Take Action!
Our world is sometimes referred to as the global village and this implies we are global citizens. However, we in the developed world are fortunate enough to have choices while many people in poorer countries often have none. Your lifestyle and actions matter. Each of us needs to be open to learn about what is meant by poverty, injustice, globalization and development. We need to be committed and willing to act upon our understanding. Understanding without action is empty. Joining with others who share your concern will give you a chance to learn, talk, take action.
Think about your lifestyle
• Resist advertising pressure to spend on things you don’t really need.
• Share what you have with those in need-money, friendship, time.
• Recycle and be aware of your personal impact on the environment, learn about the work of such organizations dedicated to preserving the environment.
• Stop shopping for bargains! Cheap clothing and goods are often made possible because of cheap labor some countries. Be aware of trade campaigns and exploitative manufacturers. Visit www.tradejusticemovement.org for more information.
• Have a global perspective in your thinking, read international pages in the press.
• Actively support cause led organizations you have sympathy with.
• Buy Fairtrade goods. Fairtrade means we pay fair price to developing world producers who are often exploited by multinational corporations for financial profit. Fairtrade good include provisions such as coffee, tea, chocolate, honey and much more.
• Buy alternative presents and support a charity at the same time.
Focus on a specific issue for study and actions
• Build up a file of information from the Internet, newspapers, magazines and development groups on what interests and concerns you, for example, HIV/AIDS, multinationals, child labor, organic farming, conflict diamonds.
• Increase your knowledge of current affairs and share your concerns with others. Read magazines such as New Internationalist www.newint.org, Third Way www.thirdway.org.uk.
• Be aware of and active in the campaigns of organizations.
• Raise funds for an organization or project by organizing a sponsored club night, a dinner, sponsored walk or getting your head shaved, etc.
Make use of your Powers and liberties
• Invest your money with ethical investment companies.
• Join and be active in a political party, trade union or lobbying group.
• If you are a shareholder, insist on just dealings with companies.
• Support and be active in campaign organizations, NGOs, trade unions, faith groups and celebrities campaigning on trade justice, dropping the debt and more and better aid.
• Support and uphold human rights, join and be active in organizations like Amnesty International, www.amnesty.org, Anti-Slavery International, www.amnesty.org.uk, Surviving International www.survival-international.org.
Challenge your community
• Be involved in and organize events to promote conscience, challenge, and educate the other members of your community.
• Mount exhibitions, show relevant videos to community groups, run workshops, do slots on local radio, write to the local paper.
• Encourage your family, friends or work colleagues to join community purposes, buy ecological and fairtrade goods.
• Join a local group. Manu organizations work on campaigns for peace, justice and other development issues that need volunteers to create public conscience. No matter where you are, you can become involved in the development work.
(World Service Enquiry)
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