Meet Our Contributors
"Terrorism" has been a dominant theme in the media for the past few years and especially in the USA since 9/11. The response to this threat has been predictable, considering that our national leadership is a reflection of the still-dominant old-world paradigm of "search & destroy" anything that can be defined as "the enemy." The rationale is that, with enough money and military might, you can eliminate the symptoms of a problem and declare victory. The reality is quite different.

But times are changing. For example, we see the traditional medical model of "nuclear war" (radiation), "chemical warfare" (chemotherapy) and "surgical strikes" (surgery) - which largely deal with symptoms - being challenged by a holistic approach that is bringing us to a deeper understanding of the cause of disease, including the role of the mind, beliefs and consciousness. The holistic movement continues to gain momentum simply because it is working.

What is now needed is a holistic approach to international relations, the final frontier of lawlessness and the baser aspects of tribalism. We have reached a point of global interdependence that no longer allows us the luxury of power politics and military solutions if we are to survive as a species. So called "terrorism" - whether by individual suicide bombers or government-sanctioned air raids, is no longer an option, regardless of how hard we may try to justify it. We have come to a point where we must find win/win solutions, or everyone will lose. The only true solution is a change in consciousness, an expanded world view; and a paradigm shift.

Such a shift has been quietly taking place for the past few decades in the USA and the rest of the western world. It has surfaced in best selling books, TV talk shows, new movies and in scores of other ways that touch our daily lives. We are approaching a quantum shift that will ultimately be reflected in the leaders we elect and the priorities they set. Until that time, we have work to do. Our work is the expansion of consciousness toward a global, holistic view of the world and our place in it.

Over the past 15 years, I have had the opportunity of visiting more than 25 countries, some for extended periods. In most cases I stayed in homes and villages and was able to get to know "average people", especially young people. I came to know and understand their dreams and aspirations as well as their challenges and frustrations. Often I saw how their dreams and frustrations were co-opted by political and religious systems with divisive, dualistic and narrow agendas. In most cases, these were the only belief systems which provided an outlet for their idealism.

The International Institute For Global Leadership offers another choice, a positive choice. Our curriculum provides not only a constructive philosophy but also concrete successful strategies for implementing positive change in students lives and communities. Because the program is internet based and our students come from many national, racial, cultural, ethnic and religious backgrounds, we encourage them to dialog with one another, discussing their studies, exchanging ideas and sharing their dreams & visions for a positive future.

As their profiles show, although most are in their 20's, they have already taken major steps to make a positive difference in the world. The Institute adds a missing and important dimension to their personal growth and leadership potential by providing an understanding of how our thoughts, attitudes and consciousness create our experience, individually and collectively. This critical factor empowers them to take personal responsibility for creating a world of justice, freedom, peace, and prosperity.

There are thousands of organizations around the world involved in building the new paradigms in the areas of human relations, peace, ecology, health, etc. The work of the International Institute For Global Leadership is only a small part of this overall movement toward a new consciousness, but ours is a very specific and vitally important mission.

While our program is available to all people of any age, our targeted population is young adults who show leadership potential. These are the ones who will be tomorrow's leaders, both within their own countries and internationally. The leadership they give will be guided by the ideas and beliefs they are exposed to and finally embrace. As young adults, they are now in that exploration and sorting out phase of life. This is when the introduction of new ideas and options will have the greatest impact. What better way to invest in the future of the planet than by investing in those who will become our leaders? What greater investment than a young mind which, with the right exposure, might become another Gandhi, Mandela, Dalai Lama, Martin Luther King or one of the hundreds of thousands who work anonymously for positive change in their communities across the globe?

Won't you join us in our efforts in shifting the global paradigm to one that supports life, unity, justice, peace and prosperity for all? Your contribution goes toward the cost of student books, website maintenance and a stipend volunteer director. All contributions are tax-deductible in the US. We are happy to receive contributions, regardless of size. It is not just the money, it is also the energy of support from many different people which is the foundation of our work.

Checks (on US Banks) may be mailed to the International Institute For Global Leadership, PO Box 18909, Ashville, NC. 28814., USA. For details on making a contribution by credit card or bank transfer, contact Michael Lightweaver at lightweave@aol.com.  Contributions are tax deductible under the 5013C tax codes of the United States Internal Revenue Service

Contributor's Testimonial

MT (USA/NC)
First of all, it begins with me having the advantage of observing IIGL’s founder for 20 years (a scrutiny that only the toughest could survive and stay in high esteem) I have watched this man in his personal and business relationship experiences and honor the personal and spiritual integrity of his behavior. I believe I have come to understand how perfectly IIGL expresses his inspiration, at least in part, of his purpose and Divine Plan.

Thru his leadership, there has always been the skill of making the most of every penny…he “makes a penny squeal”, thereby making it possible for this program to be open to more and more students. As IIGL has evolved from a “one man on a mission” to attracting its growing TEAM of like minded supporters and volunteers with the same gusto and vigilance with the budget, curriculum and most of all PURPOSE, I see this organization growing like a tree with the same integrity and spirit of the Founder/TEAM. We can see by the caliber of the students and their assessments and involvement that these efforts and available dollars have not been wasted.

It is very clear to me that the birthing and evolution of IIGL has the seed and roots for inspiring and building great leaders of Higher Consciousness that is sorely needed in this transitioning time for the planet and humanity. I take great pride and joy in being a contributor at all levels in supporting this organization to build and grow into the stature of the great oak in stability and value to human evolution thru a heart centered, team building, oneness consciousness model.

Colins Imoh (Nigeria)
I believe that it is in giving that we receive. I am an African living in Africa. The economic reality in our countries might cause us to forget this principle of giving. It is not so much the amount that matters, but the spirit and the heart behind it. it is in this spirit of giving that we open the flood gate that can change our countries.

The concept of IIGL can change our world. I believe in its vision and mission. I have benefited from the IIGL and giving back to the Institute is my way of saying THANK YOU and to strive that the vision continues. There is a lot that IIGL can contribute and there is need for collective responsibility. There is an African proverb: “let the big fish, bring big firewood and let the small fish bring small firewood”.

The International Institute For Global Leadership is largely funded by individual donations and family foundations. We consider the management of these contributions as a sacred responsibility in which we are committed to getting the very most out of each dollar contributed. We are very fortunate to have a very special group of donors; individuals who see the “big picture” of what is occurring in our world and who recognize that we must not simply alleviate or tackle symptoms but deal with root causes of problems – and this is human consciousness.

Listen to what our contributors are saying about why they support IIGL….


Ward & Birgitt Williams (USA/NC)
http://dalarinternational.com
We work with many different leadership development programs around the world. IIGL is one of the few that we believe to be genuinely effective. Further, it reaches a population of leaders and up-and-coming leaders in the developing world that will be powerful forces for a better world in the years to come and it is our privilege to support this critical work for our world at this time, though contributing to IIGL. IIGL operates in a financially responsible manner, with contributions directly benefiting the students and very little overhead costs. We believe that investing in IIGL is an investment not only in the future of the individuals involved, but also a most worthwhile investment in a better world for generations to come.”


Andras Nevai (USA/AZ)
Bela B. Nevai and Clara Nevai Charitable Foundation USA/FL
During their lives both Bela B. Nevai and Clara Nevai supported many Charities and good causes.....and Education was always very high on their list, especially the Education of Young People. Several relatives, for example, were assisted through their higher education by the Nevai's.

They were both very accomplished, cultured and well-travelled people....yet in their minds neither one felt "properly educated" as they had not had a formal education beyond high school. It is in fact also true that already in mid-life both Bela and Clara Nevai could have taught University level courses in a dozen subjects including Marketing, Leadership, Industrial Design, Packaging Design, Salesmanship, Labor Relations, Accounting, Import/Export, Negotiation Skills and so on. All this they had learned by doing and being.

IIGL was specifically chosen for two main reasons: One was the Founder, Michael Lightweaver, who has an excellent reputation for well-thought-out projects which benefit many people....and do so over time. The second reason was the primary work of IIGL, which is the Education and Preparation of tomorrow's Leaders. This was an often-discussed subject for the Nevai's who were frequently disturbed by the obvious lack of Leadership, Leadership Talent and Leadership Skills at various levels and throughout many professions in World Society with Politics being only one of the areas sorely lacking. Since they traveled the Globe almost constantly on business throughout the 1950s through the 1990s they had a firsthand overview of the world situation.

The Nevai Foundation continues to be well satisfied with the Methods and the Results that IIGL has created and is creating in young people in several dozen countries. IIGL, in our estimation, stretches the value of each dollar in a way that will pay back in a big way on the future world stage!


Lynne Murguia (USA/AZ)
As a former Non-Governmental Organization representative to the United Nations, and Micro-Credit practitioner in developing countries, it became clear that the only solution to the world's problems lies in elimination of corruption and correct governance -- lacking in so many of the places I have worked, which were thus beset by the problems extant in the world today. While this applies as well to developed countries (even my own -- the US), there are mechanisms in place for dealing with poor governance and corruption. In developing countries the only possibility is the training of the youth in spiritual values as the basis for all activity, whether that be governance or the non-govermental groups active in societal transformation.

I cannot stress strongly enough the importance of the training given by IIGL to planetary transformation. To this end the majority of my funding (once spread across many international NGOs), is now focused almost exclusively on IIGL, as the most fundamental approach to the underlying structure of global development in the Aquarian Age.


Dr. David K. Banner (USA/WI)
Prof. of Ethical Leadership, Viterbo University (USA/WI)
I support IIGL because there is a dearth of enlightened leadership on the planet right now and the need is especially pressing the so-called Third World countries. We cannot depend on the largesse of the wealthier nations as push comes to shove. We need people in their own communities to rise up, energize and catalyze their communities into sustainable, yet abundant lifestyles. It CAN be done, but we need leaders that know who they ARE and can express the beauty of their Spirit into whatever circumstance they find themselves in. IIGL provides the catalyst to make this happen and that is why I support their work!


Judith Royer (USA/SD)
I choose to support IIGL, first of all, because I believe in the organization's philosophy and goals. Changing the world does indeed originate from our individual ideas and actions. By providing books that help the students develop a positive expansive outlook, IIGL provides a useful framework for them to use in their individual lives in whatever way they choose.

I also choose to support IIGL because it allows me to be personally involved as a mentor to a student. I know that my involvement makes a difference, not just from my donations but from my energy and personal support as well.
Judith Royer


Juilie Loosbrock (USA/WI)
Because the world is our home and ALL human beings our family; we have a heart and soul responsibility to this home, this family. When we see the deep hurt and messiness in our family and home, we try to do what we can to help ease and heal the hurt and clean up the
messiness. IIGL is one of the ways in which we can do this. WHY? HOW?

WHY? Because what affects one person, one country, affects us all. Our interdependence as the human family says this.

HOW? By supporting the IIGL students who are doing what they can to ease and heal the hurt; IIGL makes possible the learning, questioning, sharing, and growing opportunities to these people. People who like all of us, want to make this world a little clearer; a little
happier, so that every new child which comes into this world has the chance to be the very best they can be.


Wanda Gail Campbell (USA/AL)
Peace Minister, Ph.D.
I support IIGL because it is important to me to give back in like fashion from what I have been blessed to receive. I well remember the days when college felt like an unrealistic dream. Thanks to the countless ways, over a lifetime, that I have been supported emotionally, financially and spiritually I recently attained a Ph.D. at the age of sixty-one. It is truly my honor to serve the highest purpose of humanity by offering similar support to others. I am abundantly blessed as I serve others.


Kirsten Bolwig (UK)
Transformational Therapist/spiritual activist working for global change
IIGL is an inspiring answer to the driving need for change in our world. It is not from "the developed world" but from amongst those in emerging countries that we will find the fresh vision, the courage and aspiration for real change that humanity and our beloved Earth so sorely needs. The world needs aware, creative and independent thinkers. This is the time for new paradigms not the re-jigging and modification of the old and IIGL provides the opportunity and the means by which this is possible. It is a wise leader who provides nourishment, information and tools and then invites his students to create their own designs for a different future. In IIGL Michael Lightweaver has done just that.


Lily Ann (USA/NC)
It is my belief that supporting IIGL is the greatest investment that anyone can make. Contributing financially provides books to students and young adults that they would, in all probability, never have the opportunity to read. These books provide the readers with insight into principle centered leadership, prosperity and abundance consciousness, unlimited potentials, self help tools, self realization, social entrepreneurship and so much more.

The second blessing of the investment in IIGL is to become a mentor to one or more students. This is truly a life changing experience, both for the student and for the mentor. It is thrilling to read the students assessments of the books they have read and of the insights and knowledge that they have gleaned from this vast wealth of information, not to mention the profound insights and experiences that they move through. It is informative and eye opening to learn about the student's country, their belief systems, diet, culture, and educational opportunities.

“If you think education is expensive, try ignorance”……


Anneliese B. Wei, teacher (USA/FL)s
I have long looked for a meaningful way to contribute to society. Becoming a teacher at age 50 was a beginning. My vision, however, goes beyond the local confines. I hope with all my heart for a global community of people living in peace. This is possible by empowering future leaders all over the world. IIGL is promoting just that. I am proud to be part of this global movement."


Deb Rosen, Consultant (USA/WI)
One of the initial reasons, I supported the International Institute for Global Leadership was because I have been blessed by having a wonderful support system of friends, mentors, and resources throughout my life. In return, my intention was to help others with their educational and spiritual journeys. IIGL offered me an opportunity to connect with students globally; with people I know I most likely wouldn't have met otherwise.

I had a great IIGL mentoring experience which caused me to get more involved. One of the keys for me was that more people needed to know about IIGL and why it is so vital for our future. So I began to look at how to expand and grow IIGL step by step financially. Although we have made great strides to becoming more sustainable, we still are applying the principles that IIGL teaches. So I am not an enrolled student, however, I feel as though IIGL has been a great learning opportunity for me as well, both personally and professionally. The main reason I support IIGL is because of the life experiences I have gained by being involved as well as witnessing the growth and expansion in others who are involved!


Betty Meischen, Realtor & Author (USA/TX)
WITH all the negativity in the news these days, the commitment of IIGL to bring the Light of knowledge, good news and positive thinking into a world that is constantly enshrouded by darkness and corruption is truly a worthy endeavor. By sharing a different and uplifting perspective, IIGL gives the opportunity to those who seek the Truth, who crave understanding, who desire Peace and who choose to make the world a better place in which to live, the ability to achieve their highest goals. This organization is certainly one of the most admirable causes in the world today.

The future is in the hands of our leaders. If those who control our daily lives continue to remain on a course of self-gratification, lust for money and thoughts only of power, our world is doomed. We can only hope that the points of light generated by the IIGL will continue to grow and fill the world with the brightness of love, understanding and selflessness. I can think of no other organization that is working as hard for the betterment of mankind.


Elisabeth Tepper (Venezuela)
IIGL is a true reflection of what we can do to change the world in to the place we want to live in. Through the transformations I've seen in the students I know we are also achieving world transformation. In IIGL we are building the critical mass for a new heart centered leadership planet. This is why I support IIGL. I have seen it happen!”


Julian Murphy, Entrepreneur (UK)
When choosing to invest, not just in my future, but the future of our planet, my bet is that by enabling the enablers we will create a ripple effect that will positively affect the course of history for generations. Teach a person to fish and you'll feed them for a lifetime. Teach a person to manifest their future and you'll eventually end world hunger, cure all disease, eradicate war and violence from our conscious experience, heal the world, and positively transform the planet beyond what our current experience will even let us imagine. We get out of life what we put in, and investing in IIGL is the wisest investment I can think of.


Mark Mazadu, Student (Nigeria)
We are basically how God loves this world. It is through the lifting of our consciousness that we experience love, peace, hope, life, joy, abundance, and greater good created for all people. I honor this healing process that brings forward peace on earth by contributing to IIGL, for this is our time, a moment within a never-ending continuum of time, which is also our time to contribute to the world and to make it better for the world to come.”

Nathalie Bastien, (Canada)
My contribution reflects my profound belief in the mission of your organization, and the impact IIGL can have on our world today - it really does start from within, and each one of us has the opportunity to become a leader, pay it forward and inspire others, and contribute to making a positive difference. This message was reinforced recently for me when I attended a public talk by the Dalai Lama here in Canada's capital in October - a truly inspiring moment and message - one that IIGL embraces and applies in practice, every day, everywhere, one person at a time. I believe one of today's greatest challenges lies in our level of collective awareness regarding what is now at stake on a global scale, how critically important it is that we find peace-centered solutions, and how we may practically work towards these solutions. While perhaps a lofty ideal, I believe we need to find ways to achieve a critical mass of people who can increase awareness of these issues, apply real solutions on how to address them, and inspire others to do the same. To me, IIGL provides a visionary model that contributes to this ideal in a real way - defining not only where we need to go, but how to get there - providing both the process and the tools to develop the leaders of tomorrow. Reflective of His Holiness' message, it is my personal belief that promotion of heart-centered leadership is truly a cornerstone to peace - locally and globally. While no one organization can change the world by itself, organizations such as IIGL are truly critical to achieving this ideal.

I can only state that in my limited involvement to date, I have personally witnessed a difference in my own perceptions and actions. For that I am truly thankful. Needless to say, I look forward to continued involvement.

Pierre Wittmann / Thailand and France
Painter, author, therapist - www.wisdomlight.org
At my modest level, I have always felt a need to help creating a better world for tomorrow. As the world of tomorrow will be made of the children and young people of today, I have a predilection for helping organisations involved in schools and education projects. What I like about IIGL, is that it gives the opportunity for young people in developing countries to read books that are not available in their countries, and particularly books that are at the leading edge of new researches about leadership, technology, ecology, philosophy and other world changing topics. As I am myself a passionate reader – I think that what I am today is in a large part the result of all the books I have read – I am very happy to give this opportunity to young people who also have this passion, and help them to learn, to develop and to change themselves, in order to become, in their own domains and their own countries, the leaders who will be able to change the world of tomorrow.

I met Michael Lightweaver in Chiang Mai, Thailand, in 2000, where he was leading a Network 2012 meeting. I was very impressed by his energy and his enthusiasm, by the way he was leading this gathering with efficiency, easiness, tranquility and loving kindness, and by his miraculous way of creating a feeling of abundance out of minimal material resources. We kept in touch since that time and I was immediately attracted to IIGL project when it was created in 2002. I completely trust Michael’s capacity to manage and develop further this powerful and inspiring project

Other Active Contributors

Paul Boyce
Toronto, Canada

Eric Faider
Hong Kong, China

Ruth Delaplane
Costa Rica

Randa El Sharif
Cairo, Egypt

Bracha Yanoov
Moshav Udim, Israel

Deborah Silver
Netanya, Israel

Nahla Rifai
Amman, Jordan

Imoh Colins Edozie
Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Rashmi Tolentino Singh
Manila, Philippines

Tillie Pelagallo
Manila, Philippines

Nene Pilzer
Germany / Sri Lanka

Baroness Edmee Di Pauli
London, England

Gillian Keen
South Devon, England

Julian Murphy
Londan, Engliand

Elisabeth Tepper Kofod
Caracas, Venezuela


Romualda Banaszczyk
Scottsdale, AZ. USA

Al Steele
San Jose, CA, USA

Hong Ho
San Jose, CA, USA

Jonathan Scheid
San Jose, CA. USA

Lori & Bob Warmington
Corona Del Mar, CA. USA

Marin Tomuta
Stanton, CA. USA

Naomi Stauber
Sonoma, CA. USA

Sam Chan
San Jose, CA. USA

Virginia Essene
Santa Clara, CA. USA

Cindy Wouk
Punta Gorda, FL. USA


Corine V. Wilson
Orlando, FL. USA

Dave Arnold
St. Augustine, FL, USA

Sue Myers
Cape Coral, FL. USA

Denise Davis
Peachtree City, GA. USA

Bob Kaplan
Swannanoa, NC. USA

Gregory Burazer
Winston Salem, NC, USA

John Hornecker
Lake Lure, NC. USA

Moya Burns
Hendersonville, NC. USA

Margie A. Tice
Charlotte, NC. USA

Mark Morales
Asheville, NC. USA

Paula Posival
Loveland, OH. USA

Allen Goodman
Pittsburg, PA, USA

Julia Cuervo Hewitt
State College, PA. USA

Melissa Stratton
Swiftwater, PA. USA

Helen Baker
Starr, SC. USA

We also welcome the contribution of airline "frequent flier" miles.