Vote for google to give money to create a genocide early warning system!
http://www.project10tothe100.com/vote.html
AND
BREAKING NEWS: Canada supplies Darfur peacekeepers with equipment http://ow.ly/tbNs
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Showing posts with label The Activist. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Activist. Show all posts
Stand in the Summer
Guest Post by Anne Wagner, Principal Director
Summer is a relatively quiet time for Stand, at least outwardly so. We don't put on major events, our chapters aren't making splashes in the local and national news, our members aren't hosting and speaking at rallies...but the organization hums along quietly and with building momentum in the background. Summer is the time when here at National we take a step back and review our year, to try to gauge the impact of what we have done, and plan for the upcoming year. We toss around ideas, formulate plans and agree on a vision.
I used to feel like we weren't doing enough in the summers, that I personally could have been doing more that would tangibly make a difference for the people of Darfur. But I've come to realize that the work of planning, of getting ourselves organized, inspired and pulling in the same direction, actually elicits better results in the long run. We are able to execute bigger campaigns, have stronger teams and see more impact and change when we take a step back over the summer and figure out our next moves. So Standers, enjoy your summers, take a break and rejuvenate, and spend a little time planning your next move. We'll speak to you in a few weeks.
Continue reading this article...
It's a Thursday in August - I would surmise that the majority of young Canadians, and our Stand members, are trying to make the most of their summers today, be it by working to earn money to get through the year, relaxing with friends and family while they can, traveling to see the world...all things we need to do rejuvenate ourselves and keep ourselves sane and functioning throughout the next year.
But that vision needs to be shared by all of Stand, which is why we hold a National conference, where we invite our members from all of our teams and chapters to attend and plan and learn to advocate even better together. This year we're changing our pattern - we used to have our conference in May so that we could have meetings with Members of Parliament in Ottawa before the House of Commons rose for the summer. This year, we will be having our conference in very early October to strengthen our chapters and team at the beginning of the year, once they have recruited new members. And this year, our action item won't focus on advocacy meetings, it will focus on activism in another context and on the focus for the year - growth. Now is the time to focus on growing the grassroots support for the anti-genocide movement, to give strength to our policy recommendations. Our conference will have a large component focusing on growth, and on capturing the attention of your community and new supporters. Check back at www.standcanada.org and here for further details about conference applications in the coming weeks.
Stand Events Coast to Coast tonight!
Stand Chapters coast to coast are holding events to make it easy for you to raise your voice in support of Canadian action in Darfur. Attend your nearest event(s) this month and show your support!
TONIGHT:
Email awagner@standcanada.org for more information.
Stand UBC Presents: Children of Darfur Film Screening
April 2nd, 6 pm, Room 106A in Buchanan A, Main Mall, UBC
Featuring the highly acclaimed short film, Children of Darfur, and special guest speaker Dr. Clement Apaak.
Come find out what you can easily and effortlessly do to initiate crucial and expedient change in Darfur.
Email ubc@standcanada.org for more details.
Stand McGill presents: Pub Night Fundraiser for Darfur
April 2nd, 10 pm, Brutopia (1219 Crescent Street)
Featuring Tara Hall and First You Get the Sugar.
Tickets $5 - all proceeds go to Stand & Doctors without Borders.
Email mcgill@standcanada.org for more details.
Continue reading this article...
TONIGHT:
Toronto Benefit For Darfur
Featuring Birds of Wales & We Are the Take
April 2nd, 9 pm, Tattoo Rock Parlour (567 Queen St.W)
Stand Canada is having a concert with our friends Birds of Wales and We Are the Take! Come out to see some photos from our last trip to Sudan, and hear some great music.
Featuring Birds of Wales & We Are the Take
April 2nd, 9 pm, Tattoo Rock Parlour (567 Queen St.W)
Stand Canada is having a concert with our friends Birds of Wales and We Are the Take! Come out to see some photos from our last trip to Sudan, and hear some great music.
Email awagner@standcanada.org for more information.
Stand UBC Presents: Children of Darfur Film Screening
April 2nd, 6 pm, Room 106A in Buchanan A, Main Mall, UBC
Featuring the highly acclaimed short film, Children of Darfur, and special guest speaker Dr. Clement Apaak.
Come find out what you can easily and effortlessly do to initiate crucial and expedient change in Darfur.
Email ubc@standcanada.org for more details.
Stand McGill presents: Pub Night Fundraiser for Darfur
April 2nd, 10 pm, Brutopia (1219 Crescent Street)
Featuring Tara Hall and First You Get the Sugar.
Tickets $5 - all proceeds go to Stand & Doctors without Borders.
Email mcgill@standcanada.org for more details.
April is Genocide Prevention Month
In what can only be called a gruesome coincidence, six acts of genocide and mass atrocity crimes have anniversaries in April: Darfur, Rwanda, Bosnia, Cambodia, the Holocaust and Armenia.
This month, anti-genocide organizations and advocates are focusing on the repeated pledge of "never again" and asking the question: what have we learned? It is important for us to look to our mistakes and learn from them in order to honour that pledge. Genocide Prevention Month calls for a strong policy framework that focuses on drawing from these lessons for prevention of genocide. Stand chapters across the country will be holding events and rallies to urge the Canadian government to make acting against genocide a key foreign policy issue.
Stand Canada friend and supporter Education for Change has launched a blog project to join the movement. A new entry will be up daily to examine what genocide prevention really entails. The blog will focus on a different perspective with each entry: whether it is the voices of those whose families and friends have been affected by conflict, or discussion on how our generation have many choices to make in the face of genocide in order to prevent future occurrences. Check it out, and join in the discussion. Continue reading this article...
The rationale for supporting Stand: A handy guide to inspiring supporters.
So I am standing with a new acquaintance, a friend of a friend at a social gathering. She recently read about Darfur because of Bashir's indictment in the news. She seems concerned about Darfur. We start to talk. After a few minutes, it seems she believes it is important to care about Darfur. She wants to know what she can do about it - but she is a busy person and she wants to make sure any action she takes with Stand actually impacts Darfur.
Here are some of my ideas to make that conversation easy:
Just a few examples: we create a monthly Darfur Digest that summarizes all of the key information on Darfur to make government action easy; we make it easy for ordinary people to influence government by calling 1-800-GENOCIDE; we train people who care about Darfur in how to advocate, we subsidize their trips to Ottawa and we set up meetings for them with MPs. You can multiply the impact of your individual efforts right now by joining a team of passionate Darfur advocates - on your campus, or working on a national project.
The Canadian government has the international power and influence to lead the fight against genocide. It has proven that when it makes an issue like Land Mines its top foreign policy priority, the country can change the world for millions of people.
The Ottawa Process led by Canada was an impressive undertaking: in than one short year in the late 1990s over 100 countries has signed a treaty that banned landmines outright, led my small and medium-sized countries, outside the UN system, unimpeded by Superpower resistance (See http://www.icbl.org/tools/faq/treaty/significant). As of 2007, at least 38 nations have stopped production, and global trade has almost halted completely.
You've probably experienced this yourself, maybe volunteering at a Stand booth or discussing at family dinner or chatting when out with some friends. You begin to talk about Stand, but find yourself losing your audience. You know Stand and its advocacy is important, but you can't seem to articulate it.
Here are some of my ideas to make that conversation easy:
I want do help, what does Stand do?
We make it easy to act against genocide.
What do I mean "making it easy"? Genocide is a massive issue that most people find overwhelming. Most people care about genocide and want to do something but they don’t know how to do so effectively. We create simple and effective ways for people to take action against genocide.
What do I mean "making it easy"? Genocide is a massive issue that most people find overwhelming. Most people care about genocide and want to do something but they don’t know how to do so effectively. We create simple and effective ways for people to take action against genocide.
What kinds of "simple and effective" things do you actually do?
How do these tools you create actually have an impact?
Picture the desk of a Canadian politician. There is a stack of "issues" she needs to address. Each time she receives a call (through 1800GENOCIDE) about Darfur, it moves Darfur a little bit up the stack. 10 calls move Darfur up the list higher. 100 calls really raises her eyebrows. 1000 calls makes Darfur impossible to ignore. Through our Stand for the Dead campaign we want to send 10,000 calls to Ottawa.
As a US Senator once said: “If every member of the House and Senate had received 100 letters from people back home saying we have to do something about Rwanda when the crisis was first developing, then I think the response would have been different.”
We make writing those letters easy.
But what happens when Darfur ends up on the top of the stack of issues? What does Canada actually do?
The Canadian government has the international power and influence to lead the fight against genocide. It has proven that when it makes an issue like Land Mines its top foreign policy priority, the country can change the world for millions of people.The Ottawa Process led by Canada was an impressive undertaking: in than one short year in the late 1990s over 100 countries has signed a treaty that banned landmines outright, led my small and medium-sized countries, outside the UN system, unimpeded by Superpower resistance (See http://www.icbl.org/tools/faq/treaty/significant). As of 2007, at least 38 nations have stopped production, and global trade has almost halted completely.
We are aiming for the day when Canada's top foreign policy priority is ending genocide. We want ending genocide to be Canada's next Land Mines.
If this is up to the government, what do I have to do with it?
Public pressure changes government priorities. Consider the issue of the Environment. In 2006, North American governments did nothing about the Environment. In 2008, every government had a "green plan" because a groundswell of citizens demanded it. After people like Al Gore helped transformed the latent energy in millions into a loud voice on the environment, governments began to listen.
Help us tell the government: we want to live in a world free of genocide.
Help us tell the government: we want to live in a world free of genocide.
Why should I support Stand and not a humanitarian organization?
Humanitarian aid is critical but not enough. Bags of rice alleviate suffering; they don't end genocide. When you support Stand’s advocacy you help achieve two important humanitarian outcomes:
First, you multiply your dollars for humanitarian aid. You could raise $100,000 for a single program in Darfur or directly advocate for $1,000,000 our (government) dollars sent to the right programs impacting Darfur.
Second, we can reduce the need for humanitarian aid by preventing genocide.
First, you multiply your dollars for humanitarian aid. You could raise $100,000 for a single program in Darfur or directly advocate for $1,000,000 our (government) dollars sent to the right programs impacting Darfur.
Second, we can reduce the need for humanitarian aid by preventing genocide.
I think all we need to do is educate people about Darfur, or raise more awareness.
You educate people so that they will be compelled to act against genocide. One million "educated" people make no impact on Darfur unless they take action. Join us so that we can show the "educated" easy ways to get into action.
Any questions you seem to get stumped with? Any questions seem to veer you off course? Send them to me, post them here, and I am happy to offer my 2 cents. Or if you have good answers to share, please do!
Continue reading this article...
Save Darfur Action Alert
Check out the Executive Director's Corner on the Save Darfur website. I have included some of the action alert below.
A defiant Omar El-Bashir (right) threatens further repercussions for his indictment by the International Criminal Court (Reuters)
On March 4th, the International Criminal Court (ICC) announced its decision to indict Sudanese President Omar El-Bashir on five counts of crimes against humanity and two counts of war crimes for atrocities committed in Darfur, Sudan, since 2002. There will be no "quick way" to arrest Bashir and bring him to trial.
In response, the Sudanese government made good on its threats for retaliation against an indictment and expelled 16 humanitarian organizations from Darfur. Together, the 16 agencies provided more than 50-70% of all essential relief to Darfuri civilians, and up to 40% of aid workers in Darfur have been affected by the move. UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, warned "that the effects could shake the region," and launched an "urgent appeal" to Sudan to reverse its decision.
Learn more about the ICC announcement in Save Darfur Canada's March 4th Executive Summary. Read Reuters' "Snap Analysis" of the consequences of the indictment.
See a list of organizations affected by the recent aid agency expulsions which include 13 international and 3 Sudanese groups. The list is provided by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
A Canadian nurse was one of four aid workers from the Belgian branch of Doctors Without Borders abducted by armed men in Darfur on March 12th. The Sudanese government is currently negotiating with the kidnappers of the aid workers.
The United Nations (UN) is investigating whether the expulsion of aid organizations is a war crime, but for the moment, the UN Security Council is "deadlocked" over how to respond. Bashir is threatening further aid agency expulsions, as well as the expulsion of foreign diplomats, and says that his indictment will affect the Darfur peace process.
Human Rights Watch criticized the aid agency expulsion, calling on the Government of Sudan to respect its "obligation under international humanitarian law to ensure that relief aid reaches people in need in conflict situations." Amnesty International warned that "2.2 million people face the risk of starvation and disease," accusing Sudan of "effectively holding the entire civilian population of Darfur hostage – an aggressive act that must be condemned in the strongest possible terms by the African Union, the League of Arab States and the international community as a whole." Save the Children has estimated that 1 million of those affected will be children.
Canada must continue to condemn the expulsion of aid agencies from Darfur, and push the Sudanese Government to comply with its international obligations to protect civilians within Sudan.
ADD YOUR OWN TEXT AND SEND AN E-MAIL ABOUT THE ICC INDICTMENT to the Prime Minister and party leaders.
Darfuri advocates in the United States and across Europe celebrated the ICC's announcement, with 100 international Darfuri leaders issuing a public letter of support for the indictment which included diaspora signatories in Canada. Read responses from Darfurians in and outside of Sudan.
.
Not everyone is in agreement that the Bashir indictment was a positive development. Academics Alex de Waal and Julie Flint accused the ICC's Chief Prosecutor, who made the case for Bashir's indictment, of going too high in the chain of command and of having bad timing. However, the Chief ICC Prosecutor, Luis Moreno-Ocampo, responded that he was given the mandate to end impunity in Darfur by the UN Security Council in 2005, and that it is not his role (but the UNSC's) to make political considerations. He went on to explain that as the Chief Prosecutor, it is his job to present evidence for the crimes in Darfur, and that in this case, three ICC Pre Trial Chambre judges agreed that the evidence was sufficient to proceed with charges. He noted that "Mr. Bashir is killing, torturing, raping, exterminating entire communities today." Click here and fast forward to the 9:20 mark to listen to a CBC radio interview with Luis Moreno-Ocampo.
On March 10th, the Canadian ICC president defended Bashir's indictment, explaining that the Court's mandate is not to interpret politics but to prosecute the most senior war criminals.
State members of the Arab League and African leaders continue to call for an Article 16 deferral of ICC's investigations by the United Nations Security Council, though reports suggest that Arab leaders may “be hesitant to receive†Bashir as a result of the ICC warrant.
Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lawrence Cannon, issued a statement urging Sudan to cooperate with the ICC, citing its obligation to do so under UN Resolution 1593. CIDA's Minister, Beverly Oda, urged the Sudanese Government to "reconsider its decision [to expel aid agencies] and to respect its obligations under international humanitarian law to facilitate full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access to assist those in need."
Continue reading this article...
16 aid organizations expelled from Darfur in response to the ICC indictment of President Omar El-Bashir
On March 4th, the International Criminal Court (ICC) announced its decision to indict Sudanese President Omar El-Bashir on five counts of crimes against humanity and two counts of war crimes for atrocities committed in Darfur, Sudan, since 2002. There will be no "quick way" to arrest Bashir and bring him to trial.
In response, the Sudanese government made good on its threats for retaliation against an indictment and expelled 16 humanitarian organizations from Darfur. Together, the 16 agencies provided more than 50-70% of all essential relief to Darfuri civilians, and up to 40% of aid workers in Darfur have been affected by the move. UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, warned "that the effects could shake the region," and launched an "urgent appeal" to Sudan to reverse its decision.
Learn more about the ICC announcement in Save Darfur Canada's March 4th Executive Summary. Read Reuters' "Snap Analysis" of the consequences of the indictment.
See a list of organizations affected by the recent aid agency expulsions which include 13 international and 3 Sudanese groups. The list is provided by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
A Canadian nurse was one of four aid workers from the Belgian branch of Doctors Without Borders abducted by armed men in Darfur on March 12th. The Sudanese government is currently negotiating with the kidnappers of the aid workers.
The United Nations (UN) is investigating whether the expulsion of aid organizations is a war crime, but for the moment, the UN Security Council is "deadlocked" over how to respond. Bashir is threatening further aid agency expulsions, as well as the expulsion of foreign diplomats, and says that his indictment will affect the Darfur peace process.
Human Rights Watch criticized the aid agency expulsion, calling on the Government of Sudan to respect its "obligation under international humanitarian law to ensure that relief aid reaches people in need in conflict situations." Amnesty International warned that "2.2 million people face the risk of starvation and disease," accusing Sudan of "effectively holding the entire civilian population of Darfur hostage – an aggressive act that must be condemned in the strongest possible terms by the African Union, the League of Arab States and the international community as a whole." Save the Children has estimated that 1 million of those affected will be children.
Canada must continue to condemn the expulsion of aid agencies from Darfur, and push the Sudanese Government to comply with its international obligations to protect civilians within Sudan.
ADD YOUR OWN TEXT AND SEND AN E-MAIL ABOUT THE ICC INDICTMENT to the Prime Minister and party leaders.
Darfuri advocates in the United States and across Europe celebrated the ICC's announcement, with 100 international Darfuri leaders issuing a public letter of support for the indictment which included diaspora signatories in Canada. Read responses from Darfurians in and outside of Sudan.
.
Not everyone is in agreement that the Bashir indictment was a positive development. Academics Alex de Waal and Julie Flint accused the ICC's Chief Prosecutor, who made the case for Bashir's indictment, of going too high in the chain of command and of having bad timing. However, the Chief ICC Prosecutor, Luis Moreno-Ocampo, responded that he was given the mandate to end impunity in Darfur by the UN Security Council in 2005, and that it is not his role (but the UNSC's) to make political considerations. He went on to explain that as the Chief Prosecutor, it is his job to present evidence for the crimes in Darfur, and that in this case, three ICC Pre Trial Chambre judges agreed that the evidence was sufficient to proceed with charges. He noted that "Mr. Bashir is killing, torturing, raping, exterminating entire communities today." Click here and fast forward to the 9:20 mark to listen to a CBC radio interview with Luis Moreno-Ocampo.
On March 10th, the Canadian ICC president defended Bashir's indictment, explaining that the Court's mandate is not to interpret politics but to prosecute the most senior war criminals.
State members of the Arab League and African leaders continue to call for an Article 16 deferral of ICC's investigations by the United Nations Security Council, though reports suggest that Arab leaders may “be hesitant to receive†Bashir as a result of the ICC warrant.
Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lawrence Cannon, issued a statement urging Sudan to cooperate with the ICC, citing its obligation to do so under UN Resolution 1593. CIDA's Minister, Beverly Oda, urged the Sudanese Government to "reconsider its decision [to expel aid agencies] and to respect its obligations under international humanitarian law to facilitate full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access to assist those in need."
Continue reading this article...
Stand Dalhousie in the Chronicle Herald
The Chronicle Herald has an article today about Stand Dalhousie's divestment campaign. The chapter has been working to find out whether the university holds investments that are supporting the Government of Sudan and have met quite a few administrative roadblocks along the way. The article has stirred up a lot of emotions over whether or not the students are entitled to this information. Chime in with your viewpoint here.Great work to Kate, Tara and their awesome team! Continue reading this article...
Stand in Support of ICC Arrest Warrant
Stand Canada Action Alert
Attention Stand supporters!
Today, the ICC announced that it has issued an arrest warrant for Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir. This is a remarkable development: the international community has just taken a bold stance against a murderous regime.
But this announcement also carries grave risk in the short-term. Bashir may respond with violent backlash against civilians or aid workers. We must be vigilant to ensure that this does not occur. It would be a travesty for an unprecedented step forward for justice to be followed by ten steps backward for those already suffering in Darfur.
Friends, this is a pivotal moment for Darfur. The world's attention will be focused on Sudan as the ICC announcement is publicized. This is an opportunity for Canada to assert its commitment to Darfur. And it is an opportunity for us to push our leaders to act!
Join us in calling on our government to:
1) Express support for an ICC process against Bashir that is robust, efficient, and sensitive to its short-term impacts on civilians.
2) Honour our commitments to UNAMID, and advocate for the Mission's full deployment. For the ICC's work to be effective, it must be supported by a robust peace process.
How can you do this? It's EASY:
1) Call 1-800-GENOCIDE and leave a message for Prime Minister Harper.
2) Email Minister of Foreign Affairs Lawrence Cannon at Cannon.L@parl.gc.ca. A few lines will suffice – the important thing will be to get as many emails as possible flooding his inbox over the next few days! Here's a template:
Dear Honorable Minister Lawrence Cannon,
Thank you for for your statement acknowledging Canada's commitment to Sudan and support for the ICC process. In light of this important development, I would request that the Government of Canada: 1) Commit to ongoing support for an ICC process against Bashir that is robust, efficient, and sensitive to its short-term impacts on civilians. 2) Honour its commitments to UNAMID, and advocate for the Mission's full deployment. For the ICC's work to be effective, it must be supported by a robust peace process. This is Canada's Forte.
Many thanks for your time.
Kind Regards,
xxx
3) Write a Letter to the Editor of a local or national newspaper. Let them know what you think about the ICC process, what Canada can do, why they should be covering the story more prominently … whatever you feel is important!
4) Spread the word! Forward this message to friends, or post a link to the Stand blog on your Facebook profile (http://standcanada.blogspot.com/).
Many, many thanks for your ongoing support. Our work is making a difference!
In solidarity,
Jackie Bonisteel
Stand Canada Advocacy Director
jbonisteel@standcanada.org Continue reading this article...
Attention Stand supporters!
Today, the ICC announced that it has issued an arrest warrant for Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir. This is a remarkable development: the international community has just taken a bold stance against a murderous regime.
But this announcement also carries grave risk in the short-term. Bashir may respond with violent backlash against civilians or aid workers. We must be vigilant to ensure that this does not occur. It would be a travesty for an unprecedented step forward for justice to be followed by ten steps backward for those already suffering in Darfur.
Friends, this is a pivotal moment for Darfur. The world's attention will be focused on Sudan as the ICC announcement is publicized. This is an opportunity for Canada to assert its commitment to Darfur. And it is an opportunity for us to push our leaders to act!
Join us in calling on our government to:
1) Express support for an ICC process against Bashir that is robust, efficient, and sensitive to its short-term impacts on civilians.
2) Honour our commitments to UNAMID, and advocate for the Mission's full deployment. For the ICC's work to be effective, it must be supported by a robust peace process.
How can you do this? It's EASY:
1) Call 1-800-GENOCIDE and leave a message for Prime Minister Harper.
2) Email Minister of Foreign Affairs Lawrence Cannon at Cannon.L@parl.gc.ca. A few lines will suffice – the important thing will be to get as many emails as possible flooding his inbox over the next few days! Here's a template:
Dear Honorable Minister Lawrence Cannon,
Thank you for for your statement acknowledging Canada's commitment to Sudan and support for the ICC process. In light of this important development, I would request that the Government of Canada: 1) Commit to ongoing support for an ICC process against Bashir that is robust, efficient, and sensitive to its short-term impacts on civilians. 2) Honour its commitments to UNAMID, and advocate for the Mission's full deployment. For the ICC's work to be effective, it must be supported by a robust peace process. This is Canada's Forte.
Many thanks for your time.
Kind Regards,
xxx
3) Write a Letter to the Editor of a local or national newspaper. Let them know what you think about the ICC process, what Canada can do, why they should be covering the story more prominently … whatever you feel is important!
4) Spread the word! Forward this message to friends, or post a link to the Stand blog on your Facebook profile (http://standcanada.blogspot.com/).
Many, many thanks for your ongoing support. Our work is making a difference!
In solidarity,
Jackie Bonisteel
Stand Canada Advocacy Director
jbonisteel@standcanada.org Continue reading this article...
Action Alert from Save Darfur Canada
Darfur must remain a Canadian foreign policy priority
February 16, 2009
Dear friends,
Your action is needed.
Recent violence in the South Darfur town of Muhajiriya is a sobering reminder that the cycle of violence in Darfur continues. In early February, fighting for control of Muhajiriya displaced 30,000 and left 30 dead. A peace agreement is desperately needed in Darfur so that the violence can end and people will be safe.
On January 26th, the Canadian government set its agenda in the Speech from the Throne. Focusing almost entirely on the economic crisis, there was no mention of ongoing foreign affairs priorities, or of Canada's commitments in Sudan. At a critical time for peace and security in Darfur, and when Canada has been an indispensable supporter of peace, security and relief in the region, we must ensure that Canada does not turn away.
Take action: tell Prime Minister Harper and Foreign Affairs Minister Cannon that Sudan must remain a foreign policy priority.
Canada must:
1. Continue to make Sudan, including Darfur, a foreign policy priority;
2. Increase support to the neglected Darfur peace process, which is the key to ending violence in the region; and
3. Assign a special Canadian government representative to Sudan to ensure that policy in Sudan is well-informed and coordinated and that decision-makers have access to relevant and timely information from the ground.
Please take one minute to take action today.
Sincerely,
Tara Tavender
Executive Director
Save Darfur Canada
Recent headlines: Read the latest news and commentary about Darfur
Videos and photos: Learn more about Darfur
The Darfur Challenge: Find out more about the nationwide student campaign
Get involved: Check out volunteer and internship positions in Montreal and across the country
Make a donation: Help the coalition grow
Pour recevoir les messages en français, veuillez cliquer ici
If you would prefer to no longer receive emails from us, click here.
Save Darfur Canada is a bilingual national coalition of organizations, groups, and individuals advocating for an end to the Darfur crisis Continue reading this article...
Stand Chapter Digest
The Stand Chapter Digest is dedicated to connecting Stand members across the country by sharing news, events and advocacy ideas.
In this issue:
1. Principal Director Anne Wagner explains why some tribal leaders may not be thrilled about the rumored ICC arrest warrant against Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir. Watch here.
2. Stand on the Hill: Member of Parliament Paul Dewar has been working for years to make Darfur a key issue on the hill. Read more here.
3. Featured Chapter Stand Western is still going strong 4 years later.
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A Message from Anne
After meeting with tribal leaders in Sudan last month, Anne's opinion of the rumored ICC arrest of Bashir may surprise you. Watch:
Stand on the Hill: Featured MP
Paul Dewar, MP for Ottawa-Centre and NDP Foreign Affairs critic, recently met with Stand's Ottawa advocacy group to discuss strategies for engaging with parliamentarians. Paul has been a long-time champion for Darfur on the Hill. His contributions include initiating a major study on Darfur at the Foreign Affairs Committee, promoting Corporate Social Responsibility in the Sudan, and calling for greater Canadian commitments in the region. Stand applauds Paul for his tireless work on behalf of the people of Darfur.
Featured Chapter: Stand Western
Four years ago, Stand Canada began at the University of Western Ontario, when a small group of students decided that they would not remain idle while a horrific genocide unfolded in Darfur. Today, Stand has grown to over 70 chapters across the country, but the original chapter remains one of the strongest, currently with an executive of 25 members and a core membership of 200.
Last term, the chapter collaborated with other students on a number of successful initiatives, including a Busk for Darfur event that raised funds and awareness on the streets of London, Ontario. Members of the chapter also worked to create the Western Advocacy Alliance, a collection of social justice clubs on UWO campus, and participated in a number of collaborative events such as the region's Gulu Walk.
This spring, the chapter is launching a number of fantastic events, including a regional art contest and silent auction, their annual Dunks for Darfur basketball tournament, and a screening of the film Rwanda: Hope Rises. The chapter will be flying in the director of the film, Trevor Meier, for the event. "The film shows people the impact of genocide", says Leah Meidinger, the chapter's current president.
Stand Western is also in the process of partnering with the Sudanese community in London to launch a tutoring program for children of refugees in the region. Over 30 volunteers have already signed up for the program. "The community has really come together" to make the program a reality, notes Leah. "It's a great way for students to get involved."
If you are interested in working with Stand Western or attending any of their upcoming events, you can reach them at western@standcanada.org. Continue reading this article...
In this issue:
1. Principal Director Anne Wagner explains why some tribal leaders may not be thrilled about the rumored ICC arrest warrant against Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir. Watch here.
2. Stand on the Hill: Member of Parliament Paul Dewar has been working for years to make Darfur a key issue on the hill. Read more here.
3. Featured Chapter Stand Western is still going strong 4 years later.
---
A Message from Anne
After meeting with tribal leaders in Sudan last month, Anne's opinion of the rumored ICC arrest of Bashir may surprise you. Watch:
Stand on the Hill: Featured MPPaul Dewar, MP for Ottawa-Centre and NDP Foreign Affairs critic, recently met with Stand's Ottawa advocacy group to discuss strategies for engaging with parliamentarians. Paul has been a long-time champion for Darfur on the Hill. His contributions include initiating a major study on Darfur at the Foreign Affairs Committee, promoting Corporate Social Responsibility in the Sudan, and calling for greater Canadian commitments in the region. Stand applauds Paul for his tireless work on behalf of the people of Darfur.
Featured Chapter: Stand Western
Four years ago, Stand Canada began at the University of Western Ontario, when a small group of students decided that they would not remain idle while a horrific genocide unfolded in Darfur. Today, Stand has grown to over 70 chapters across the country, but the original chapter remains one of the strongest, currently with an executive of 25 members and a core membership of 200.
Last term, the chapter collaborated with other students on a number of successful initiatives, including a Busk for Darfur event that raised funds and awareness on the streets of London, Ontario. Members of the chapter also worked to create the Western Advocacy Alliance, a collection of social justice clubs on UWO campus, and participated in a number of collaborative events such as the region's Gulu Walk.This spring, the chapter is launching a number of fantastic events, including a regional art contest and silent auction, their annual Dunks for Darfur basketball tournament, and a screening of the film Rwanda: Hope Rises. The chapter will be flying in the director of the film, Trevor Meier, for the event. "The film shows people the impact of genocide", says Leah Meidinger, the chapter's current president.
Stand Western is also in the process of partnering with the Sudanese community in London to launch a tutoring program for children of refugees in the region. Over 30 volunteers have already signed up for the program. "The community has really come together" to make the program a reality, notes Leah. "It's a great way for students to get involved."
If you are interested in working with Stand Western or attending any of their upcoming events, you can reach them at western@standcanada.org. Continue reading this article...
Express Thanks - Write a Letter
The Minister of Foreign Affairs released a statement yesterday deploring the recent increase in violence in Darfur (more on this to come soon). In the meantime I encourage all readers of this blog to take a moment to write a letter of gratitude to the Minister at Cannon.L@parl.gc.ca. One of the best ways to build momentum on this issue is to show that there is a large mass of people who care about it when the government takes actions like this. Below is the text of the statement and a possible letter.
Canada Deplores Upsurge of Violence in Darfur
The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement regarding the recent upsurge in violence in Darfur:“Canada deplores the increased violence in Darfur. Military activities conducted by the Government of Sudan and by Darfur rebel forces are seriously undermining prospects for peace in Sudan and impeding humanitarian efforts in the region. Their actions threaten the lives of thousands of innocent civilians.
“Canada also notes that the Government of Sudan has not implemented the ceasefire it announced in November. We call on the government and all rebel forces to cease hostilities and to resume the negotiation process led by the United Nations and the African Union.
For information on Canada’s contribution to establishing long-lasting peace in Sudan, please consult the following website: www.canadainternational.gc.ca/sudan-soudan/index.aspx.
Possible Letter:
February 3, 2009
Re: Minister's Statement on Darfur
To the Honorable Lawrence Cannon,
I am writing to express my sincerest gratitude for your remarks deploring the recent upswing of violence in Darfur. The wording of your statement reflects both the seriousness of the situation and the responsibility of all parties to cease hostilities and protect civilians.
The ongoing violence in Darfur and deplorable humanitarian conditions is a blight on our common humanity. While your statement condemning the violence is a strong step in the right direction, I urge you also to consider other possible options such as appointing a Special Envoy to the region.
I applaud your efforts to end the violence and look forward to hearing more from you in the future on this vital issue.
Sincerely,
[enter name here]
Stand-Canada
[Address]
[Any other info - phone number, email, etc.] Continue reading this article...
Stand Campus Digest
The Stand Campus Digest is dedicated to connecting Stand members across the country by sharing news, events and advocacy ideas.
In our premiere issue:
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A Message from Anne
University of British Columbia’s Stand chapter held a very successful music night this past week in partnership with UBC’s Caribbean African Association. The event, which featured music from Robin Layne, Free City Collective, and local DJ Mmeli, raised $1000 for Darfur advocacy. Over 150 people attended the event.
One of Stand UBC’s key projects this term is to hold a series of high school workshops about the genocide in Darfur in their community. “High school students are the next generation of Darfur advocates”, says Jaswal, who has been working with Stand for over two years. “They are idealistic and realistic enough to know that they can make a difference”.
Congratulations to the UBC chapter on a successful start to a new term!
Continue reading this article...
In our premiere issue:
- Principal Director Anne Wagner shares what it was like running into an old friend at Rumrol IDP Camp. Watch Anne's video blog here!
- Stand on the Hill: read about two Members of Parliament who are true champions of the cause.
- Featured chapter Stand UBC is making huge strides in raising awareness in their community. Find out more here.
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A Message from Anne
2009 marks exciting new opportunities for Stand – exciting collaborations, exciting events, exciting stories. This is the first edition of our new bimonthly newsletter –we look forward to sharing ideas and events throughout the coming year! I returned from Sudan last week – an inspiring journey that motivates me to continue advocating for change in Darfur and strengthen Canadian policy on genocide.
I look forward to working with you for Darfur, and to stop genocide, in 2009.
All the best,
Anne Wagner
Principal Director
Stand Canada
awagner@standcanada.org
Stand On the Hill: Featured MPs
I look forward to working with you for Darfur, and to stop genocide, in 2009.
All the best,
Anne Wagner
Principal Director
Stand Canada
awagner@standcanada.org
Stand On the Hill: Featured MPs
Stand had the great pleasure of traveling to Sudan with the Honourable Glen Pearson and Dr. Carolyn Bennett this month. After a week of engrossing discussions, sharing ideas, and renewed agreements to work together, one step at a time, to make a difference for the people of Sudan, we left Sudan with a renewed belief that Glen and Carolyn are true champions of the cause. Their openness to inventive ideas and new approaches are inspiring and heartening as advocates.
University of British Columbia’s Stand chapter held a very successful music night this past week in partnership with UBC’s Caribbean African Association. The event, which featured music from Robin Layne, Free City Collective, and local DJ Mmeli, raised $1000 for Darfur advocacy. Over 150 people attended the event. Under the leadership of Aneil Jaswal and Rebeka Ryvola, this Stand chapter is continuously seeking new ways to raise awareness about Darfur in Vancouver. Last term, UBC actively participated in Stand’s Speak The Name election campaign, meeting with all candidates in the region, as well as implementing a very successful Stoves for Sudan initiative that raised enough money for 185 stoves for families in IDP camps. They are continuing both of these efforts this term by meeting with Member of Parliament Joyce Murray in the next few weeks, as well as continuing to raise money for the Berkeley Stove Project with their Firewood Run planned in April.
One of Stand UBC’s key projects this term is to hold a series of high school workshops about the genocide in Darfur in their community. “High school students are the next generation of Darfur advocates”, says Jaswal, who has been working with Stand for over two years. “They are idealistic and realistic enough to know that they can make a difference”.
Congratulations to the UBC chapter on a successful start to a new term!
Stand Alberta Presents Genocide in Darfur: On Canada's Watch
Join experts to discuss what Canada can do to stop the killing.
Featuring Dr. Tom Keating & Edward Akufo.
Tuesday Feb 3
11:00-12:20 pm
Dinwoodie Lounge
Students' Union Building
University of Alberta
For more information email uofa@standcanada.org
For more information email uofa@standcanada.org
Stand Victoria Presents Dance For Darfur
Dance the night away for Darfur! Featuring free beginner’s salsa lesson and silent auction. Proceeds to help the women, men and children victimized by the atrocious acts of violence committed in Darfur.
Friday, February 6th, 2009
Tickets $10
8:30 pm
Victoria Event Centre (1415 Broad Street)
For advance tickets email victoria@standcanada.org
Tickets $10
8:30 pm
Victoria Event Centre (1415 Broad Street)
For advance tickets email victoria@standcanada.org
Collaboration: Help or Headache?
Guest post by Elham BidgoliWhen we first started the UofT chapter, we jumped at any opportunity to collaborate with other student groups. Amnesty? We'd love to help with your bake sale. International Health Program? We want a table at your conference. Bollywood Association? We've always dreamed of working with you.
When you are new and unknown on campus, especially one as vast as UofT, collaboration opens up tons of opportunities. It can mean sharing in resources you otherwise would not have access to, and meeting lots of new people with whom you can share your message. It can open up new avenues of ideas for creating a buzz around campus. But as I've learned over time, it can also mean one huge headache after another. Here are my three tips on when collaboration can cause more hassle than opportunity.
1. Wanting World Peace is Not Common Ground
As advocates against genocide, we often feel that every advocacy, humanitarian and awareness organization is in line with our policies. After all, who doesn't want genocide to stop? None of our chapters have had to deal with any pro-genocide groups on campus. The problem, however, lies in the word genocide. Collaboration with other groups on genocide awareness can often result in a down spiral where the use of the word is debated in its use for other crimes against humanity. This can detract from the efforts of your chapter to raise awareness about Darfur.
How can you avoid being overshadowed by controversy without giving up opportunity? One way around it is to participate in a multiple day initiative where your event is separate from other groups. This way you benefit from the promotion and collaboration, but avoid the negative press.
2. Kittens have nothing to do with genocideAs I mentioned, it is tempting to work with every group out there. But it is important to also keep your audience - and the message that you are trying to send - in mind. Yes, the Association for Cruelty Against Kittens also speaks out against unnecessary violence, but are they really related to your cause? More importantly, will people intuitively see the connection at the event, or will they leave scratching their heads? It's important to keep your message as clear as possible, and the groups you choose to work with are a part of your message.
3. Step Up or Step Out
When Stand UofT was approached to collaborate with ten other groups on genocide awareness week a few years ago, we entered into it thinking it involved minimal effort on our part. A little promotion here, hosting a small speaking event there, all for the opportunity to participate in a huge event. The problem is that all the groups had come together with the same intention, and no one was in charge. It was chaos until the current Stand leader at the time took over and clearly outlined who was doing what. Clearly, this kind of responsibility was not what we signed up for. If you're not prepared or willing to take over, it may not be worth your team's time and effort to get involved.
These tips are based on my own experiences. What are your experiences with collaboration? How do you approach working with other groups? Leave a comment and let us know!
These tips are based on my own experiences. What are your experiences with collaboration? How do you approach working with other groups? Leave a comment and let us know!
Want to help stop a genocide? Make it easy.
Imagine.
You are in a crowded room near home surrounded by your mother, father, aunt and uncle, their kids and some close friends. The doors are locked. You hear men's voices outside. You know that they have guns. You are scared and wonder, “what is going to happen to me?” Now, you hear banging on the door. You have no delusions about their intentions: they are here to kill you.
The reason? It’s nothing you did. It’s just because of who you are.
You are waiting, hoping, praying for somebody to protect you.
You wish you could call 9-1-1. But this is Darfur. Here, twice the population of Toronto don't have anyone to call. They face almost certain death, rape, or the loss of an eye or an arm. Many Darfuri men, women, and children hoped for help, but it never came. Like the Armenians in 1910s, Jews during the Holocaust, Cambodians in 1970s, Rwandans and victims of Srebrenica in 1990s they have been left alone.
The results have been devastating.
"The story of the eldest girl who was sent to get needed firewood for her mother and young brother, but was raped", "The story of the young boy who awoke in his hut to the roar of engines, only to look outside and see family and friends running from bombs and armed men on horseback" and "The story of the woman hearing 'now your babies will be Arab' as she's being violated" are a stories that paint a picture of life as a victim of genocide.
These stories are maddening. The images of these people's experiences sear into our minds. If you believe, as I do, that no man or woman should be a target simply because of his or her ethnicity, that every children born into this world should never have to see men on horseback rape their mother and kill their father, that no person should ever be victim of genocide sixty years after the “lesson” of the Holocaust, then these actions are an affront to your beliefs.
These attacks against your entire worldview, stir your emotions. You feel, as I do, sadness, fear, rage and most importantly an urgency to "do something" about it.
But – unfortunately for victims – too often, our outrage is followed by a sense of helplessness. I experienced this four years ago. I was riled after reading a story in the New York times about a woman who was told 'now your babies will be impure' while being raped. But I was stuck.
"What can I do? This is a genocide – the crime of all crimes. This is happening so far away. The situation seems so complicated. The names of key players are hardly pronounceable. "
“Yes,” we say, “people are dying. But it is so big and so far away. I have to work today and pay my bills. What can one person actually do?”
We all get stuck.
This is the true challenge that the world faces with Darfur: how can we, the mass of people who care about Darfur, overcome the set of obstacles that prevent each one of us from acting to end genocide in Darfur?
Collectively, we have the manpower, will, influence, and money to end the crisis. We have put a man on the moon, ended cold wars, defeated fascism in Europe, and freed millions from apartheid in South Africa, and so too we can end a genocide. But feelings of apathy and powerlessness, a lack of information and motivation prevent us from tapping our world-changing potential.
Enter Stand. The job of each of our volunteers, supporters, and allies: make it easy to act against genocide. Make it easy to overcome the challenges - one by one – to help each person that feels "I must do something about Darfur". Help them take action.
If it isn’t easy for you to make your difference for Darfur, we’ll make it so.
Feel powerless to make a difference?
We are there to tell you that you can. The Stand volunteer on your campus will tell you stories to convince you so. We will share stories of meeting the Prime Minister, of Canada sending 100 armoured personnel carriers to protect those protecting civilians, of students traveling to Darfur with Members of Parliament to forever make them allies in our fight. You can make a difference.
Don't know where to start?
A Stand volunteer can show you how easy it is to begin to make a difference. You can start by meeting like-minded friends in your community through Stand - in-person or online. You can work on a project of significance to Darfur: plan a rally to put Darfur's story in the headlines, invite your Member of Parliament to meet your group, create a calendar to raise money for the cause. Thousands of people have attended hundreds of events put on by dozens of groups from communities across Canada. The net impact is obvious: each new voice can inspire an action for the cause. Each action may be the one to tip the scale towards life for a Darfuri teetering on the brink. You can have impact with Stand.
Don't have the time?
Everybody has three minutes to act against genocide. Call 1-800-GENOCID(E). Get talking points about what Canada can do for Darfur. And leave a message for the Prime Minister. Each call to 1-800-GENOCIDE moves Darfur up the list of issues important to the Prime Minister. One high school in Toronto called the Prime Minister’s office so many times in one day, that the Office called the principal of the school and asked students to stop calling. Thankfully, the principal told them no. That day, the Prime Minister noticed Darfur. A few minutes can make a difference for Darfur.
Want to call your MP right now but don't know what to say?
Read Stand's Darfur Digest. Just by glancing at the executive summary, you can know more about Darfur than 95% of MPs and have the confidence to voice your opinion about what's right for Canada to do to prevent on-going genocide in Darfur. It is read by high school students and national not-for-profit CEOs, and everybody in between. A few minutes can make you an effective advocate.
Consider a world without Stand and its allies. People read about Darfur. We are "educated" about it. We care, but our engagement stops there. The world would exist with a massive gap: a body of people who need help in Darfur, and a mass of people who care about Darfur but feel helpless. In that world, millions fall victim to genocide in Darfur, and the next Darfur in Asia, or South America or Africa. The idea "never again" dies along with the hope of a generation.
Stand bridges that gap, making it easy for those caring people to act against genocide in Darfur and wherever else it may next appear.
Back to that crowded room with armed men pounding at the door. Darfuris don't have 9-1-1. But we have 1-800-GENOCIDE. Let's keep calling on their behalf until we create a world free of genocide.
Ben Fine
Volunteer, Founder
Stand
www.standcanada.org Continue reading this article...
You are in a crowded room near home surrounded by your mother, father, aunt and uncle, their kids and some close friends. The doors are locked. You hear men's voices outside. You know that they have guns. You are scared and wonder, “what is going to happen to me?” Now, you hear banging on the door. You have no delusions about their intentions: they are here to kill you.
The reason? It’s nothing you did. It’s just because of who you are.
You are waiting, hoping, praying for somebody to protect you.
You wish you could call 9-1-1. But this is Darfur. Here, twice the population of Toronto don't have anyone to call. They face almost certain death, rape, or the loss of an eye or an arm. Many Darfuri men, women, and children hoped for help, but it never came. Like the Armenians in 1910s, Jews during the Holocaust, Cambodians in 1970s, Rwandans and victims of Srebrenica in 1990s they have been left alone.
The results have been devastating.
"The story of the eldest girl who was sent to get needed firewood for her mother and young brother, but was raped", "The story of the young boy who awoke in his hut to the roar of engines, only to look outside and see family and friends running from bombs and armed men on horseback" and "The story of the woman hearing 'now your babies will be Arab' as she's being violated" are a stories that paint a picture of life as a victim of genocide.
These stories are maddening. The images of these people's experiences sear into our minds. If you believe, as I do, that no man or woman should be a target simply because of his or her ethnicity, that every children born into this world should never have to see men on horseback rape their mother and kill their father, that no person should ever be victim of genocide sixty years after the “lesson” of the Holocaust, then these actions are an affront to your beliefs.
These attacks against your entire worldview, stir your emotions. You feel, as I do, sadness, fear, rage and most importantly an urgency to "do something" about it.
But – unfortunately for victims – too often, our outrage is followed by a sense of helplessness. I experienced this four years ago. I was riled after reading a story in the New York times about a woman who was told 'now your babies will be impure' while being raped. But I was stuck.
"What can I do? This is a genocide – the crime of all crimes. This is happening so far away. The situation seems so complicated. The names of key players are hardly pronounceable. "
“Yes,” we say, “people are dying. But it is so big and so far away. I have to work today and pay my bills. What can one person actually do?”
We all get stuck.
This is the true challenge that the world faces with Darfur: how can we, the mass of people who care about Darfur, overcome the set of obstacles that prevent each one of us from acting to end genocide in Darfur?
Collectively, we have the manpower, will, influence, and money to end the crisis. We have put a man on the moon, ended cold wars, defeated fascism in Europe, and freed millions from apartheid in South Africa, and so too we can end a genocide. But feelings of apathy and powerlessness, a lack of information and motivation prevent us from tapping our world-changing potential.
Enter Stand. The job of each of our volunteers, supporters, and allies: make it easy to act against genocide. Make it easy to overcome the challenges - one by one – to help each person that feels "I must do something about Darfur". Help them take action.
If it isn’t easy for you to make your difference for Darfur, we’ll make it so.
Feel powerless to make a difference?
We are there to tell you that you can. The Stand volunteer on your campus will tell you stories to convince you so. We will share stories of meeting the Prime Minister, of Canada sending 100 armoured personnel carriers to protect those protecting civilians, of students traveling to Darfur with Members of Parliament to forever make them allies in our fight. You can make a difference.
Don't know where to start?
A Stand volunteer can show you how easy it is to begin to make a difference. You can start by meeting like-minded friends in your community through Stand - in-person or online. You can work on a project of significance to Darfur: plan a rally to put Darfur's story in the headlines, invite your Member of Parliament to meet your group, create a calendar to raise money for the cause. Thousands of people have attended hundreds of events put on by dozens of groups from communities across Canada. The net impact is obvious: each new voice can inspire an action for the cause. Each action may be the one to tip the scale towards life for a Darfuri teetering on the brink. You can have impact with Stand.
Don't have the time?
Everybody has three minutes to act against genocide. Call 1-800-GENOCID(E). Get talking points about what Canada can do for Darfur. And leave a message for the Prime Minister. Each call to 1-800-GENOCIDE moves Darfur up the list of issues important to the Prime Minister. One high school in Toronto called the Prime Minister’s office so many times in one day, that the Office called the principal of the school and asked students to stop calling. Thankfully, the principal told them no. That day, the Prime Minister noticed Darfur. A few minutes can make a difference for Darfur.
Want to call your MP right now but don't know what to say?
Read Stand's Darfur Digest. Just by glancing at the executive summary, you can know more about Darfur than 95% of MPs and have the confidence to voice your opinion about what's right for Canada to do to prevent on-going genocide in Darfur. It is read by high school students and national not-for-profit CEOs, and everybody in between. A few minutes can make you an effective advocate.
Consider a world without Stand and its allies. People read about Darfur. We are "educated" about it. We care, but our engagement stops there. The world would exist with a massive gap: a body of people who need help in Darfur, and a mass of people who care about Darfur but feel helpless. In that world, millions fall victim to genocide in Darfur, and the next Darfur in Asia, or South America or Africa. The idea "never again" dies along with the hope of a generation.
Stand bridges that gap, making it easy for those caring people to act against genocide in Darfur and wherever else it may next appear.
Back to that crowded room with armed men pounding at the door. Darfuris don't have 9-1-1. But we have 1-800-GENOCIDE. Let's keep calling on their behalf until we create a world free of genocide.
Ben Fine
Volunteer, Founder
Stand
www.standcanada.org Continue reading this article...
Never Again....Again
Stand'er Josh Scheinert has an opinion piece in the Canadian Jewish News that is a must-read. The Stand blog has it in all its glory. Thanks, Josh, for spreading the word!
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The history of genocide is a Jewish one in every sense of the word. The Holocaust was a seminal event in modern history that made the world confront its horror.
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The history of genocide is a Jewish one in every sense of the word. The Holocaust was a seminal event in modern history that made the world confront its horror.
Less known, however, is the story of Raphael Lemkin, the Polish-Jewish lawyer and anti-genocide crusader. The term genocide never existed until it was coined by Lemkin, who managed to escape the Holocaust to America. He created the word by combining geno, the Greek word for race, and cide, the Latin word for killing. His efforts led to the 1948 Genocide Convention, making the act of genocide illegal, everywhere.
Lemkin's crusade was an effort to make sure that the Holocaust was the last genocide. To use Elie Weisel's phrase, it was, "So that my past does not have to be someone's future."
Oh, how we have failed them.
Genocide is the world's problem. No nation or people can turn away from it. But more so than for anyone else, genocide is a problem for Jews.
We bear the unfortunate burden of being the reason for the vow "Never again." With that burden comes a responsibility that we will never, like it or not, be able to shake. If there is genocide in the world, Jewish communities everywhere must be up in arms, working tirelessly to do what very few were willing to do for us.
Our track record so far is less than laudable. We failed in Cambodia, and two million people died. In Srebenica, we failed as 8,000 Bosnian Muslim boys and men were murdered in a United Nations safe zone. The death of 800,000 Rwandan Tutsis was another mark of shame upon our vow.
What would Lemkin say? What would our relatives, looking down on us, say?
Yes, you can say that Jews aren't the only ones who failed, and that would be true. But politics cannot factor into our excuses and cloud our morality. We've been cast in our role more firmly than others – not only is it moral, it's personal.
Jan. 27 is International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Jews and non-Jews around the world are supposed to gather and remember. We will recall how the world stood idly by as our parents and grandparents were gassed. In the end, we will have a moment of silence and vow the hypocritical vow, "Never again."
Just a few days later, in February, the world will mark the start of the sixth year of genocide in Sudan's Darfur region, making it, in length, a longer genocide than the Holocaust. And "Never again" will cement its transition to "Ever again."
How much longer does Darfur have to suffer before we get the electric shock needed to jolt us into action? I wrote a piece in this paper three years ago on this very subject. In an attempt to highlight the need for Jewish leadership on Darfur, I recalled the verse in Isaiah that says Jews must be a light unto the nations.
Lemkin helped brighten that light. We have played a role in extinguishing it.
Darfur's genocide has been happening for longer than the Holocaust – let me say it again: longer than the Holocaust – and it's been going on right before our eyes. The region is filled with harrowing tales of mass murder, rape and destruction that have targeted three ethnic groups – the Fur, Masalit and Zaghawa. The number of victims is still growing.
Where are our rabbis crying out from our bimot? Why are our community federations, schools and agencies not sounding the alarm bells, organizing and rallying? Until our reaction stops being one of business as usual, with an occasional mention in a sermon or at a fundraising table, we will continue to fail as a community.
I don't want to be completely negative. I know we care and that there have been a few initiatives for Darfur that originated in our community.
Yet, until it can be asserted that efforts from Canada's Jews have translated into measurable improvement in the lives of Darfuris and helped accelerate and boost the inadequate efforts by our government to end the genocide, we have not done enough. Taking minimal action to placate our collective guilt as a community of genocide survivors is of no comfort to those in Darfur who are praying that they, too, will be a genocide survivor instead of a statistic.
There is a lot we can do, and I could list those things here. But first, before we even get to that stage, we have to want to do something. In six years of Darfur's genocide, we have not shown that we do.
In the Majdanek concentration camp there is a giant dome. Underneath it, in plain sight, are the ashes of tens of thousands of Jews. On top of the dome, there is an inscription that reads: "Let our fate be a warning to you."
For the past six years, we have squandered their warning. Oh, how we have failed them.
Josh Scheinert is a student at Osgoode Hall Law School and a past advocacy director of STAND Canada (Students Taking Action Now Darfur). To learn how you can help Darfur, visit www.standcanada.org, www.sdcanada.org and www.savedarfur.org.
Continue reading this article...Voices of Victims
For all you Winnipeggers out there...
Tutsi genocide survivor and human rights activist speaks at the Berney Theater, Asper Jewish Community Campus
December 9, 2008 (WINNPEG) The Jewish Students’ Association/Hillel in partnership with the East Indian Students’ Association, The African Students’ Association, Walk4Darfur and STAND are proud to present Eloge Christian Butera on January 8th, 2009 at 7pm at the Berney Theatre inside the Asper Jewish Community Campus.
Butera will be speaking about his experience as a survivor of the 1994 Tutsi genocide and the need to prevent genocides and other human rights violations.
Butera is currently a second year law student at McGill University and previously studied religions and psychology at the University of Manitoba, where he was actively involved in various human rights awareness and advocacy initiatives. He has spoken to dozens of audiences across Canada about his experience.
Winnipeg composer Zane Zalis, along with his talented musical troupe Prodigy, will also perform excerpts from I Believe, which will premiere on May 21, 2009. I Believe documents the Holocaust experience as seen and lived by those directly involved -- the perpetrators, the victims, the observers and, in a plea for informed hope and peace, ourselves.
Tickets are $5.00 and can be purchased at any of the following locations:
∑ Answers – University of Manitoba at University Centre
∑ Info-booth – University of Winnipeg
∑ Jewish Federation of Winnipeg – C300-123 Doncaster Street
A portion of all ticket sales will be donated on behalf of the partners, organizations and students to Tubahumarize, a women’s collective based in Kigali, Rwanda. The organization was founded by Butera’s mother, Jeanne Mwiliriza, to provide trauma counseling and support to widows and orphans of the genocide. Since then, the collective has grown to help hundreds of women and children escape domestic violence. Continue reading this article...
6 Signs of a Good Activism Organization
It's been a little while since I posted anything, so I thought I would give a rundown of the Six practices of great non-profits that was discussed at a recent meeting I attended. I believe the list initially comes from Not on Our Watch, the book by Don Cheadle and John Prendergast (though it may have changed slightly as it was passed down the line).
1. A comprehensive range of activities, from working with governments to working in the field to advocacy. Advocacy tends to be improved by in depth knowledge of the situation in the field, while humanitarian activities can be well-supplemented by working with governments to find solutions to the problems a non-profit may be addressing.
2. Harness market forces and partner with businesses.
3. Turn individuals into evangelists.
4. Build and utilize non-profit networks and alliances.
5. Adapt to changing circumstances.
6. Share leadership.
Stand performs a couple of these functions uniquely well. A couple of them don't really apply to us. And some of them I believe we could probably improve on. Stand does not have too much difficulty turning individuals into committed advocates. The national conference last year was a great example of how the organization tries to share leadership (though I believe that internal communication is still something that can be worked on to give everyone more of a sense of what people are doing). We are also fairly good at adapting to changing circumstances, which has been proven by some Stand'ers' willingness to take up the cause of civilians suffering in the Democratic Republic of Congo right now.
On the other side of the coin, we are not uniquely situated to provide humanitarian aid (clearly), although perhaps there is room to make partnerships with groups that do. And although we have some good connections with other groups in the Save Darfur movement, I think there is probably room to establish more connections with groups within Sudan itself, or around the world. Unfortunately, I don't really know about whether we have partnered with business, although the divestment campaign has been a success on this front. Anyone else care to comment?
I know it is not traditional to put an organization's internal discussions in a public forum, but Stand has always been an inclusive and interactive organization and we'd love to hear your opinions. Meanwhile, I leave you with six ways you can be an activist on your own.
1. Raise Awareness
2. Raise funds
3. Write a Letter
4. Call for Divestment
5. Join an organization
6. Lobby the government (through personal meetings/calls to your representatives) Continue reading this article...
1. A comprehensive range of activities, from working with governments to working in the field to advocacy. Advocacy tends to be improved by in depth knowledge of the situation in the field, while humanitarian activities can be well-supplemented by working with governments to find solutions to the problems a non-profit may be addressing.
2. Harness market forces and partner with businesses.
3. Turn individuals into evangelists.
4. Build and utilize non-profit networks and alliances.
5. Adapt to changing circumstances.
6. Share leadership.
Stand performs a couple of these functions uniquely well. A couple of them don't really apply to us. And some of them I believe we could probably improve on. Stand does not have too much difficulty turning individuals into committed advocates. The national conference last year was a great example of how the organization tries to share leadership (though I believe that internal communication is still something that can be worked on to give everyone more of a sense of what people are doing). We are also fairly good at adapting to changing circumstances, which has been proven by some Stand'ers' willingness to take up the cause of civilians suffering in the Democratic Republic of Congo right now.
On the other side of the coin, we are not uniquely situated to provide humanitarian aid (clearly), although perhaps there is room to make partnerships with groups that do. And although we have some good connections with other groups in the Save Darfur movement, I think there is probably room to establish more connections with groups within Sudan itself, or around the world. Unfortunately, I don't really know about whether we have partnered with business, although the divestment campaign has been a success on this front. Anyone else care to comment?
I know it is not traditional to put an organization's internal discussions in a public forum, but Stand has always been an inclusive and interactive organization and we'd love to hear your opinions. Meanwhile, I leave you with six ways you can be an activist on your own.
1. Raise Awareness
2. Raise funds
3. Write a Letter
4. Call for Divestment
5. Join an organization
6. Lobby the government (through personal meetings/calls to your representatives) Continue reading this article...
Hand in Hand for Peace
Here's an encouraging new initiative just sent to me by an enterprising Stand'er:
Please take a moment to join this effort to ask the Canadian government to take action in Congo. If you don't know what is going on and want to learn more go here:r http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7724088.stm or search news sites. This petition was designed by a great group called Hand in Hand for Peace and what they are asking from our government is reasonable and necessary to stop the current crisis. It only takes a minute to add your name to the list and tell your friends and family about this!
http://www.petition.fm/petitions/25/1000/
Once again, the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo is one that we at Stand are clearly interested in. Over 5 million deaths in the past 10 years. People are still dying at the rate of....wait for it....45,000 a month (mostly from disease and malnutrition)! (according to a study by the International Rescue Committee). While it's important to remember that some parts of the country have made great strides, including a landmark election a few years ago, the situation in the eastern province of North Kivu is a disaster and threatens to pull surrounding nations into a large conflict.
I, for one, strongly encourage advocacy on this issue. Even a little bit of attention is a big step for one of the most under-reported places on the planet. Continue reading this article...
Please take a moment to join this effort to ask the Canadian government to take action in Congo. If you don't know what is going on and want to learn more go here:r http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/
http://www.petition.fm/
Once again, the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo is one that we at Stand are clearly interested in. Over 5 million deaths in the past 10 years. People are still dying at the rate of....wait for it....45,000 a month (mostly from disease and malnutrition)! (according to a study by the International Rescue Committee). While it's important to remember that some parts of the country have made great strides, including a landmark election a few years ago, the situation in the eastern province of North Kivu is a disaster and threatens to pull surrounding nations into a large conflict.
I, for one, strongly encourage advocacy on this issue. Even a little bit of attention is a big step for one of the most under-reported places on the planet. Continue reading this article...
Letter of Congratulations from Save Darfur Canada
To everyone in the STAND Canada team,
I just wanted to commend you all for your Darfur advocacy activities during the recent election campaign, and the impact you have had so far.
Your national team's analysis of party positions going into the election, your chapter-led local engagement of candidates, and your participation in Save Darfur Canada's online elections campaign helped ensure that Darfur is now on the minds of newly elected decision-makers across the country.
You should be incredibly proud of your contributions - but this is only the beginning! In a few short weeks, Canada's 40th Parliamentary Session opens, and there is so much for us to do to help bring an end to the Darfur crisis. We must move forward with the same enthusiasm as we did during the elections period, and work just as hard to ensure that Canadians and decision-makers make Darfur their issue.
There are several upcoming dates of importance that you should be marking on your calendars, including the 60th anniversary of the Genocide Convention (December 9th), International Human Rights Day (December 10th), the first anniversary of the UNAMID mission (December 31st) and the International Criminal Court's announcement on whether they will indict Omar al-Bashir for 10 counts of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity (likely in December or January). I encourage you to remind members of your community, your local media and your MPs of these important dates, and of the need for Canada to make peace and long term stability in Darfur and all of Sudan a foreign affairs priority.
On behalf of everyone at Save Darfur Canada, we look forward to working with STAND Canada in upcoming months, and to seeing more results from the larger and ever growing national Darfur advocacy movement.
Keep up the good work - and don't forget that your efforts are making a difference!
Best,
Tara Tavender
Executive Director
Save Darfur Canada
www.SDCanada.org
Continue reading this article...
I just wanted to commend you all for your Darfur advocacy activities during the recent election campaign, and the impact you have had so far.
Your national team's analysis of party positions going into the election, your chapter-led local engagement of candidates, and your participation in Save Darfur Canada's online elections campaign helped ensure that Darfur is now on the minds of newly elected decision-makers across the country.
You should be incredibly proud of your contributions - but this is only the beginning! In a few short weeks, Canada's 40th Parliamentary Session opens, and there is so much for us to do to help bring an end to the Darfur crisis. We must move forward with the same enthusiasm as we did during the elections period, and work just as hard to ensure that Canadians and decision-makers make Darfur their issue.
There are several upcoming dates of importance that you should be marking on your calendars, including the 60th anniversary of the Genocide Convention (December 9th), International Human Rights Day (December 10th), the first anniversary of the UNAMID mission (December 31st) and the International Criminal Court's announcement on whether they will indict Omar al-Bashir for 10 counts of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity (likely in December or January). I encourage you to remind members of your community, your local media and your MPs of these important dates, and of the need for Canada to make peace and long term stability in Darfur and all of Sudan a foreign affairs priority.
On behalf of everyone at Save Darfur Canada, we look forward to working with STAND Canada in upcoming months, and to seeing more results from the larger and ever growing national Darfur advocacy movement.
Keep up the good work - and don't forget that your efforts are making a difference!
Best,
Tara Tavender
Executive Director
Save Darfur Canada
www.SDCanada.org
Continue reading this article...
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