What follows here is a collection of my letters written to elected officers of our nation. And those who have even the slightest influence in reshaping the political atmosphere arising in countries around the world. The people of these countries like Darfur need a voice and I will not rest until each and every one of them has the ability to voice their needs, their wants, their desires.
But Darfur is only one of many.
What's happening now? Updates on Activist Movements
I am supportive of the Obama Administration; however, their lack of attention to the matter of genocide on international lands has taken a backseat to domestic issues. It is clear he needs to appoint his secretary of state, Hillary Clinton, to do what she does best. Get in people's faces and demand answers. Bringing this issue to the forefront of the media again so that Genocide and Human Rights Violations are brought to an end. Former President Bashar and war-monger has claimed a legitimate win in the Darfurian Elections, but his win is anything but legitimate. Bring the world's attention back to this matter and demand his relinquishment of power.
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For More Information: Current news, legislation and how YOU can help now, visit these sites often.
I just watched the clip from Hotel Rwanda where Don Cheadle (playing Paul Rusesabagina) says, "you must shame them into sending help."
"Reach through the phone and make it sound as though you are holding their hand, and if they let go of your hand... you will die."
His words were powerful regardless if the movie was based on a true story or not, but becuase it is based on a true story, one that is happening again in another part of the world, we must act. We must send help.
During the course of my senior year at Western, I've been introduced to things that I wish I had found years ago. Websites, blogs, other activists that feel the same way I do, hopeful and hopeless for a better future. Every penny I donate is backfired by the government's ability to cut off the flow of aid. But there is hope. By supporting the right groups and pressuring the right people. Nothing can stop the momentum of a movement driven by passionate people willing to do whatever it will take to stop genocide.
Some of the more proactive groups I've found to be well organized and determined to find solutions to the genocide in Darfur, Sudan are listed here:
www.EnoughProject.org -- Don Cheadle (played Paul Rusesabagina in "Hotel Rwanda") and John Prendergast have developed and maintained this organization that takes into account the reality of humanitarian aid difficulties and the problems getting dreams of peace into working methods of aid relief. They are normal everyday people who have dedicated their lives to this cause becuase there is nothing that can distract them from the mass atrocities that continue to occur on our planet. I applaud their dedication, becuase they are like any of us. Hopeful for the aid they can produce, and determined, no matter what funding issues arise. They despair in certain times and yet persevere becuase no matter how hard they have it, the refugees, internationally displaced persons and victims of mass atrocities and genocide will always be more important.
I strive to be as these men are. They are true unsung heroes. See their work here:
http://www.notonourwatchbook.com/
This has links to the types of work and humanitarian aid that anyone can do to help. There are realistic and simple strategies for getting your home grown grass roots activism really going. :) Applaud at will.
Another group of activists I find work very hard at delivering facts to the people in a clear, concise, NOT overly emotional way that is very important when trying to deliver your message. Many activists fail becuase their emotions get in the way of what your trying to get people to understand and it either scares them, angers them or pushes them away to forget. This Video is one of many (and is available at any time on my website sidebar) that produce very real facts in such a manner.
Carefully pronouncing the words, slowly and carefully, Phanuwat Phayao, my sponsor child in Thailand is able to say "Thank you" in English. I repeat it back him, in the same slow careful manner in the Karen language.. We aren't that much different after all.
I have the unique ability as a citizen of the United States to make a difference in the lives of people around the world and I intend to broaden the horizons of anyone willing to do the same.
Their compassion in amazing, their hope unmatched. Refugees can teach you much more than you thought possible about life, hope and the will to survive.
DirectChange. A great website allowing individuals to set their own goals and create their own websites and contacts to fundraise, while letting the company deal with all the funds and how to dispurse them properly.
Great way for grassroots activism to begin. :)
Total Amount Raised = $65.00!
My Supported Project:
Lost Boys of Sudan Medical Clinic Donate to the Lost Boys of Sudan Medical Clinic
Darfur, Sudan - Water Distribution
Photo by Brian Steidle
Angelina Jolie
Thanks to a few like her, small steps are being taken towards ending genocide and other mass atrocities.
Evidence of Genocide is Everywhere.
Photo by Brian Steidle
Do you actively seek information about Genocides currently happening around the world?
Everyday children are those who suffer the most.
Untitled Photo by Michal Ronnen Safdie
October 20th, 2004. A village burned. This is the result. This is why we fight.
Photo by Brian Steidle
BACKGROUND INFORMATION - DARFUR, SUDAN
COMING SOON
Powerpoint Presentation - About 58 Slides
So how did this all begin? What is causing the violence, how does it continue and spread and why the world doing nothing, or seemingly nothing about it?
There is a Powerpoint Slideshow that explains exactly that. It gives you a unique perspective on the developments of the genocide unfolding in Sudan and what you can do to begin solving the problem.
