Kia ora JFers,
Sorry this update has been so long coming. There have been lots going on behind the scenes at Just Focus which have kept us a little distracted – hopefully you noticed we have a new website?! This went live in July and we think it’s great! (We would love to hear what you think?) Jennie has been busy guiding the Just Write programme through its second year, while Will took Media that Matters to a whole new level in 2009, running screenings in 4 different town centres. Also, we’ve been running some exciting workshops with Enviroschools, Trade Aid and the Stand Up! Campaign.
Now it is time to focus on YOU - our Just Focus members. From now on you will receive an e-newsletter every month, with highlights from the website and info about upcoming events, campaigns or actions that you can be part of. But we also want to hear from you. Tell us about events or things going on in your community, send us an article, comment on someone else’s or have a rant in The Soapbox. Tell us what we can do to help you be the change you want to see in the world? Get in touch!
Highlights
Article - Right the wrongs with chocolate
When we think of child rights, chocolate is not the first thing that springs to mind. But, Cassie Scott-Laffey asks us to stop and consider what role children may have played in getting that chocolate on our shelves?!
Soapbox - The people problem
Josh Wright argues that something is missing from the discussions we are having about the most pressing environmental problems of the times, such as climate change – the number of people on the planet.
Media Gallery - Music for change
In August the Just Write team got together and recorded a live radio show at Kfm, focusing on the power of music to challenge, encourage and create positive change.
New library resource - Earthless Trees
A collection of Short Stories by young refugees in NZ, edited by Pauline Frances. Created during a series of writing workshops, these vibrant stories provide an insight into the lives of young New Zealanders - individuals who came to New Zealand seeking security and freedom.
And check out the book review (link to come) by Nicholas Mutch (originally published in Tearaway).
Global Headlines
The battle against global youth unemployment
Highly educated, intelligent and unemployed - that is the reality for millions of young people across the world… Read more.
Facebook project gives world peace a chance
The global power of the social networking site is now being harnessed for a rather more laudable aim: the pursuit of world peace… Read more.
Vulnerable need help on climate
The Asia-Pacific region was in the boxing ring earlier this month…Read more.
Events
The Naked Samoans Go Home - Auckland
November 7
The Naked Samoans are coming out of retirement for a special one-off performance of their ‘Go Home’ show, with 100% of all funds raised going to Oxfam’s Samoa Tsunami Appeal.
www.oxfam.org.nz
Red Hand Day event - Tauranga
Saturday 6th December, 1pm - 5pm
Local Tauranga colleges will be raising awareness for Amnesty International and Red Hand Day (global day to raise awareness for child soliders). An afternoon of fun activities and local bands playing. www.amnesty.org.nz
350: The weekly walk to parliament - Wellington
Every Thursday, 5.30pm
Every week until December, join in the weekly walk to parliament. Bring any placards with a message, perhaps the motto “I’m willing to change so the climate doesn’t have to”, a thermos of tea, cookies, a smile on your face and all your friends!
www.350.org.nz
Take Action!
AVAAZ
Take action now while you are sitting at your computer! Check out www.avaaz.org - a new(ish) global web movement with a simple democratic mission: to close the gap between the world we have, and the world most people everywhere want.