Fifteen years ago during 100 days of bloodshed, one million people were tragically and horrifically killed in Rwanda. They were killed by neighbors, friends, and family members--in churches, schools, and homes. It was one of the worst cases of mass murder this world has ever seen.
While Rwanda has made remarkeable strides since then, many survivors of the genocide are still struggling to get by. UNICEF reports that close to three million children, about 83% of the population, are classified as orphans or are vulnerable because they do not have family members to consistently rely upon for support. Children-run households are common, and many genocide orphans do not have homes.
During the Fifteenth Anniversary of Rwanda's Commemoration it is the goal of the Diaspora One Dollar Campaign, not only to remember, but to effectively do something for the survivors. It is their hope by everyone pitching in at least one dollar, we can raise money to build homes for at least 500 genocide orphans (this is being through RINA, a US-based 501c3 organization).
To check out how you can help, make sure you attend a "fun" fundraising event filled with music, films, and info!!!!
WHAT: RWANDA DIASPORA ONE DOLLAR CAMPAIGN EVENT
WHERE: UNIVERSITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Youth Worship Center
5084 DeZavala, SA, TX
WHEN: SAT, JUNE 27TH
TIME: 6:00 P.M.
If you choose to give a donation, all donations are tax deductible.
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO CONTRIBUTE: www.1dollarcampaign.org
*So, why $1? One dollar is just a symbol - meaning that if each person can give a dollar....what a huge impact it could make in the lives of people around the globe. Each person is encouraged to genorously give according to what he/she can afford. Most importantly, $1 allows everyone, particularly those with limited means to be part of the initiative
Monday, June 15, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
Fast for Darfur
Activist-actress Mia Farrow will begin an extended hunger strike in solidarity with the people of Darfur today. She intends to continue this water-only fast for 21 days. Others will join by participating in water-only and/or “refugee rations” fasts to bring attention to the immediate humanitarian crisis in Darfur created by the expulsion of aid organizations by the government of Sudan. Darfur Fast for Life demands from our leaders around the world to be ambitious and work on creating lasting peace in Sudan and guaranteeing the respect for the human rights of all.
San Antonio stands strong with the people of Darfur, with numerous participants in this fast. If you would like to join the fast, email ContactSAIDC at gmail.com to be added to the fast list--specify the day(s) you wish to fast, your city, and whether you will fast on water only or on refugee rations.
What else you can do:
Contact your Senators and Representatives today by dialing 1-800-GENOCIDE (1-800-436-6243 ), tell them to:
Publicly support the International Criminal Court’s indictment of Sudan’s President al-Bashir.
Urgently seek the return of humanitarian aid agencies to Darfur.
Pressure the UN Security Council to ensure protection for Darfur’s civilians.
Work towards a peace agreement in Sudan which allows Darfuri’s to return home.
San Antonio stands strong with the people of Darfur, with numerous participants in this fast. If you would like to join the fast, email ContactSAIDC at gmail.com to be added to the fast list--specify the day(s) you wish to fast, your city, and whether you will fast on water only or on refugee rations.
What else you can do:
Contact your Senators and Representatives today by dialing 1-800-GENOCIDE (1-800-436-6243 ), tell them to:
Publicly support the International Criminal Court’s indictment of Sudan’s President al-Bashir.
Urgently seek the return of humanitarian aid agencies to Darfur.
Pressure the UN Security Council to ensure protection for Darfur’s civilians.
Work towards a peace agreement in Sudan which allows Darfuri’s to return home.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Take the Burma Challenge!
Genocide Intervention Network has launched a civilian protection project in Burma where a radio network alerts the country’s ethnic minorities to possible attacks from the Burmese military - thus, keeping them out of danger by allowing them to flee trouble before it arrives.
The Echoing Green Foundation, an organization aimed at promoting social change, has offered to match donations to the Burmese civilian protection project - up to a total of $25,000. For every $325 raised, one village in Burma will be added to the life-saving radio network.
Don’t miss out on this great opportunity - take the Burma challenge today. 100% matching ends on May 31st.
The Echoing Green Foundation, an organization aimed at promoting social change, has offered to match donations to the Burmese civilian protection project - up to a total of $25,000. For every $325 raised, one village in Burma will be added to the life-saving radio network.
Don’t miss out on this great opportunity - take the Burma challenge today. 100% matching ends on May 31st.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Sudan Envoy Appointed
The New York Times, Reuters and the AP are reporting that President Obama will announce today that he is appointing retired Air Force General Maj. Gen. J. Scott Gration as his special envoy to Sudan. It seems like he is uniquely qualified for this position, great news for the people of Sudan. Listen to reactions from Darfuris below.
This does not mean we give up our activism. We need to make sure that Gration is given the resources and mandate to do the job that needs to be done. We also need to continue to press for the restoration of humanitarian aid within Sudan and for the overall peace process to continue, including full implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement between the Khartoum government and South Sudan. We cannot rest until the people of Sudan know peace.
This does not mean we give up our activism. We need to make sure that Gration is given the resources and mandate to do the job that needs to be done. We also need to continue to press for the restoration of humanitarian aid within Sudan and for the overall peace process to continue, including full implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement between the Khartoum government and South Sudan. We cannot rest until the people of Sudan know peace.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Take Action Today!
Last week, the Sudanese government kicked 13 humanitarian organizations out of Darfur. The situation has not improved, and if the status quo remains, there will be a humanitarian catastrophe in the coming months.
The Chinese government, and the governments of Arab League and African Union members are key to resolving the current impass. We are requesting that they use their influence with the Sudanese government to secure a reversal of the decision to expel the aid groups, and to make clear that the United States will never support a trade-off of humanitarian access in exchange for concessions over the International Criminal Court. We are urging Members of Congress to sign "Dear Colleague letters" with this message to the heads of the Arab League, African Union, and China.
Please join us in this effort by calling your Representative (call 1-800-Genocide) and asking that he or she sign the three Darfur letters being circulated by Representative Michael Capuano and Representative Michael McCaul. The letters are addressed to China, the Arab League, and African Union and call on each to pressure the Sudanese Government to reverse its decision and allow the 13 expelled aid agencies back into the country.
If world leaders join together humanitarian aid can be restored to the people of Darfur. But, we need you to call your Representative today.
The Chinese government, and the governments of Arab League and African Union members are key to resolving the current impass. We are requesting that they use their influence with the Sudanese government to secure a reversal of the decision to expel the aid groups, and to make clear that the United States will never support a trade-off of humanitarian access in exchange for concessions over the International Criminal Court. We are urging Members of Congress to sign "Dear Colleague letters" with this message to the heads of the Arab League, African Union, and China.
Please join us in this effort by calling your Representative (call 1-800-Genocide) and asking that he or she sign the three Darfur letters being circulated by Representative Michael Capuano and Representative Michael McCaul. The letters are addressed to China, the Arab League, and African Union and call on each to pressure the Sudanese Government to reverse its decision and allow the 13 expelled aid agencies back into the country.
If world leaders join together humanitarian aid can be restored to the people of Darfur. But, we need you to call your Representative today.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Urgent Action Needed
The situation in Darfur has become dire. Sudanese President al-Bashir reacted to the March 4 ICC arrest warrant against him (for war crimes and crimes against humanity) by kicking many major aid agencies out of Darfur. Since millions of Darfuris have been displaced from their homes over the last 6 years and rely upon these aid agencies to keep them alive, this move puts millions of people at immediate risk. Imagine being stuck in the middle of west Texas with no food, no water, no transportation--and with tens of thousands of other people in the same situation (and millions spread out over the whole of the region). How would you survive?
This situation requires that we respond even more strongly than we have in the past. Please take the time to complete at least one of these actions. If you would like to get even more involved, please go to: http://www.enoughproject.org/blogs/statement-ngo-expulsions-sudan for more information.
1) Send President Obama a "progress report" on how he has responded to the Darfur crisis during his first 50 days in office. It only takes a few seconds to send a free e-fax, just click here for instructions:
http://standnow.org/campaigns/dfd1/action/day50
2) Please send a text message to Secretary of State Clinton at 90822 (this is the phone number to use--it works! Does not need more digits) Ask her to act to restore humanitarian aid and appoint an envoy for Sudan.
3) This one is a bit more involved--it focuses on Congress--please take the time to call at least one office:
a. Call your Senator Cornyn's office at 202-224-2934 or Senator Hutchison at 202-224-5922 and ask to speak to the staffer for foreign affairs.
b. Tell that person that you are calling to advocate for firm action in response to the Sudan government's expulsion of humanitarian aid organizations and that you wo uld like the Senator to advocate the following:
1) FULL deployment and use of UNAMID to deliver humanitarian aid,
2) No-fly zone--(ban on offensive military flights),
3) Sanctions on senior Sudanese officials and an arms embargo
4) Appointment of a Special Envoy to Sudan
4. Then call your representative and follow the same steps. You can find your Representative and their phone number at: http://www.visi.com/juan/congress/
As always, your willingness to be engaged in action to keep alive hope for the Darfuri community is immensely appreciated.
This situation requires that we respond even more strongly than we have in the past. Please take the time to complete at least one of these actions. If you would like to get even more involved, please go to: http://www.enoughproject.o
1) Send President Obama a "progress report" on how he has responded to the Darfur crisis during his first 50 days in office. It only takes a few seconds to send a free e-fax, just click here for instructions:
http://standnow.org/campai
2) Please send a text message to Secretary of State Clinton at 90822 (this is the phone number to use--it works! Does not need more digits) Ask her to act to restore humanitarian aid and appoint an envoy for Sudan.
3) This one is a bit more involved--it focuses on Congress--please take the time to call at least one office:
a. Call your Senator Cornyn's office at 202-224-2934 or Senator Hutchison at 202-224-5922 and ask to speak to the staffer for foreign affairs.
b. Tell that person that you are calling to advocate for firm action in response to the Sudan government's expulsion of humanitarian aid organizations and that you wo uld like the Senator to advocate the following:
1) FULL deployment and use of UNAMID to deliver humanitarian aid,
2) No-fly zone--(ban on offensive military flights),
3) Sanctions on senior Sudanese officials and an arms embargo
4) Appointment of a Special Envoy to Sudan
4. Then call your representative and follow the same steps. You can find your Representative and their phone number at: http://www.visi.com/juan/c
As always, your willingness to be engaged in action to keep alive hope for the Darfuri community is immensely appreciated.
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