The Just Write crew got together for their second training weekend at the end of last month. We gathered at Youthline in Auckland for two days, venturing out into the stormy weather to Kfm to record a radio show on sustainability (this will be available as a podcast on the website soon!) and for a behind the scenes tour of the TV3 news studio. We did lots of brainstorming and planning for the rest of the year. The team has started work on a youth issue of Global Bits, which will be out in a few months. Speaking of which we will be sending out the latest issues on fashion and big business next week, so if your postal details have changed get in touch ASAP with jennie@globaled.org.nz
RECENT NEWS AND EVENTS
More than 40 athletes taking part in the Beijing Olympics have signed an open letter addressed to China’s government urging it to respect human rights and freedom of religion, particularly in Tibet. This comes on the eve of the opening ceremony and marks more embarrassment for the host nation, which also faced criticism from George Bush, who finally found his voice against human rights abuses in China and issued a blunt rebuke of China’s repression of dissidents and called on Beijing to grant its people greater freedom.
And US First Lady Laura Bush has called for reform in Burma, asking that military leaders engage in dialogue with the political opposition, as she visited a Burmese refugee camp. Read more on the BBC.
And some good news in fair Aotearoa. The town of Collingwood in Golden Bay has declared itself a plastic shopping bag free zone! This was a major step forward for a group of local greenies who call themselves the Bag Ladies. Read all about the Bag Ladies on Indymedia.
LINKS TO OTHER INTERESTING STUFF
Check out Avaaz.org - ‘a new global web movement with a simple democratic mission: to close the gap between the world we have, and the world most people everywhere want.’ They are running a peaceful campaign called the Olympic Handshake. For more info and to join in click here.
Things are heating up in the US Presidential Election, with celebrity figures Paris Hilton and rap artist Ludacris getting involved. Socialite Paris Hilton mocked John McCain in a retaliatory ‘campaign ad’ after the Republican presidential candidate campaign ad which likened his rival Barack Obama to herself and Britney Spears. And Ludacris showed his support for Obama in this music video, which got this response from a Republican and Obama critic.
UPCOMING EVENTS/ACTIONS FOR YOU TO BE PART OF
There are two International Days coming up that could be interesting to check out……
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE WORLD’S INDIGENOUS PEOPLE
Saturday August 8
Did you know that there are an estimated 370 million indigenous people in more than 70 countries worldwide. Indigenous people are arguably among the most disadvantaged and vulnerable groups of people in the world today. By celebrating International Day for the World’s Indigenous People, the international community recognises that special measures are required to protect their rights. For more info visit the United Nations Permanent Forum of Indigenous Peoples website.
INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY
Tuesday 12 August
The theme this year is Youth and Climate Change Time for Action. Find out how young people can find the social space to participate, influence, and benefit from global and local responses to climate change For more info about planned events, such as the World Youth Walk, visit the Youth at the United Nations site. They have loads of other ideas about what you can do to commemorate the day.
CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS FOR THE EARTH CHARTER ONENESS BOOK 2008
Deadline Friday August 15
The Earth Charter is a widely recognised, global consensus statement on ethics and values for a more just, sustainable, and peaceful future. Send personal stories and/or photos about any moments when you have suddenly felt a deep sense of connection or oneness in your life. Selected submissions will be published in the Earth Charter Oneness Book 2008, to be released internationally in 2009. The deadline is Friday August 15. Click here for more details.
NEW STUFF FOR YOU
The 11th Hour
Humankind’s 11th hour is here: the last moment when we can change course and stop our rush towards global ecological collapse. This DVD is narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio and looks at where we have been, where we are going and - most importantly - how we can change. The crisis is now, but we do have the solutions to save this unique blue planet for future generations!
You can borrow this DVD and heaps of other books, guides and great films for FREE from the Global Education Centre. Email info@justfocus.org.nz for info on how to borrow them.
IN THE JUST FOCUS FORUM
It’s pretty quiet out there? There’s a lot going on in the world…..surely you have something to say? We could keep to the theme and discuss the Olympics…whadda ya think?!
….Darfur’s connection to the Beijing Olympics
….Beijing 08
WANNA GET MORE INVOLVED?
Want to add stuff to the next newsletter or the Events Page, or to write an article/review, or take a photo/create an image for the Just Focus website? Reply to us at info@justfocus.org.nz, it’s always great to hear from you!