Philip Isely (October 16, 1915 – June 26, 2012) was an American peace activist and writer best known for writing numerous books and founding the Global Ratification and Elections Network (GREN) (now known as Earth Federation Movement (EFM)) and World Constitution and Parliament Association (WCPA) along with his wife Margaret Isely, in 1955.
He was also co-founder of the Healthy diet chain Natural Grocers (formerly Vitamin Cottage store).
Early life and education
Born as Henry Philip Isely on October 16, 1915, the son of James Walter Isely and Jessie M. Owen, he grew up in Montezuma, Kansas.
In 1934–35, he attended South Oregon Jr. College in Ashland and from 1935 to 1937, he studied at Antioch College. In 1939,
Co-founder of Vitamin Cottage
After following
organic diet, Philip's wife Margaret's health improved significantly, they recognized the potential health benefits of natural eating and began distributing nutrition books and taking supplement orders door-to-door, laying the foundation for their business. In 1958, they opened their first health food store in Lakewood, Colorado
and in 1963, the Iselys converted a cottage-style house into their new store, inspiring the name change to "Vitamin Cottage". Now it is run by the second-generation siblings Zephyr, Kemper and Heather with more than 160 retail grocery stores in around 20 states of US.
Political career
In 1958, Philip ran as a Candidate for the U.S. Congress.
Birth of World Constitution and Parliament Association
The World Constitution and Parliament Association (WCPA) emerged from the Campaign for World Government (CWG), a movement that gained momentum in the aftermath of World War II.
Recognizing the urgent need for a comprehensive constitution to safeguard the planet, Philip and Margaret Isely, prominent advocates based in
Denver, became key figures in the push for a
World Parliament and
global law.
In the mid-1950s, they joined the CWG at its Chicago offices and, in 1958 alongside individuals like
Thane Read, Guy Marchand, and Marie Philips Scot, they formed the "World Committee for a World Constitutional Convention."
In 1961, the committee relocated to
Denver and issued a public call for the convention, garnering committed delegates from 50 nations and endorsements from several heads of state.
In 1966, the organization was renamed the World Constitution and Parliament Association (WCPA), with Philip Isely serving as Secretary-General and
Margaret Isely as
Treasurer. Notably, their extensive correspondence with influential figures such as Dr. T. P. Amerasinghe of Sri Lanka and Dr. Reinhart Ruge of Mexico contributed to the growth and development of WCPA, eventually leading to their appointment as co-presidents.
Together, they dedicated their efforts to advancing the cause of a world constitution in their respective roles for many years. After the death of his first wife in 1997, Philip remarried in 2001,
and he left WCPA in 2003, with Glen T. Martin assuming the role of Secretary-General.
During their active years, their home was picketed after a local newspaper (Jefferson Sentinel) accused them of being Communism. However, according to Margaret, "One of our neighbors had us investigated because we passed out literature for the Peoples World Parliament, but the FBI gave us a clean slate as harmless Pacifism."
Publications
Philip Isely authored numerous books, including:
Books
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The people must write the peace, 1950
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A call to all peoples and all national governments of the Earth, 1961
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Outline for the debate and drafting of a World Constitution, 1967
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Strategy for reclaiming Earth for Humanity, 1969
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Call to a World Constituent Assembly, 1974
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Proposal for immediate action by an emergency council of World Trustees, 1971
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Call to Provisional World Parliament, 1981
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People who want peace must take charge of World Affairs, 1982
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Plan for emergency Earth Rescue Administration, 1985
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Plan for Earth Finance Credit Corporation, 1987
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Climate Crisis, 1989
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Handbook for Planet Earth, 1993
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Technological breakthroughs for a global energy network, 1991
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Bill of particulars: why the U.N. must be replaced, 1994
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Manifesto for the inauguration of World Government, 1994
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Call to the Fourth Session of the Provisional World Parliament, 1995
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Critique of the Report of the Commission on Global Governance, 1995
Co-author
Philip also co-authored and edited several works, including "A constitution for the Federation of Earth" (1974, revised edition 1991)
and
Plan for collaboration in World Constituent Assembly for 1991.
He was also the author of several world legislation measures adopted at the Provisional World Parliament.
Death
Philip Isely died on June 26, 2012.
Awards
In 1989, obtained a research doctorate in education.
He received the Honor Award of the International Association of Educators for World Peace in 1975.
See also
