Help Make Poverty History in 2009

Recently, Make Poverty History (MPH) released their campaign goals for 2009, designed to make a difference in the lives of people who live in poverty here at home and abroad.  

The 2009 campaign goals include:

Poverty Reduction Strategy

Convincing all provincial governments to create and implement poverty reduction plans. Some provinces such as Newfoundland and Labrador already have such plans in place, other provinces have not.  Based upon a set of targets, this kind of strategy works at all levels of government to bring together the money and resources needed for those most affected by poverty. More about the Poverty Reduction Strategy.

Getting the G8 to deliver on their aid promises

This year, the leaders of the G8 will meet in Italy for their annual summit.  As in previous years, global poverty and climate change are on the agenda, but the effect of the economic crisis will take centre stage.  Make Poverty History has teamed up with the Global Call to Action Against Poverty to send the G8 leaders a strong message that they need to keep their promises to double the aid sent to Africa and to do more to protect those living in poverty who are most affected by the crisis.  Make Poverty History is also working on their campaign for the 2010 G8 summit, which will be held in Canada.

Facilitate and Demonstrate Public Support for Action

Make Poverty History works on a variety of campaigns throughout the year to send the message that poverty needs to be dealt with now.  One of MPH's main events this year will be their STAND UP Days of Action October 16, 17 and 18th. Last year over 76000 Canadians took part and MPH hopes that more will participate this year. 

Also, MPH wants to generate pressure directed at the Federal Government so that the next budget will do more to address and assist those that were hit hard by the growing global economic crisis. 

Make Poverty History is asking for the support of all Canadians... through participating in MPH events or by giving a small financial donation to MPH. Events happen across Canada so make sure you check the MPH event page often to find an event near you.  One of simplest ways you can show your support is to buy a White Bracelet from your local Ten Thousand Villages store. 

Get to the Point: Make Poverty History

*Earlier this week, Make Poverty History launched a new ad campaign urging Canadians to speak out to convince the Federal government to make Canada a leader in irradicating poverty around the world by simply standing by a promise made years ago: commit 0.7% of the Gross National Income (GNI) to foreign aid and development.

In 1968, Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson became the Chairman of the Commission on International Development, a United Nations committee whose mission was to analyse previous development assistance programs and make concrete suggestions for what the world could do to lessen the disparity of wealth amongst the nations. After a year of constant travel around the world, consulting both wealthy nations and nations receiving aid, the Commission published their report "Partners in Development" (also known as The Pearson Commission Report). At the heart of this report was the concept that all nations must work together, as partners, if developmental aid was to succeed. It is this report that coined the concept that foreign aid is a feasible task requiring a constant flow of income from the wealthy nations that would be equivalent to 0.7% of their GNI. And living up to Canada's international reputation as compassionate and caring, the government of the day immediately made the commitment to allocate the necessary funds.

Unfortunately, over the past four decades, Canada has not kept their promise. Over the years, we've come close to allocating the full 0.7% (the closest being 0.53% in 1975) but we've yet to actually hit the target. In fact, we're averaging less than 0.3% of our GNI. We're far behind other wealthy nations including the Netherlands and Norway, who give 0.81% and 0.95% respectively.

K-os: one of the many Canadian celebrities participating in the Get to the Point campaign.

The new ad campaign is part of a call to action leading up to the next G8 summit in Japan in July, where one of the main topics of discussion will be the member nation's contribution to foreign aid. By meeting the target, Canadians could become world leaders in the battle against global poverty. The ad campaign (created by ad agency Taxi on a pro bono basis) is endorses by a wide selection of Canadian celebrities including: Feist, Chantal Kreviazuk, Sam Roberts, Gord Downie, Sarah McLachlan, Tom Cochrane, K-OS, Billy Talent, Jann Arden, Suzie McNeil and George Stroumboulopoulos.

From a press release dated June 11, 2008:

"We're at a critical juncture in the battle against global poverty," says Gerry Garr, Chair of the Make Poverty History campaign. "If every nation that has promised to sign onto the .7 campaign follows through on its word, we can stave off a much larger global disaster that many experts think will come our way if we don't act now."

How can you get involved? Make a statement. Go to Make Poverty History to tell Prime Minister Harper and your local MP that they need to commit to the promise we made to the world. By signing up with the Point Seven campaign, you can send a message to the government, telling them, "Get to the Point!" and publically commit to finally keep the promise that Pearson first made so many decades ago.

You can also view the ad on The Hour website.

Passing along this important message

Vote out Poverty

UPCOMING EVENTS:VOTE OUT POVERTY: A Rally for Social Justice in Ontario, October 1st at Massey Hall

HOST: George Stroumboulopoulos and Mary Walsh

SPEAKERS: Stephen Lewis• A rally against poverty on an evening before the provincial election.• An evening of talk and performance about the need for social justice in Ontario• Featuring high profile speakers and entertainers
We are inviting different constituencies to make "spot" presentations via video clips. A special effort will be made to hear from those living in poverty. Each of the provincial party leaders would then be invited to address the meeting and recount how their party has helped to reduce poverty.

ENTERTAINMENT: Susan Aglukark and more.

PARTNERS / SPONSORS: This event is being organized by a partnership of Make Poverty History and the Ontario Coalition for Social Justice.
We are All Brothers and Sisters. Let's Work Together! We Can Make Poverty History. It won't happen if YOU Don't Do Your Share!

Linda :)