Cadbury New Zealand has announced plans for its Dairy Milk chocolate to be Fairtrade by Easter 2010. Cadbury’s decision to use Fairtrade cocoa in its popular dairy milk chocolate bars is a compelling example of the difference consumers have made to the plight of poor farmers in the developing world.
However, there is still a long way to go. Oxfam encourages you to:
thehinitiative is a charitable design label playing Robin Hood. We all know that we like spending on ourselves and others, but we still want to help out somehow! It just seems a little easier to buy that latest stylish top than to pop that same amount into a collection bucket though.
So, why not kill two birds with one stone: LOOK GREAT, DO GOOD.
Get a t-shirt, look great in it, and money goes to charity and good causes. Simple as that.
thehinitiative provides - their charity partners with a different way of fundraising via the street wear fashion market and a way of raising awareness of causes through a fashion medium
- the public with a brand that they can identity as being socially conscious and know that whatever is purchased through it will be contributing to society and good causes.
And, the icing on the cake: basically ALL their profit goes to charities.
An online petition, initiated by Greenpeace, to ask John Key to sign on to strong emissions targets at the Copenhagen conference in December 2009. Over 55,000 New Zealanders have already Signed On, from Lucy Lawless, Stephen Tindall and Cliff Curtis through to Rhys Darby.
How can I get involved?
Sign the petition, spread the word to your mates, and check out other NGos involved in raising awareness of Climate Change Go here to sign up or get more info.
350 Aotearoa is part of an international movement to unite the world around solutions to climate change Their mission is to inspire action in communities across New Zealand with a sense of unity, urgency and possibility in the face of the climate crisis. 350 Aotearoa is about using creativity and fun to tackle this most serious and pressing of challenges that we collectively face.
How can I get involved?
- Join a group: 350 have groups around the country (Wanaka, Dunedin, Chch, Nelson, Wellington, Hawkes Bay, Waikato, Auckland and Waiheke Island) working to organise actions for the 350 International Day of Climate Action being held on 24 October, 2009.
- Get your School involved!: On Friday October 23rd 2009, thousands of young New Zealanders will be taking a 350 school action, calling for a fair global climate treaty that meets the science and gets us back to 350ppm. We’re aiming for 350 schools nationwide to take part! All the information you and your school needs (including curriculum links) is contained in this 350 Schools Action Guide.
- Create an Action: Design and action, follow it through, then let 350 know and they’ll pop it in the Inspiration Bank on their site so that others can be inspired by your ideas!
Check out the 350 website to find out more and get involved now!
Don’t Corrupt Aid is a campaign to keep New Zealand’s international aid focused on addressing poverty.
A number of International Development NGOs have concerns about the New Zealand Government’s intention to re-focus New Zealand’s International Aid and Development agency, NZAID, and the possiblility that NZAID may lose its sem-autonomous status.
This campaign results from comments made by New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully stating that New Zealand’s aid should change from ‘poverty elimination’ to a broader focus on economic development. Additionally, Mr McCully wants New Zealand’s aid agency NZAID to lose its status as a semi-autonomous body.
The Minister has instigated two reviews into NZAID which may result in the responsibility for aid being absorbed into the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
How can I get involved?
The Don’t Corrupt Aid website has a Take Action page, which helps you formulate letters (differing in length depending on how much time you have) to send to Government ministers. Check it out!
Kowtow is 100% organic fairtrade clothing.. but they are also much more! Kowtow produce fantastic CDs from local and up-and-coming artists, which come free with every t-shirt you buy.
How can I be involved?
Buy a t-shirt! - they are 100% organic fairtrade, and the designs are just rad
Send them your music - they may be interested in throwing it on their next CD!
What do they do? Habitat for Humanity is an international not-for-profit organisation. The ultimate goal of Habitat for Humanity is to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness from the face of the earth by building adequate and basic housing. Habitat for Humanity in New Zealand is a not-for-profit Christian organisation that works in partnership with people of goodwill and families in need, to eliminate sub-standard housing by building and selling simple, decent houses on an affordable basis.
How can I get involved? Locally:
Volunteering for house builds - There are 11 Habitat for Humanity “affiliates” (branches) throughout New Zealand, from Northland to Invercargill. House builds take place throughout the year, dependent on land availability and building consent.
Assisting with fundraising - Habitat for Humanity encourage individuals and volunteers to come up with innovative and fun ways to work together with the community to raise further funds for their activities. If you would like to run an event or create personal challenges that will raise funds, contact your local affiliate.
Assisting with administration at your local affiliate – Volunteers can help in a range of different ways, not just on the building site! They need people that can assist with fundraising, catering for events, general administration, and all sorts of things. If you have a skill and some time that you think they may be able to make use of, go and check them out – they’d love to see you.
Globally: Global Village Trips - This is where teams of volunteers visit countries in need and help build houses in the local communities. Global Village teams bring invaluable support to the communities they visit. More homes are built each year because of the donation Global Village teams make to the host community. You do not need prior building experience. If you have a sense of adventure, are in good health and willing to work hard, you can be part of a Global Village team! Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian or be part of an organized school, faith or service group. If you would like to join an existing team as an individual, check out the Global Village Trip Schedule and contact the team leader.
