Spreading the Word: Darfur

sourdough

I consider myself to be socially conscious and take responsibility to become an informed citizen. However, that has not always translated into action. I have become very passionate about several causes ie climate change and have been studying and reading a lot of literature over the past 6 months or so about genocide and its prevention with particular interest in Darfur.

I have decided to finally get off my lazy ass and put some of my knowledge to use beyond the Pearl Jam message board and make a difference (as cheesy as that sounds). Although I have read a lot about activism, I am new to the game and would appreciate any pointers/suggestions/criticisms if anyone would like to help out.

What I've done so far:
-written letters to my MP, Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, Minister of Foreign Affairs, UN General Ban Ki-moon, President Bush, Talisman Energy (oil company) operating in Darfur
-started a petition (hoping to get 1000 signatures by December)

Anything other ideas?

Thanks

bambi girl

sourdough, those are all such important things you are doing, i truly believe letter writing is one of the best forms of effective activism.


making information leaflets to hand out to people is a great way to spread the word on things like Darfur and what is going on over there. You are so right in that it is important to be informed about these things, and allow others to be informed. The media hasn't been all that hot on reporting this i don't think, maybe writing letters to newspapers, radio stations, etc urging them to cover the issues...

There are some great websites with ideas of letters and things to write, ativities to do etc.. LifeNets.net, savedarfur.org.


i don't know if you've seen this....it's not easy reading, and the pictures are haunting, but it's worth a read for sure: http://www.ushmm.org/conscience/alert/darfur/steidle/

Indian Summer

I think the USA should fix the Iraq situation and when everyone in the USA has a home, food, and healthcare....then we should fix our education system....and when that's done we should work on the Obesity epidemic in the US.....and then maybe fix the retirement funding situation.....Sorry Darfur you're on your own...far too many other important things on my mind.

sourdough

Indian Summer wrote:

I think the USA should fix the Iraq situation and when everyone in the USA has a home, food, and healthcare....then we should fix our education system....and when that's done we should work on the Obesity epidemic in the US.....and then maybe fix the retirement funding situation.....Sorry Darfur you're on your own...far too many other important things on my mind.

Really? I can sympathize with what you said and respect your opinion, but I just don't see how you can even begin to equate the problems here with the devastation in Darfur. I understand those things that you listed are problems and they need to be addressed but a genocide is something that cannot be ignored. Would you feel the same if Britains, Germans or Mexicans were being systematically murdered wholesale? I don't think it matter where it is happening but that it IS happening and sometimes I think it's important to look beyond one's borders. There were problems back home during the Holocaust and there will never be a utopia of perfection anywhere but that does not negate our responsibilities as humans to respond when such atrocities are happening.

I am not satisfied withe the status quo in Canada either but my problems are so insignificant compared victims of such an unjust massacre.

Good news though, Gordon Brown has declared that he expects the 20000 peacekeepers in Dafur by the end of the year or sanctions will follow. Still too little and too late for many but it's a step farther. I think it is shameful that we've let (and continue) to let it occur.

sourdough

bambi girl wrote:

sourdough, those are all such important things you are doing, i truly believe letter writing is one of the best forms of effective activism.


making information leaflets to hand out to people is a great way to spread the word on things like Darfur and what is going on over there. You are so right in that it is important to be informed about these things, and allow others to be informed. The media hasn't been all that hot on reporting this i don't think, maybe writing letters to newspapers, radio stations, etc urging them to cover the issues...

There are some great websites with ideas of letters and things to write, ativities to do etc.. LifeNets.net, savedarfur.org.


i don't know if you've seen this....it's not easy reading, and the pictures are haunting, but it's worth a read for sure: http://www.ushmm.org/conscience/alert/darfur/steidle/

Thanks for your input! I've written the letters but am always skeptical about whether they actually are read. I've thought about pamphlets and think they can be helpful but also a bit wasteful so I'm hoping to find another avenue. Those pictures are awful. Brian Steidle who took those pics has written a book called "The Devil Came on Horseback" which offers really good insight on Sudan's illusion of cooperation with the UN and the peace process.

Sunday is the Global Day for Darfur so there are events happening throughout many cities and towns, so if people are interested check out savedarfur.org for info.

Indian Summer

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