Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Pledge to Protect

It is well established that genocide is a planned activity, not something that "just happens." When talking to survivors of genocide, one hears eerily similar stories, usually beginning with the denial of education. In the past, when the international community has seen precursors to genocide, the response has been ad hoc, with no systematic approach to intervening in an effective way.

The Genocide Prevention Task Force recognized these patterns and problems with past genocides and came out with a series of recommendations to help ensure future signs of genocide will be taken seriously. Genocide is planned, which means it is preventable.

You can be a part of helping to make sure the recommendations of the task force are implemented. The first week of December will be the kick-off of a National Canvass to get people to become a part of the movement to end genocide. You can join by signing up at ipledge2protect.org You can do more by getting your friends to sign up and by holding a Canvass event yourself, at your place of worship, at a social gathering, or even by going door-to-door. All the information you need is at ipledge2protect.org

The movement to end the British Slave Trade began with 12 people committed to seeing its end. It seemed to many like a hopeless endeavor when it started, with the British economy totally reliant upon the slave trade. Yet, it succeeded. The fight to end genocide is just as doable. You can be a part of it, starting today. Go to ipledgetoprotect.org and sign up now. Tell your friends. Become a member of the movement that will end genocide.