Tashkent International School, spearheaded a successful campaign to introduce and adopt the Companion Flag at TIS! Thanks also go out to School Director John C. Thomas, for his support of the idea.

"The Companion Flag Project is powerful because it fills a need this world so desperately needs right now -- a real understanding of the holistic nature of the human race and how we need to change our thinking."

Read more. . .

Sara Paige
Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Sara, a teacher at Public School 107 in Tashkent, invited Companion Flag founder and ambassador Scott Wyatt to visit her school and present a talk on the Companion Flag.

Beatrice Marzola
Siena, Italy

Beatrice displays miniature Italian flags and Companion Flags at her wonderful Bed & Breakfast "Poste Regie" in Tuscany. She has also begun an Italian translation of the Companion Flag web site!

David Pickett
Fremantle, Australia

David, a Portland University student 'studying abroad' at the University of Notre Dame Australia, took it upon himself to introduce the Companion Flag to the Notre Dame community in the fall of 2003. Within a few days, a Companion Flag was hoisted below the Australian flag on campus to commemorate the second anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy.

Read more. . .

Amos Akwabi
Nairobi, Kenya

"At last a tie that shows our diverse similarity is here with us—for us and our children. Whether a rebel in Horr or a nun in Culcutta, whether a student at Ebuhonga or a street vendor in Cebu, we can all identify ourselves with this. The Companion Flag is a symbol of who we are the world over."

Gayana Gazaryan
Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Gayana, an English teacher, graciously translated the remarks of CFSI president Scott Wyatt, making it possible for him to introduce the Companion Flag idea to the Superintendent of Tashkent Public Schools during a visit in October 2003. Since then, she has wholeheartedly embraced the Companion Flag project, has dedicated countless hours to its success, and is now the CFSI Project Director for Central Asia!

Read more. . .

Gary Furlong, President of the Seattle Tashkent Sister City Association, and Honorary Consul General for the Republic of Uzbekistan, has played a vital role in the introduction of the Companion Flag in Uzbekistan.

"The thirty year history of the Seattle Tashkent Sister City Association has been one of cooperation and exploring the things we humans have in common. Companion Flag is a meaningful and tangible addition to that history. The reception which Scott and the program received in Tashkent is indicative of its powerful and relevant message in today's world. We are happy to have been able to help, and we look forward to a productive future of cooperation."

Dan Peterson, principal at Meridian Park Elementary School in Shoreline, Washington, and Vice President of Accent on Understanding, an international teacher exchange program, has spearheaded the adoption of the Companion Flag at his school!

"I am extremely impressed with the concept of the Companion Flag. Each time we all look at our national flag, being reminded that we are all fellow human beings on planet Earth is healthy for us and will promote international understanding."

Allison Bale,
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Allison is taking time out of her busy life to complete the French translation of the Companion Flag web site. Her efforts have made the Companion Flag vision accessible to millions of French speakers around the world!

"I have fallen in love with and committed myself to a man who is not from my country. Although for most of our lives we did not share a culture, we see now how much we have shared - not only in life experience, but in our sense of humor, and especially in how we value relationships with family and friends.

"As humans, we truly are alike in many ways, regardless of what language we speak, or whether we come from a city of 600,000 or 23,000,000. The Companion Flag has taken on great meaning for me, and I am pleased that by translating its web site I can help people become more open to understanding other cultures, and realizing our common bonds."

Gina Hinjosa has introduced the Companion Flag idea not only to her husband, her friends, and family, but to her college classmates and professors, as well.

"Ideally the Companion Flag would be flown at schools across the globe, where inquisitive minds could look up and consider its absolute integrity."

Dilbar Akhmedova is helping to spread the Companion Flag idea throughout Uzbekistan's schools.

"Companion Flag is a wonderful idea. Learning about each others' differences and diversity, while at the same time honoring what we all have in common, will bring global friendship and peace to the world."

Len Eisenhood has spearheaded the adoption of the Companion Flag at Newport Heights Elementary School, Bellevue, Washington, USA, where he teaches.

"Adopting the Companion Flag at our school has provided me a constructive way to support children and adults in developing an understanding of our shared human values.

"Through this project I have been able to direct my energies positively in creating with, and modeling for, students a vision of the world that understands how we are alike while appreciating our differences. The positive effect for our students has been to give them a tangible way to think and talk about others in a familiar and compassionate light."

Mary Anne Zammit
Gudja, Malta

"Anna" is Assistant Head of George Schinas Primary School, the first school to adopt the Companion Flag on Malta. She has also introduced thousands of her fellow citizens to the Companion Flag by producing and airing a children's panel discussion on the Companion Flag for RADJU MALTA, Malta's National Public Radio.

Shishir Srivastava
Lucknow, India

Shishir and his colleague at City Montessori School, Dr. Preeti Shankar, are co-project directors for the Companion Flag Project in India. Shishir was instrumental in CMS' adoption of the Companion Flag in May 2004.