Friday, June 26, 2009"The more things change, the more they stay the same." Author UnknownYesterday, I received the following update from the UN Millennium Campaign. Rather than rewriting the the well written piece, I copied it here for you. Please take the time to read it in entirety and pass it on to others.Ahead of UN General Assembly's high-level summit on the economic crisis on June 24-26, UN Millennium Campaign says new analysis indicates that finding money for aid is a matter of political will - not lack of resources - and calls on donors to finally meet their aid commitments
June 23, 2009 - The United Nations Millennium Campaign today released an analysis showing that since the inception of aid (overseas development assistance) almost 50 years ago, donor countries have given some $2 trillion in aid. And yet over the past year, $18 trillion has been found globally to bail out banks and other financial institutions. The amount of total aid over the past 49 years represents just eleven percent of the money found for financial institutions in one year. The UN Millennium Campaign is urgently calling on rich countries gathering at this week's high-level summit on the economic crisis to make no further excuses that they lack resources and to urgently deliver on their aid commitments.
"The stark contrast between the money dispersed to the world's desperately poor after 49 years of painstaking summits and negotiations and the staggering sums found virtually overnight to bail out the creators of the global economic crisis makes it impossible for governments to any longer claim that the world can't find the money to help the 50,000 people who are dying of extreme poverty every day," said Salil Shetty, Director of the United Nations Millennium Campaign. "This is a straightforward question of political will. Rich countries' priorities will become crystal clear at this week's summit on the economic crisis, where we hope they will finally deliver on the aid they have repeatedly pledged but not delivered to those who need it most."
Worse still, the global economic crisis is expected to further impact the delivery of aid to poor countries at a time when the need is greatest. Already, the consequences of the crisis, caused by the richest people in the richest countries, are being disproportionately borne by poor countries. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, the economic crisis has resulted in 100 million more people going hungry, taking the total number of hungry people in the world to a staggering one billion. At the same time, only $9.4 billion of the $28.3 billion -- less than a third -- pledged at the Gleneagles Summit in 2005 to be delivered to Sub-Saharan Africa by 2010, has actually been delivered.
The Millennium Campaign believes any discussions of a new financial architecture must be inclusive of the voices and needs of the poor. The Campaign is therefore calling on donor countries to immediately and unconditionally do the following:
- Urgently agree to a timetable to accelerate delivery of their aid commitments.
- Make rapid progress toward achieving the Paris Declaration and Accra Agenda to simplify and streamline aid, including a clear timetable for implementation of existing commitments.
- Reduce and/or eliminate all trade-distorting agricultural subsidies.
- Ensure that poor countries are fully represented in all decision making bodies and in the restructuring of the global financial infrastructure.
The Millennium Campaign is calling on poor countries to immediately do the following:
- Ensure that national development policies and plans are pro-poor and focused on women and excluded groups.
- Prioritize expenditures on the Millennium Development Goals.
- Ensure accountability and transparency in the management of public money
- Prioritize domestic resource mobilization.
Go to www.youtube.com/mcampaign to watch the videoclip.
As we continue to bail out the banking industry and auto manufactuers, we create more global suffering and sentence more people to death from starvation. Where is the justice?
Peace -
Bonnie
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NEIDEEP at 7:57 AM
Tuesday, June 23, 2009"Life's what happens when you're busy making other plans." John LennonFor the first time in months, I finally have the time - and energy - to write. Unfortunately, life has been hard since November. However, my commitment to eradicating global poverty has not waivered one little bit. I usually deal with stress better than I have these past months and write - even if I slip on blogging - a good deal. As the stress piled up, my blood pressure went through the roof and my energy sank like a stone. I had to rest.In the past week, my blood pressure dropped and my energy level rose. I still have a way to go, but I can concentrate again.I missed writing about so many important issues, but more pop up every day. I have to forgive myself for taking care of me for a while, and just get back to writing.With the economy in this global depression (well, it is - who are we kidding?), so many more suffer from poverty today than just a year ago. With many promises unkempt for aid to developing nations, the poor get poorer, and now some of the rich are scared, too.The only good things seems to be that more people know what poverty means. More people planted gardens this year (although many report rotted plants from all of the rain) and Plant-a-Row for the poor is a popular thing to do.Saving our environment is global concern, but as gas prices rise, automakers continue to make many bad decisions.Since I lived off the grid for many years - before being green was popular - I feel my overall carbon footprint is relatively low. My big sin is that I own a Jeep. Listening to the good-intentioned city dwellers state that we need small, alternative energy vehicles, I see a huge problem for our rural areas. These little cars - often low to the ground - do use less fossil fuels. They do not have the power to travel on rough or mountainous roads. Winter travel is another consideration, with 4-wheel drive a better alternative to all-wheel drive. Larger families cannot pack their kids, pets and groceries into these tin cans. They are good on flat roads and highways - until there is an accident - with bumpers and fenders that crumple in a crash. National insurance companies report that these vehicles need to be totaled as repair costs are astronomical.How does this help the big picture? How do these vehicles help the environment, when new cars end up in as junk? Will Americans continue with quick-fix mentality rather than making decisions for the highest good of all people? Will we remain so focused on Detroit that we forget about people starving?My biggest fear is that as actors and rockers turn to the new cause de jour, the world's neediest people are forgotten.Peace - Bonnie
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NEIDEEP at 4:22 PM
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
"I just want to do God's will. And he's allowed me to go to the mountain. And I've looked over, and I've seen the promised land! I may not get there with you, but I want you to know tonight that we as a people will get to the promised land."
"I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up, live out the true meaning of its creed - we hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal." Martin Luther King, Jr.
With tears in my eyes and joy in my heart, I sit watching the Inaugural proceedings of the 44th president of the United States of America - Barack Obama.
After listening to his speech, I am saddened to hear so much criticism. I liked hearing that science will have a place in our governmental decision making. I also believe that "our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness." As a Buddhist, Obama's reminder that "We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus — and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth." not only moved me, but resonated deep within my soul. With both our national and our global crisis, quotable quotes are not as important as the theme that we must sacrifice and work together to reestablish our once-great country.
Although I doubted that the MDGs would be initiated by 2015, I now believe my country will honor the commitments to help the developing world. Obama said, "To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds." With his heritage, I believed him.
Change cannot happen overnight, but I hope we are on our way to a better future. At this point, I know one thing for sure - for the first time in decades, I am not embarrassed to be an American. And that counts for something!
Peace,
Bonnie
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NEIDEEP at 3:14 PM
Monday, October 20, 2008
"Try to realize it's all within yourself no one else can make you change, and to see you're only very small and life flows on within you and without you." George Harrison
It was a great weekend, and I thank all the participants.
I will write more of my thoughts later this week. I have a lot of catching up to do, plus, I want to post the final Stand Up numbers (and some pictures)! The results should be in later today!
Peace,
Bonnie
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NEIDEEP at 3:09 PM
Update on Friday, October 17, 2008
"Get up, Stand Up! Stand Up for Your Rights." Bob Marley
Here is the updated agenda. See my earlier post for today, below.
Agenda - Active Communities: Weaving a Sustainable Future
1:15 pm – 1:30 pm Register for conference & Meet & Greet
1:30 pm – 1:40 pm Introduce conference
1:40 pm – 2:20 pm Faith in Action
2:20 pm – 3:00 pm The Global Crisis
3:00 pm – 3:15 pm Break
3:15 pm – 3:55 pm Poverty in Maine
3:55pm – 4:35 pm Farming Communities – local & global
4:35 pm – 5:00 pm Time to visit booths, participate in discussions, view movies
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm Dinner
6:00 pm Jan West Schrock, Heifer International
“Together We Can End Hunger and Poverty”
Sponsored by: Heifer International, Mid-Maine Time Bank, Skowhegan, Waterville & Fairfield Farmer’s Markets, Mid-Maine Homeless Shelter, North End Boys & Girls Club, MOFGA, B & F Fresh Vegetables, Maine Council of Churches, Joseph’s Market, The Morning Sentinel, Town Line, Somerset Coffee & Tea Co., Huhtamaki, NEIDEEP, Hannaford’s, UN Millennium Campaign, Borealis Bakery, Colby Chapter of Amnesty International, the New England Conferenceof the United Methodist Church, UN Foundation, Loving Caring Hands Food Pantry, Fairfield Community Center & the Fairfield United Methodist Church
Peace -
Bonnie
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NEIDEEP at 9:15 AM
Friday, October 17, 2008
"Get up, stand up, stand up for your rights." Bob Marley
Today starts the International Celebration of Eradicating Poverty. During the next few days, we Stand Up for our rights and the rights of 1.4 billion people who live on less than $1.25 a day. As we gather in our large or small groups to celebrate this event by Standing Up to Take Action, I find myself exhausted due to the change of venue from Colby College to the Fairfield Community Center.
It has been quite a week. And, when I called Jan Schrock of Heifer the other day - something that I had put off - I figured she would be disappointed in the change of venue, since her focus is on education and youth... Jan was supportive and positive. She thanked me for not giving up and working with the community to pull off the change.
Then I told her I was afraid the change may mean smaller numbers. This was of no concern to her - she said the right people would show up. We discussed that to end poverty, we need to take the focus off of money. "It's a no-brainer," she said.
However, most people still believe that we need more money to end poverty...
Next, I spoke with Rev. Marcelle Dotson, of the United Methodist Conference, who is representing the Nothing But Nets Campaign and gave her the same news. She was thrilled that the community pulled together to change the venue. After all, building our communities is how we can change the course of the future - locally, nationally and globally... She also told me the right people would show up, and not to worry about the numbers...
Not worry? But do I set up tables for 20 or 200? How much coffee should I make? Food is not the issue - if there is too much, it will all go to the Mid-Maine Homeless Shelter. If there is not enough, well - it is a potluck, too, so... Besides, people can send out for pizza, if needed...
Today, as we make soups; print out & copy materials; make last minute phone calls & lists; send out e-mails; and more, it is also the time to remember that this event reminds us to work together and
Live Simply, So Others May Simply Live.
Okay - off the soup box - ahh, I mean soap box - and back down to earth!'
Directions:
Southbound on I-95 (from Bangor)
Take Exit 132 for Fairfield. At the end of the exit, turn left towards Fairfield on Rt. 139 – Western Ave. You will come to a “T” (1.1 miles). Turn right onto Rt. 201 South. Turn left on Water Street between the Post Office and Big Apple Mobil station (0.3 miles). Fairfield Community Center is the last brick building on the right, just after the Fairfield Police Station. Parking is straight ahead, next to the river.
Northbound on I-95 (from Augusta)
Take Exit 132 for Fairfield. At the end of the exit, turn right towards Fairfield on Rt. 139 – Western Ave. You will come to a “T” (1 mile). Turn right onto Rt. 201 South. Turn left on Water Street between the Post Office and Big Apple Mobil station (0.3 miles). Fairfield Community Center is the last brick building on the right, just after the Fairfield Police Station. Parking is straight ahead, next to the river.
From Skowhegan - local
Take Route 201 South into ‘downtown’ Fairfield. Turn left on Water Street between the Post Office and Big Apple Mobil station. Fairfield Community Center is the last brick building on the right, just after the Fairfield Police Station. Parking is straight ahead, next to the river.
From Waterville - local
Take Route 201 North into ‘downtown’ Fairfield. Turn right on Water Street between the Big Apple Mobil station and the Post Office. Fairfield Community Center is the last brick building on the right, just after the Fairfield Police Station. Parking is straight ahead, next to the river.
From Norridgewock - local
Take Route 139 South to Western Ave, just past Damon’s. When you come to a “T,” turn right onto Rt. 201 South. Turn left on Water Street between the Big Apple Mobil station and the Post Office. Fairfield Community Center is the last brick building on the right, just after the Fairfield Police Station. Parking is straight ahead, next to the river.
From Benton/Unity - local
Take Route 11 South, across the bridges into ‘downtown’ Fairfield. Turn left onto Rt. 201 South. Turn right on Water Street between the Big Apple Mobil station and the Post Office. Fairfield Community Center is the last brick building on the right, just after the Fairfield Police Station. Parking is straight ahead, next to the river.
Now, back to tweaking that agenda! I will post it later, with a list of the panel participants.
Although we want you to RSVP, you can just show up... If we need to set up more chairs, you can help us do that - after all it is a community event! Bring a potluck in a disposable pan, so we can share with the Shelter! Or, bring a yummy dessert - I could use the chocolate! We have Fair Trade Organic coffee and tea - donated by Somerset Coffee & Tea Company (part of the Skowhegan & Augusta Farmer's Markets). We have soups, with products of the Skowhegan, Waterville & Fairfield Markets & additional bread donated by Borealis Bakery.
We have great panels, with very informed, dynamic people, locally, regionally and globally. Jan Schrock - Heifer International - will be at both of the events, on the farming panel and give her keynote speech at 6pm. Her new children's book will be on sale as community fundraisers. What a great holiday gift - and signed by one of the world's most awesome, down-to-earth humanitarians!
See you tomorrow - at the Market and/or the center! If we have large amounts of people, we just might need you to pitch in!
Remember - the conference fee is a non-perishable food item for one of our local food pantries.
Peace -
Bonnie
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NEIDEEP at 5:42 AM
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
The thing the sixties did was to show us the possibilities and the responsibility that we all had. It wasn't the answer. It just gave us a glimpse of the possibility. John Lennon
October 18 Poverty Event Moved to Fairfield Community Center
Sometimes it seems like the universe (or Divine Order of God) has plans that we must fall in line with and that was the message of the last week. Just a week ago yesterday - after months of planning and an event already scheduled with Colby College, the administration told their activist student that the poverty event conflicted with Homecoming weekend. After tons of stress and e-mails, the administration announced the event could still take place, but no parking was available!
Next, we learned that the free food donated by local farmers as well as the potluck food was not welcome. All leftovers are going to the Mid-Maine Homeless Shelter that serves breakfast and lunch every day. Now, we had to purchase food for the free event and free dinner... Every time we attempted to solve a problem and bring the administration into the event, another problem popped up. It reminded me of what my older friends experienced in the sixties - it reminded me of the African Proverb, "If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem."
As I sadly decided to cancel the conference, some community activists stood up and insisted that the conference was too important to cancel. I am relatively new in the region, so I often feel like an outsider. I have contacts, but few local resources. Now, there is an awesome new space - donated free of charge. It has a commerical kitchen and tons of parking. All of these volunteers are ready and willing to make this work! Although there is only one room, we will rearrange the discussion panels and have a great day. We have new flyers and ads to get out, but it should all come together.
This is a clear indication of what a community can together to solve problems, which is the focus of the event!!!
Remember, the day begins at Skowhegan Farmer’s Market, where Jan Schrock - the senior advisor to Heifer International and daughter of the founder, Dan West - will talk with the community at 11am. She will discuss importance of community in working on hunger and poverty as well as some of Heifer’s projects in Maine. Schrock said that markets of that type bring communities together by combining food, entertainment and children’s activities. She will also have her new children’s book available.
The conference - Active Communities: Weaving a Sustainable Future - will begin at 1:15pm.
Although there is no charge, please bring a non-perishable food item for one of our local food pantries or pet food. You may also make a donation to one of the represented organizations of your choice.
Although no money is changing hands, many sponsors joined in to donate their time, gifts and food to show how communities working together addresses poverty: Heifer International; the Colby Chapter of Amnesty International; the Skowhegan, Waterville and Fairfield Farmers’ Markets; Somerset County Coffee & Tea Co., Joseph’s Market; Hannaford’s; Maine Council of Churches; NEIDEEP; The Town Line; MOFGA; North End Boys & Girls Club; Loving Caring Hands Food Pantry; the Mid-Maine Homeless Shelter; the Mid-Maine Time Bank; the Fairfield Community Center; The Fairfield/Fairfield Center United Methodist Churches, The Morning Sentinel, the New England Conference of the United Methodist Church, the UN Foundation, and the UN Millennium Campaign.
The afternoon includes discussion panels with experts on Local Poverty, Farming Communities, Faith in Action, and the Global Crisis as well as a chance to be included in the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest number of people standing up against poverty.
Participants are invited to a free dinner based the “Stone Soup” principle, with meats and produce donated by our farming communities. Please bring a potluck dish. Jan Schrock will give her keynote speech after dinner.
Please RSVP for all or part of the event. For reservations and information, contact me.
Peace,
Bonnie
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NEIDEEP at 5:32 AM
Monday, October 6, 2008"I love this work I do. It's a privilege to serve the poor.." BonoAlthough there are many details to still plan and address, the conference is coming togther. People in Skowhegan are excited that Jan Schrock will be coming to their small community to see their Farmer's Market.
More sponsors are joining every day and several others are contacting their boards for involvement.
The idea - and ideal - of a free conference is surprising. However, I wonder how else a poverty conference could be?
In the attempt to keep the conference Green, below is the Agenda. Remember, the Skowhegan Farmer's Market piece is separate, although a chance to speak with Jan Schrock if you are unable to go to Colby:
Remember - the conference is free - bring a non-perishable food item for a food pantry or pet food for the Humane Society. Donations can also be made to the organizations represented.
Agenda
11:00am Skowhegan Framer’s Market - Jan West Schrock, Heifer International
Colby College - Active Communities: Weaving a Sustainable Future
1:15pm – 1:30pm Register for conference – Diamond Building
1:30pm – 1:45pm Meet & Greet – snacks & beverages
1:45pm – 2:30pm Introduce conference & Discussion Panels
2:30pm – 2:45pm Break
2:45pm – 3:30pm Discussion Panels 1& 2 or view Movies as an alternative
1 - Women & Children in Developing Countries
2 - Faith in Action
3:30 pm – 3:45 pm Break
3:45 pm – 4:30 pm Discussion Panels 3 & 4 or view Movies as an alternative
3 – Poverty in Maine
4 – Farming Communities – local & global
4:30pm – 5:30pm Free time to visit booths, participate in discussions, view movies
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm Free Poverty dinner for conference attendees – soups provided by the local farmers & prepared by the faith community - potluck provided by attendees
7:00 pm Jan West Schrock – Heifer International - “Together We Can End Hunger and Poverty”
Sponsors to date: Heifer International, Skowhegan Farmer’s Market, Somerset Coffee & Tea Company, Colby Chapter of Amnesty International, Maine Council of Churches, NEIDEEP, The Town Line, Loving Caring Hands Food Pantry, MOFGA, The Morning Sentinel, the North End Boys & Girls Club, The New England Conference of the United Methodist Church (Nothing But Nets), The UN Foundation, the UN Millennium Campaign
Be sure to contact me for infomation or reservations.
Peace,
Bonnie
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NEIDEEP at 10:08 AM
