On the day that is supposed to mark the end of the world, up to 100 surfers and activists will gather together at Surfrider Beach to chant as part of a project to promote cleaner oceans.
The chant is set for 12:21 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 12 (12/21/12) at Surfrider Beach in Malibu as part of an effort to raise money for seven human and environmental causes, including atmosphere, animals, health, humanity, sustainability, forests and water, according to organizers. Each cause has a different tone.
The Chant Foundation's co-founder Dan Morrell, who coined the term "carbon neutral" in 1988, said Friday's chant in Malibu coincides with similar events around the world, kicking off 18 months of the chant initiative.
Morrell called the speculation that a cataclysmic event will occur on Friday "complete and utter rubbish."
"We should do something totally fun and goodwill and charming," Morrell said of his reasoning to hold the kick off event on 12/21/12, which is the last day of the Mayan calendar.
The focus will be on promoting healthier oceans at the Malibu event, but people can chant for other causes as well.
"It's totally open to anybody who wants to come to the beach in Malibu on Friday," Morrell said. "We're asking people to come at noon. We're happy for a beautiful day. Everybody can chant for what they care about."
At the event, surfers and community members will be asked to say who they are, their cause and then sing a chant.
"We're creating a global community," Morrell said, adding that the chants will be uploaded to the Chant Foundation's server.
At that point, music producer Youth, who is also known as Martin Glover, will create music that will be available for purchase. Youth has worked with artists including U2, Take That and Tom Jones.
The foundation recently tried out the idea at a conference, and collected chants from people from 60 countries.
"Oh my gosh, yeah, people love it," he said. "... Now people are chanting in London, New York and L.A."
The effort comes from a desire to effect positive change in a world that he says deserves to be enchanted. Eighty-five percent of the raised funds will go to support the projects.
"Everybody who thinks it is the end of the world, if they are right, we all have a problem," Morrell said. "If they're not right, then it is funny. The joke is on them."
Learn more about the Chant Foundation at www.globalchant.com.
