Copenhagen: “the elephant is moving” – the fight to save our planet

A member from Africa wrote “It takes a lot to get an elephant moving, but when you do it is hard to stop…the elephant is moving…“

It’s been a tough ending to an amazing week. In all-night negotiations, leaders have reached a weak agreement in Copenhagen that fails to set the emissions targets needed to prevent catastrophic global warming. The agreement was stronger on funding, but it was not binding, and set no urgent deadline to sign a real climate treaty. Big polluters like China and the US wanted a weak deal, and potential champions like Europe, Brazil and South Africa didn’t fight hard enough to stop them.

But while leaders failed to make history, people around the world did. In thousands of vigils, rallies and protests, hundreds of thousands of phone calls, and millions of petition signatures, an unprecedented movement rose to this moment. After hearing the result of the talks, one member from Africa wrote “It takes a lot to get an elephant moving, but when you do it is hard to stop…the elephant is moving…“

Despite the outcome, Copenhagen has built the movement that can win the fight to save our planet. Click below to say “thank-you” to all the other amazing people who participated, see pictures, video and reports on what we’ve done in the last week, and join a global, instant translation multilingual live chat where we can all exchange words of wisdom for the road ahead:

http://www.avaaz.org/en/after_copenhagen

In just the last week, we’ve organized thousands of vigils and events in 140 countries, an enormous multi-million person petition, and dozens of national phone calling campaigns that made thousands of phone calls. We’ve generated thousands of news articles, organized peaceful petition-reading sit-ins at key government buildings, and ran several high level stunts and events at the summit itself.

On Wednesday UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown requested an emergency conference call with Avaaz members, telling 3000 of us: “You have driven forward the idealism of the world…do not underestimate the impact on the leaders here”. Nobel Laureate Desmond Tutu personally appealed to us to take up the torch of causes past and never give up.

This weekend we saw that the fight to save our planet cannot be won at a single summit. But we also learned what we’re capable of, when we all come together. If we stay together, nothing can stop us.

http://www.avaaz.org/en/after_copenhagen

With hope and gratitude,

Ricken, Ben, Paul, Alice, Luis, Milena, Iain, Pascal, Graziela, Paula, Benjamin, Veronique, Taren, Sam, Raj, Raluca, Yura, Saravanan, Vladimir, Josh, David and the entire Avaaz team.

PS – There were some opening champagne in Copenhagen today. The polluting industry lobbyists and corporations — those who have captured our democracies and divided our leaders — celebrated their victory. They operated quietly in the shadows, but their voices were loud in some politicians’ ears. As they drank their champagne their one concern may have been us – the potential of our new people-powered movement. In fact, they’re already launching an attempt to silence us, and next week, we’ll take our fight to the heart of this powerful polluter lobby – watch out for the news……

Uganda’s #Gay Genocide?

Uganda’s Gay Genocide?

IMAGE COURTESY OF NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC

Genocide doesn’t begin with killing; it begins with words. That’s one of the main reasons why malicious language can’t just be brushed aside as harmless, but should be treated as something much more sinister. Stop Genocide blogger Michelle writes about efforts in Uganda to pass legislation that would institute the death penalty or severe prison terms for the country’s gay population. What’s frightening are the parallels in language between Uganda’s legislation and language used by some of the most notorious leaders during Nazi Germany. Is the world about ready to watch another genocide unfold?

(Read more)

Help to educate under privileged tribal children #CHHASE #CHARITY #EDUCATION

CHRISTMAS GIVING CHALLENGE ENDS ON 31st December ,2009.

While we are all enjoying the bounty of food and family this holiday season, we also have the opportunity to help 1 in 6 children, who are under privileged around the world.

we at CHHASE see the under privileged, suffer in severe droughts, floods, storms, lost crops, and forced migrations worsening poverty and hunger.

Chhase is educating under privileged tribal children

Tribal ( rat eaters) are landless labourers caught in worse form of poverty. Education can empower and bring change. Illiteracy restricts employability. Governments affirmative action failed to reach this community at lowest level of the socio economic ladder. Empowered by education tribal can make a quantum jump in life, become role models and catalyst of change in the community what has not happened in 2009 years can be achieved. Mission is to bring about Educate under privileged

CHHASE Tribal School provides homely care, boarding, clothes, toiletries, books, healthcare, tour, skills training etc. CHHASE recruited well paid talented faculty. Empowerment through quality education and mainstream in formal school is the key

CHHASE is very excited about this opportunity to highlight our work at Christmas time and raise funds and awareness for Educate 120 under privileged tribal children-India . www.globalgiving.co.uk/3507. Embrace the fact that this is the season of goodwill and help us achieve our goal of £2,000 by 31st December by making a donation to CHHASE on GlobalGiving.co.uk. www.globalgiving.co.uk/3507.

Please spread the spirit of giving and share this information with your friends and family and ask them to help us too.

Kindly help who live In Darkness, Be Given an Abundance of Light in One Form or Another, So That their Lives Be Changed Forever, In A Positive Way.

Wish you merry Christmas.

DONATE TODAY or Make this donation a gift, in honor of, or in memory of someone..

Thank you for your donation,

Vincent Paul

#LGBT People in #Uganda Threatened by Anti-Homosexuality Bill

Hi Donnette, There is a dangerous proposal that threatens the human rights of LGBT people in Uganda. If passed, the Anti-Homosexuality Bill would start a witch-hunt for homosexuals in the country. Tell Uganda’s President Museveni that people should not be criminalized for sexual orientation or gender identity. » The bill’s punishments include: a life sentence for people in same-sex marriages jail for anyone who doesn’t report suspected LGBT activity within 24 hours extradition and prosecution of LGBT Ugandans living abroad The bill also endangers HIV/AIDS programs, and may be exploited by those wanting to abolish these programs. This proposed legislation is anti-ethical, anti-equality and anti-human rights. President Museveni must denouce and oppose this law. Act now! » Thanks for taking action! Samer ThePetitionSite Uganda is Stepping Backwards: Oppose the Anti-LGBT Bill The red stripes of the Ugandan flag stand for brotherhood and fraternity. Tell the Ugandan President to uphold those principles and oppose anti-LGBT legislation. Forward to a friend >> Read the petition >> Take action link: http://www.care2.com/go/z/e/AFSrz/zkbE/AyMvb

Our eyes are open. Our calling is clear~ Amnesty International

You are part of the most successful global human rights movement in history. Watch this inspiring short video featuring Amnesty members in their own words. Then make your year-end donation before the Dec. 31 tax deadline. I support Amnesty International.

Dear donnette, What inspired you to get involved with Amnesty? I recently put that question to our supporters. Your responses blew me away. AMNESTY IS US “With the muzzle of the AK-47 pressed against my ribs, I began to fully understand the importance of having an international organization with clout that could take up my case.” “I was six years old when the Nazis executed my father. Sixteen years later I learned about Amnesty International. I joined immediately.” WE KNOW WHAT MUST BE DONE “Once your eyes are opened, there are certain things that you can never un-see.” “No one is free while some are denied their freedom.” “Humans rights issues really hit me in the gut.” Your financial support keeps Amnesty strong. Donate today. DRAWN TOGETHER IN NOBLE PURPOSE “There are some really wonderful moments – meeting an old woman who said, ‘Ahhh, you’re the one who helped my brother in jail.’” “I am still moved by the quiet dignity of those in the room, thinking about the suffering, looking to compose the right letter.” “I feel really blessed.” So many of you told me that being a part of Amnesty brings you a profound sense of fulfillment. I am so proud to stand side-by-side with you, defending human rights for all. Please make sure this life-saving work endures and thrives! End the year on a high note with a tax-deductible contribution to Amnesty International before Dec. 31. Happy Holidays, Larry Cox Executive Director Amnesty International USA If you have a question or comment, please use our interactive online help system. Subscribe to our RSS feeds. © Copyright 2009 | Amnesty International USA | 5 Penn Plaza | New York, NY 10001 | 212.807.8400

Spark Hope, Save Lives ~ Physicians for Human Rights ~ Outreach #Africa

I received this in the mail and I know that there are MANY, MANY people who are willing and able to assist in some small way to such worthy causes. If nothing else, please read what has been said by this absolutely Magnificent Organisation, Physicians for Human Rights, of which I am extremely proud and honoured to be a member. Please connect with them (and me) on Facebook, Twitter and other Social Networking Sites.

ONE PERSON CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Dear donnette, Thank you for all of your support this year. Because of your activism, PHR has been able to bring the power of science and medicine to bear on the world’s most difficult human rights crises, from sexual violence in Darfur, to AIDS in Africa, to war crimes in Burma and Afghanistan. In this season of giving, I hope you’ll consider making a year-end donation to PHR so we can continue to spark hope and save lives. For instance, this year alone, thousands of individuals and families have fled torture and persecution in their home countries to seek safe haven in the United States — and PHR has been there to support their claims for asylum. They include: The young Tibetan nun who was persecuted and imprisoned for her religious beliefs; A teenager from Latin America beaten due to his sexual orientation; The man from Chad brutalized by police because of his ethnicity and political opinion; A young West African woman, forced into marriage, who suffered severe, daily physical and emotional abuse at the hands of her husband. Each asylum seeker has his or her own painful story, enduring unimaginable brutality and violence before arriving here. Many need medical and psychological evaluations to support their request for asylum. And each year, more than 300 people connect to this lifeline through PHR’s Asylum Network, which provides critical, expert medical evaluations — for free — because for so many, it is a matter of life and death. Gifts to PHR support our asylum work — as well as our campaigns to prevent and treat AIDS, to stop rape as a weapon of war, and defend the right to health worldwide. A gift of: $100 can connect 5 asylum seekers to doctors who can perform medical evaluations. $250 can help PHR train and support one doctor to do asylum evaluations. $500 allows PHR to take on an asylum case from beginning to end, saving the life of a man fleeing brutal anti-gay violence in the Caribbean or a doctor persecuted for treating anti-government rebels in the Horn of Africa. Your support means the world to PHR — and to the millions of people whose lives we change every year. As 2009 draws to a close, I hope you’ll consider expanding this support. Give today, and give generously: share your spark of hope with the millions of people around the globe who depend on PHR to defend their dignity and rights. Happy holidays to you and your loved ones, Frank Donaghue Chief Executive Officer P.S. — Add PHR to your holiday gift list this year and encourage your family and friends to give a gift that honors the millions of men, women and children whose human rights we protect each year.

Donate your Voice: Give the Gift of Hope to Children Battling Cancer

Dec 12, 2009 Keep up to date on the causes you care about most with stories from Care2’s network of bloggers and non-profit partners. from Health Policy Donate your Voice: Give the Gift of Hope to Children Battling Cancer ’Tis the season of giving and no gift carries more weight than the gift… by: Ann Pietrangelo add a comment from Animal Welfare Burgers, Wings and Superbugs: Playing the Food Safety Game What if someone told you that Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) infections… by: alicia graef 7 comments from Women’s Rights Hollywood Discovers the Power of Women What do Russell Crowe, Adam Sandler, and Will Ferrell have in common? Each… by: Jessica Pieklo 4 comments from Global Warming COPENHAGEN: The Cop15 Blame Game At the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen (Cop15), global… by: Cynthia Samuels 1 comment from Human Rights Ugandan Anti-Homosexuality Bill: Rick Warren Speaks Out While Uganda Reportedly Drops Death Penalty Clause I don’t often agree with Orange County megachurch pastor Rick Warren on gay… by: Steve Williams 4 comments from Global Warming COPENHAGEN: Care 2 Posts all in One Place All our Copenhagen posts will appear here, updated daily:THURSDAY… by: Cynthia Samuels 30 comments from Civil Rights Civil Rights Care2 Members: Link from here to Comment on the Obama Oslo Address Come here; add your thoughts on President Obama’s Nobel Address and its… by: Cynthia Samuels 4 comments Bullies and Worse: Kick A Ginger Day. Whose Fault Is It Anyway? Is Microfinance the Cure for Global Poverty? New Goal for HSUS: Achieving a No Kill Community Human Rights Care2 Members: Link from here to Comment on President Obama’s Nobel Address The Nobel Speech: What Was Great; What Was Missing? No Public Option Compromise

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Support the creation of the First School in Ghana, Africa

VARAS – Volunteers for Amelioration of Rural Areas – Ghana, Africa.

Currently, funding is required for the…

Building Of Schools In Deprived Rural Communities In Ghana

Education holds the key to sustainable development, preventing of diseases, wars, reduction of poverty in any area.

But in Ghana, especially the rural areas, children of school going age don’t attend school. This is not their wish, but because of lack of support (poverty). Also rural areas lack basic educational infrastructures such as classrooms ,exercise books, library, pens, pencils, IT centers, chalk board.

More harmfully, the absence of classroom blocks constrain children to study under trees, putting them hence at the mercy of the weather. Classes close therefore any time it rains. The future of the children in the rural communities will be jeopardized if nothing is done to provide them with quality education.

Hence, to provide a conducive environment for teaching and learning and make it effective and efficient, our organization: Volunteers for Amelioration of Rural Area (VARAS) has initiated school building projects in these deprived communities. Classroom blocks will be build to provide a decent place for effective teaching and learning.

You are therefore called upon to donate towards the realization of the projects.

AMOUNT NEEDED: $15,000 US Dollars

Percentage of funds raised to date = 15%

This is the break down of amount needed:

Cement, Soil, Iron Rod, Nails : $8,000 Dollars

Roofing Sheet : $4,300 Dollars

Wood, Paint : $2,700 Dollars

WHERE IS THE PROJECT LOCATED?

The name of the community is Adaklu Anyigbe. It is located in Volta Region of Ghana (West Africa).

Please lets show some love to these kids of the rural communities by making available a decent place for learning. Donate towards the realization of the construction of the classroom blocks project.

You can also send the needed building materials (Iron rod, paints, nails) as well as getting involved physically by coming to Ghana to volunteer on the construction project.

This School construction project will start in December 2009! Please donate and help us make it a success!

PLEASE DONATE TO HELP Volunteers in Ghana, Africa

Every Child Ministries–enabling you to become an advocate offering hope for child slaves, street children & other forgotten children of Africa

This is my new project focus.. I research so many and they all get to the core.. this website is simply and beautifully presented with case histories, real sponsors ~ ordinary people who care..

My new page on this Magnificent Organisation and how YOU can help will be here

Help the forgotten Children of Africa…

A Christian ministry enabling you to become an advocate offering hope for child slaves, orphans
street children, war-affected children,and other forgotten children of Africa

Every Child Ministries is a Christian mission
dedicated to offering hope
to African children at risk,
empowering African children
to overcome devastating obstacles
so that they can become champions
of a better future.

FADOA ~ Friends Of Aids Orphans in Africa

For more information on Fadoa and other organisations, please visit the link below ~ Thank you

http://www.squidoo.com/fadoa

Friends of Aids Orphans in Africa (FADOA) is dedicated to working towards the full integration of African AIDS orphans into their communities so as to enable them to live as normal a life as they can and eventually become productive members of their society. We need your help to assist the 80% of the total world AIDS orphans who live in Africa. Only 3% of the orphans receive any kind of support. Most importantly we need your assistance to moderate the devastating effects of HIV/AIDS in Africa.

via FADOA ~ Friends Of Aids Orphans in Africa.