PR in the Philippines

Wilmington, Delaware, February 7, 2025 – John Turner, a retired educator passionate about global unity and education, promotes compassion and interconnectedness. As an author and educator, he’s integral to the Global Best Quest World Friendship Flag Project, using the Flag of the Heart to foster global peace. This project encourages worldwide participation in its message of unity and friendship.

Inspiration and Legacy

Turner’s life path followed a deeply felt spiritual calling. His intuitive nature led him to become an art teacher. A defining moment arrived upon discovering Howard Finster’s art, profoundly influencing Turner and inspiring the creation of the Flag of the Golden Rule (also known as the World Friendship Flag or Aquarius). This flag symbolizes humanity’s collective peace pursuit and offers hope for a unified future.

Caring Friendship: The Standard for a Friendly, Caring World with Purpose

Turner’s book, God’s Junkman: My Friendship With World-Renowned Artist Howard Finster, is a memoir celebrating creativity, friendship, and vision. It details his relationship with Finster and their shared goal of combating childhood hunger, centered around the World Friendship Flag as a symbol of global compassion. Turner uses grassroots efforts and Finster’s legacy to show how visionary concepts drive substantial change.

The World Friendship Flag: A Symbol for All

For over three decades, Turner has advocated for the World Friendship Flag—a universal symbol of friendship, peace, and shared humanity. Beyond a mere fabric, the flag represents the interconnectedness of humanity (“We are all One”). Grounded in folk art, its message of acceptance and empathy transcends borders, promoting unity. His vision is for widespread adoption of the flag in homes, schools, and public areas, representing cultural understanding and peace.

Future Goals and Vision

The World Friendship Flag Project aims to foster friendship and compassion in a fragmented world. Its goals include:

Seeking congressional designation of Summerville, Georgia, as the “Friendship Capital of the World.”

Launching the flag into space with support from notable figures such as Elon Musk.

Organizing a “March for Friendship” across the Edmund Pettus Bridge to commemorate civil rights and global unity.

Initiating a youth campaign, “Selfies From The Unselfish,” to fundraise for local schools and global hunger relief.

The Global Best Quest: A Premier State-Driven Educational Program Empowering States with Excellence in Education

With U.S. education shifting to state-led initiatives, the need for innovative programs promoting academic excellence, collaboration, and comprehensive student development is growing. The Global Best Quest (GBQ), with its 33-year history, provides a suitable framework.

Meeting the Need for State-Driven Programs

Increased local control over education necessitates programs fostering high-quality learning, social cohesion, and practical skills. GBQ uniquely addresses this, offering a proven method emphasizing academic and personal growth.

A Legacy of Excellence and Innovation

GBQ champions educational excellence locally and globally by cultivating friendships, unity, and mutual respect. Its philosophy is reflected in its STEM-focused acronym:
Bridging | Educational | STEM | Teaching with | Quality | Unity | Excellence | Serving | Together
This structure integrates technological skills, problem-solving, and collaborative learning, preparing students for the future.

A Holistic Approach: Climbing Maslow’s Mountain

GBQ acknowledges that student success begins with addressing fundamental needs. By fostering a supportive and collaborative environment, it helps students grow academically and emotionally, promoting resilience, well-being, and social responsibility.

Corporate Support and Community Impact

Supported by major corporations such as Coca-Cola, GBQ leverages industry partnerships for resources, mentorship, and career preparation. These collaborations bolster its credibility and scalability for statewide implementation.

A Vision for the Future

As states assume greater responsibility for education, GBQ serves as a model for excellence. Its focus on local engagement, global awareness, and unity prepares students not only for academic success but also for meaningful societal contributions. By encouraging students to “Be Best” locally, GBQ cultivates a generation that helps the world “Be Best” globally.