xxx
One of our members raised a good point--that many woudn't sign the petition because they belive the Olympics is a positive way to bring together the world. My response to her is below, which I share with you in the hopes it motivates and begins dialogue.
I fully understand that the Olympics are a way to bring together the world in a healty, competitive environment. I don't necessarily want to boycott the Olympics, but moreso the corporate sponsorship of the Olymics. Why? Because China has the power to put pressure on the Sudanese governemt to allow the UN to do its job. China, who has always been a violator of Human Rights, wouldn't want the games to be jepordized in any way.
Does this make sense? And since the Sudanese Embassador to the UN is using the ingredients in Cola as a threat to the West, it makes sense to send Coke the petition (as well as the rest of the corporate sponsorship).
I hope this convinces you to sign & pass along the petition. I doubt our petition will have the power to stop the Olympics from happeing, which isn't the goal in the first place. But, I do think the petition has the power to force the Corporate Giants to put some weight on the entire issue.
Share your thoughts,
Kym
I fully understand that the Olympics are a way to bring together the world in a healty, competitive environment. I don't necessarily want to boycott the Olympics, but moreso the corporate sponsorship of the Olymics. Why? Because China has the power to put pressure on the Sudanese governemt to allow the UN to do its job. China, who has always been a violator of Human Rights, wouldn't want the games to be jepordized in any way.
Does this make sense? And since the Sudanese Embassador to the UN is using the ingredients in Cola as a threat to the West, it makes sense to send Coke the petition (as well as the rest of the corporate sponsorship).
I hope this convinces you to sign & pass along the petition. I doubt our petition will have the power to stop the Olympics from happeing, which isn't the goal in the first place. But, I do think the petition has the power to force the Corporate Giants to put some weight on the entire issue.
Share your thoughts,
Kym
It's amazing to me how we only have 92 signatures on our petition to boycott the corporate sponsorhip of the 2008 Olympics. Every day I get bombarded by chain emails asking me to add my name to a list & pass it around. Hundreds of names are already there & yet, we only have 92 signatures on a petition that could possibly save thousands of lives in the Sudan.
My husband recently found an article on www.therawstory.com that I want to share, in part, here with you. The Sudanese embaassord specifically uses Coca Cola (the soda) as a weapon against the west. This is truly where we could put some pressure on the Sudanese government to stop the killings.
I hope people will read this, stop buying Coke Products and SIGN THE PETITION.
Link
TAKEN FROM THE RAW STORY:
Karl -- a.k.a. John Ukec Lueth Ukec, the Sudanese ambassador to Washington -- held a news conference at the National Press Club yesterday to respond to President Bush's new sanctions against his regime. In his hour-long presentation, he described a situation in his land that bore no relation to reality.
Genocide in the Darfur region? "The United States is the only country saying that what is happening in Darfur is a genocide," Ukec shouted, gesticulating wildly and perspiring from his bald crown. "I think this is a pretext."
Ah. So what about the more than 400,000 dead? "See how many people are dying in Darfur: None," he said.
And the 2 million displaced? "I am not a statistician."
Khartoum Karl went on to say that, all evidence to the contrary, his government does not support the murderous Janjaweed militia. "It cannot happen," he said, "so rule it out." As for the Sudanese regime itself: "We are the agents of peace, people like me, my colleagues who are in the central government of Sudan."
What's more, the good and peaceful leaders of Sudan were prepared to retaliate massively: They would cut off shipments of the emulsifier gum arabic, thereby depriving the world of cola.
"I want you to know that the gum arabic which runs all the soft drinks all over the world, including the United States, mainly 80 percent is imported from my country," the ambassador said after raising a bottle of Coca-Cola.
A reporter asked if Sudan was threatening to "stop the export of gum arabic and bring down the Western world."
"I can stop that gum arabic and all of us will have lost this," Khartoum Karl warned anew, beckoning to the Coke bottle. "But I don't want to go that way."
As diplomatic threats go, that one gets high points for creativity: Try to stop the killings in Darfur, and we'll take away your Coca-Cola.
My husband recently found an article on www.therawstory.com that I want to share, in part, here with you. The Sudanese embaassord specifically uses Coca Cola (the soda) as a weapon against the west. This is truly where we could put some pressure on the Sudanese government to stop the killings.
I hope people will read this, stop buying Coke Products and SIGN THE PETITION.
Link
TAKEN FROM THE RAW STORY:
Karl -- a.k.a. John Ukec Lueth Ukec, the Sudanese ambassador to Washington -- held a news conference at the National Press Club yesterday to respond to President Bush's new sanctions against his regime. In his hour-long presentation, he described a situation in his land that bore no relation to reality.
Genocide in the Darfur region? "The United States is the only country saying that what is happening in Darfur is a genocide," Ukec shouted, gesticulating wildly and perspiring from his bald crown. "I think this is a pretext."
Ah. So what about the more than 400,000 dead? "See how many people are dying in Darfur: None," he said.
And the 2 million displaced? "I am not a statistician."
Khartoum Karl went on to say that, all evidence to the contrary, his government does not support the murderous Janjaweed militia. "It cannot happen," he said, "so rule it out." As for the Sudanese regime itself: "We are the agents of peace, people like me, my colleagues who are in the central government of Sudan."
What's more, the good and peaceful leaders of Sudan were prepared to retaliate massively: They would cut off shipments of the emulsifier gum arabic, thereby depriving the world of cola.
"I want you to know that the gum arabic which runs all the soft drinks all over the world, including the United States, mainly 80 percent is imported from my country," the ambassador said after raising a bottle of Coca-Cola.
A reporter asked if Sudan was threatening to "stop the export of gum arabic and bring down the Western world."
"I can stop that gum arabic and all of us will have lost this," Khartoum Karl warned anew, beckoning to the Coke bottle. "But I don't want to go that way."
As diplomatic threats go, that one gets high points for creativity: Try to stop the killings in Darfur, and we'll take away your Coca-Cola.
China is hosting the 2008 Olympics. We are all aware of China's relationship with the Sudanese goverment, which aids the genocide of millons in the Darfur/Chad regions. We need to take this opportunity to shame the host of the 2008 Olympics and it's corporate sponsors. W also need to put pressure on Steven Spielberg, who is participating in the opening ceremonies. Below are ways you can help let the world know it's time to end the crisis in Darfur.
Who: Johnson & Johnson (1 800 526 3967), Coca-Cola (404 676 2121), General Electric (203 373 2211) and McDonald's (630 623 3000). All sponsors of the 2008 Olympics. CALL THEM. Let these corporate giants know you will not purchase their products if they continue their support of the 2008 Olympics in China.
Speilberg: Email him to let him know of his responsibility. How can he host in a country known for violating human rights? A country who is, essentially, funding the genocide in Darfur/Chad? Threaten him where it hurts, too--his wallet. Boycott his production companies Dreamworks and Amblin Entertainment.
Who: Johnson & Johnson (1 800 526 3967), Coca-Cola (404 676 2121), General Electric (203 373 2211) and McDonald's (630 623 3000). All sponsors of the 2008 Olympics. CALL THEM. Let these corporate giants know you will not purchase their products if they continue their support of the 2008 Olympics in China.
Speilberg: Email him to let him know of his responsibility. How can he host in a country known for violating human rights? A country who is, essentially, funding the genocide in Darfur/Chad? Threaten him where it hurts, too--his wallet. Boycott his production companies Dreamworks and Amblin Entertainment.
We had the pleasure of hosting Joe Fitzgerlad, professor of History at Gloucster County College, at the Cinnaminson Moravian church a few weekends ago. The topic of his talk was How to Sustain a Social Movement based on the history of the Civil Rights Movement. Here are some of his suggestions:
1. If you don't understand the history/regligion of the other side, you cannot debate effectively. So educate yourself. Learn more about the United States history with the Sudan.
2. Reach out to the local Sudanese community in your neighborhoods. Ask how you can help.
3. Go to Churches, Mosques, Synagouges & other places of worship to pass out information on the crisis in Darfur.
4. Send cards, packages, etc to victims in the Sudan to let them know they are not alone.
5. Remember, the Personal is Political. So if you are finding the people you are talking with about the crisis in Darfur aren't responding the way you would like, make it personal. If you are talking with a woman let them know about the sexual abuse.
6. Have a Die-in/Sit-in/Chain or other public protest.
1. If you don't understand the history/regligion of the other side, you cannot debate effectively. So educate yourself. Learn more about the United States history with the Sudan.
2. Reach out to the local Sudanese community in your neighborhoods. Ask how you can help.
3. Go to Churches, Mosques, Synagouges & other places of worship to pass out information on the crisis in Darfur.
4. Send cards, packages, etc to victims in the Sudan to let them know they are not alone.
5. Remember, the Personal is Political. So if you are finding the people you are talking with about the crisis in Darfur aren't responding the way you would like, make it personal. If you are talking with a woman let them know about the sexual abuse.
6. Have a Die-in/Sit-in/Chain or other public protest.
Below is a list I got from Oprah.com. It's a great way to think about how we can help get the word out. Our group is already in the process of planning a film night and inviting a speaker. This week we are all calling the White house to make sure the President is aware of our concerns.
1. Show a film. Inspire others by showing movies such as Hotel Rwanda, Schindler's List, Sometimes in April, Darfur Diaries or The Killing Fields.
2. Invite a Speaker. Raise public awareness about the ongoing genocide in Darfur by inviting an expert to speak to your office, neighborhood or place of worship about this issue.
3. Generate Media Coverage. Keep Sudan in the spotlight by writing letters to the editor, meeting with editorial boards and encouraging community leaders to write op-ed pieces about Darfur.
4. Contact your elected officials. Write or call the White House or your Member of Congress to share your concerns about Darfur.
5. Hold a Rally, Vigil or Ceremony. Such events can help garner media attention for Darfur.
6. Organize a Benefit Event. Raise awareness and relief funds by holding an awareness-raising event, like a concert. Take this opportunity to tell attendees about what is happening in Darfur and urge them to help.
7. Conduct an Educational Presentation. Educate your friends and family by holding a teach-in on Darfur. Visit savedarfur.org to download PowerPoint presentations on the crisis.
8. Host a Potluck Dinner for Darfur. Discuss the situation in Darfur in an informal setting. By sharing your knowledge, your friends and family can educate each other and brainstorm organizing tactics.
9. Join the Save Darfur Congregational Network. Bring the issue of Darfur to your house of worship. Save Darfur has created faith action packets and bulletin inserts to help organize your religious community.
10. Raise Funds for Darfur Advocacy. Help support the people of Darfur by making a donation.
1. Show a film. Inspire others by showing movies such as Hotel Rwanda, Schindler's List, Sometimes in April, Darfur Diaries or The Killing Fields.
2. Invite a Speaker. Raise public awareness about the ongoing genocide in Darfur by inviting an expert to speak to your office, neighborhood or place of worship about this issue.
3. Generate Media Coverage. Keep Sudan in the spotlight by writing letters to the editor, meeting with editorial boards and encouraging community leaders to write op-ed pieces about Darfur.
4. Contact your elected officials. Write or call the White House or your Member of Congress to share your concerns about Darfur.
5. Hold a Rally, Vigil or Ceremony. Such events can help garner media attention for Darfur.
6. Organize a Benefit Event. Raise awareness and relief funds by holding an awareness-raising event, like a concert. Take this opportunity to tell attendees about what is happening in Darfur and urge them to help.
7. Conduct an Educational Presentation. Educate your friends and family by holding a teach-in on Darfur. Visit savedarfur.org to download PowerPoint presentations on the crisis.
8. Host a Potluck Dinner for Darfur. Discuss the situation in Darfur in an informal setting. By sharing your knowledge, your friends and family can educate each other and brainstorm organizing tactics.
9. Join the Save Darfur Congregational Network. Bring the issue of Darfur to your house of worship. Save Darfur has created faith action packets and bulletin inserts to help organize your religious community.
10. Raise Funds for Darfur Advocacy. Help support the people of Darfur by making a donation.
Meeting Date: Monday Dec 18 2006
Time: 7pm-8:10 pm
Place: Whole Foods Conference Room 10th & South
In attendance: Kym, Marian, Lisa, Amy, Oriana, Jennifer, & Melanie
We began by introducing ourselves. I then passed out a paper with info asking everyone to take the 3 minutes and give the White House a call to ask our President to place the Genocide in Darfur at the top of his agenda during his talks with World Leaders this week.
Next, I passed around a list of websites that gave further info on the issues in Darfur. I also handed out a printout of the Facts & Stats on Darfur, which were taken from the PBS website Frontline (thanks to Isa). I (Kym) spent time going over the history of how the civil war began, how oil plays a role, the countries which still do business with Sudan.
The group then shared what they learned. Lisa brought in an ad she found in Time magainze that the Save Darfur Coalition was running. Melanie shared what she learned about the economics of the Genocide from an article she read in the Economist. Oriana and Jennifer shared what they learned in school while Amy read to us a blurb from the Washington Post stating that Tony Blair was trying to enforce the No Fly Zone by January 1, 2007.
Our last bit of the meeting focused on plannig to have a community event where we'd invite a speaker. The details are as follows:
1) Marian will locate a venue, beginning with the list of places Season provided. The location will be in the Center City area
2) Oriana suggested flyers and ads in local papers to promote the event.
3) Kym will email the speakers to check their availability.
4) The group is looking at the following dates to hold the event (with the speaker ultimately choosing the date): Jan 15, Jan 24 or Jan 25
Another event we are planning is a film screening, which will be held at the Morvian Church in Cinaminson, NJ. Marian will head up that project, with details to be fleshed out at our next meeting.
Homework for next meeting: gather info on Bashir to share with group.
Time: 7pm-8:10 pm
Place: Whole Foods Conference Room 10th & South
In attendance: Kym, Marian, Lisa, Amy, Oriana, Jennifer, & Melanie
We began by introducing ourselves. I then passed out a paper with info asking everyone to take the 3 minutes and give the White House a call to ask our President to place the Genocide in Darfur at the top of his agenda during his talks with World Leaders this week.
Next, I passed around a list of websites that gave further info on the issues in Darfur. I also handed out a printout of the Facts & Stats on Darfur, which were taken from the PBS website Frontline (thanks to Isa). I (Kym) spent time going over the history of how the civil war began, how oil plays a role, the countries which still do business with Sudan.
The group then shared what they learned. Lisa brought in an ad she found in Time magainze that the Save Darfur Coalition was running. Melanie shared what she learned about the economics of the Genocide from an article she read in the Economist. Oriana and Jennifer shared what they learned in school while Amy read to us a blurb from the Washington Post stating that Tony Blair was trying to enforce the No Fly Zone by January 1, 2007.
Our last bit of the meeting focused on plannig to have a community event where we'd invite a speaker. The details are as follows:
1) Marian will locate a venue, beginning with the list of places Season provided. The location will be in the Center City area
2) Oriana suggested flyers and ads in local papers to promote the event.
3) Kym will email the speakers to check their availability.
4) The group is looking at the following dates to hold the event (with the speaker ultimately choosing the date): Jan 15, Jan 24 or Jan 25
Another event we are planning is a film screening, which will be held at the Morvian Church in Cinaminson, NJ. Marian will head up that project, with details to be fleshed out at our next meeting.
Homework for next meeting: gather info on Bashir to share with group.
One of our members, Isa, found some great links to help further educate us on the Darfur/Chad genocide:
http://www.pbs.org/frontlin...
http://hrw.org/video/2005/m...
http://topics.nytimes.com/t...
the new york times also has some video about africa in the area surounding sudan which is also in turmoil and could add to the troubles of the people in sudan. areas like chad, central africa
http://www.pbs.org/frontlin...
http://hrw.org/video/2005/m...
http://topics.nytimes.com/t...
the new york times also has some video about africa in the area surounding sudan which is also in turmoil and could add to the troubles of the people in sudan. areas like chad, central africa
Thank you all for coming to the first meeting of the Philadelphia Chapter of Save Darfur Org. Below are the Meeting Minutes. If you have points you'd like to add, please do.
Meeting Date: Monday, Dec 11, 7pm at Whole Foods 10th & South Street
In attendance: Kym (orgainizer), Season, Aaron, Isa, Amy, Lisa, Marian, Shani, Melanie, Danielle, Krystin, & Nasiya
1. Meeting began with introductions
2. Save Darfur Coalition mission statement read
3. Information shared regarding Mia Farrow's conference call
4. Plans of Action were discussed. They include the following:
a) As a group we need to better educate ourselves first before educating the public.
b) Speaker requested for group and for general population
c) Submitting Action Plans to the group would keep things organized
d) Finding a location to hold future meetings and public activities
5. The majority of the group agrees that we want to focus on adovacy and education, not humanitarian efforts (at this time)
6. We agree to meet twice a month and to communicate via email
7. Meeting ends with us agreeing to meet on Monday, Dec 18, 7pm at Whole Foods Conference Room where we will share what we've learned about the Sudan with each other.
Homework For Everyone:
1. To learn one thing about the Sudan to share with the group
2. To ask a coworker, friend, professor, ect. if they are aware of what's happening in Darfur.
Homework for individuals:
1. Season and Marian--working to find atlernative meeting location
2. Kym--working with Save Darfur Coalition to get video footage and a speaker (for future meeting)
3. Marian--looking to find refugees in the area
Meeting Date: Monday, Dec 11, 7pm at Whole Foods 10th & South Street
In attendance: Kym (orgainizer), Season, Aaron, Isa, Amy, Lisa, Marian, Shani, Melanie, Danielle, Krystin, & Nasiya
1. Meeting began with introductions
2. Save Darfur Coalition mission statement read
3. Information shared regarding Mia Farrow's conference call
4. Plans of Action were discussed. They include the following:
a) As a group we need to better educate ourselves first before educating the public.
b) Speaker requested for group and for general population
c) Submitting Action Plans to the group would keep things organized
d) Finding a location to hold future meetings and public activities
5. The majority of the group agrees that we want to focus on adovacy and education, not humanitarian efforts (at this time)
6. We agree to meet twice a month and to communicate via email
7. Meeting ends with us agreeing to meet on Monday, Dec 18, 7pm at Whole Foods Conference Room where we will share what we've learned about the Sudan with each other.
Homework For Everyone:
1. To learn one thing about the Sudan to share with the group
2. To ask a coworker, friend, professor, ect. if they are aware of what's happening in Darfur.
Homework for individuals:
1. Season and Marian--working to find atlernative meeting location
2. Kym--working with Save Darfur Coalition to get video footage and a speaker (for future meeting)
3. Marian--looking to find refugees in the area
SaveDarfur.org has a post called "Resources" that's worth checking out...
VideosDarfur DiariesSudan: The Quick and the Terrible (PBS)
12 people have signed up to attend our first "Get to Know Us" meeting at Whole Foods on the 11th of December. I'm thrilled so many are eager to help with this terrible situation in Darfur. With so many attending, I know we'll come up with constructive ways to really make a difference to those being tortured and killed in Africa.
I'll report back to let everyone know how it went, what we discussed and our plan of action.
I'll report back to let everyone know how it went, what we discussed and our plan of action.
With the year quickly nearing its end I'm thinking towards 2007 with great anticipation. I just know that we will all be spreading the word about Darfur in 2007, helping to educate our families, friends, & neighbors.
I've been thinking about having a fundraiser or two in the new year, to help raise money for our friends in Darfur. Maybe have a few local bands play pro bono to raise funds?
I've set up my first official meeting on the 18th of Dec in Center City, but am looking forward to meeting in other parts of the DE Valley area, making new friends as we work for a common cause.
I've been thinking about having a fundraiser or two in the new year, to help raise money for our friends in Darfur. Maybe have a few local bands play pro bono to raise funds?
I've set up my first official meeting on the 18th of Dec in Center City, but am looking forward to meeting in other parts of the DE Valley area, making new friends as we work for a common cause.
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