Fair Feels Good

Today one in six people—more than one billion—don’t have access to enough water. Lack of access to safe water is the leading cause of death and illness in the world - around the world, a child dies every 15 seconds from water-borne diseases, and 80 percent of all diseases are caused by unsafe drinking water, poor sanitation and inadequate hygiene.

The global water crisis is steadily worsening with climate change. As water scarcity becomes a bigger issue, corporations are increasingly trying to take control of public water resources and systems, which is making the problem worse. Globally, corporations promote water privatization under the guise of efficiency. But there is no substitute for public water. Water is a human right, not a privilege.

March 22 is World Water Day - a day to observe the global water crisis and pledge to make a change. One of the easiest and biggest changes we can make is to join the fight against bottled water corporations. Challenging the corporations that control our water shows that we, as consumers, are serious about protecting our environment.

This year, on World Water Day, groups and individuals across the country are pledging to choose tap over bottled water. Besides generating pollution, tap water is cleaner and safer - it is required to go through more rigorous and frequent testing than bottled water!

Taking the Think Outside the Bottle Pledge is quick, easy, and sends the message that water is a human right, not a commodity.

To take the Think Outside the Bottle Pledge and learn more about bottled water - visit the Think Outside the Bottle website today!

After decades of suffering, the Tibetan people have burst onto the streets in protests and riots. The spotlight of the upcoming Olympic Games is now on China, and Tibetan Nobel peace prize winner the Dalai Lama is calling to end all violence through restraint and dialogue–he urgently needs the support of the world’s people.

China’s leaders are lashing out publicly at the Dalai Lama–but we’re told many Chinese officials believe dialogue is the best hope for stability in Tibet. China’s leadership is right now considering a crucial choice between crackdown and dialogue that could determine Tibet’s, and China’s, future.

We can affect this historic choice. China does care about its international reputation, and we can help them choose the right path. China’s President Hu Jintao needs to hear that the ‘Made in China’ brand and the upcoming Olympics in Beijing will succeed only if he makes the right choice. But it will take an avalanche of global people power to get his attention.

China’s economy is dependent on “Made in China” exports that we all buy, and the government is keen to make the Olympics in Beijing this summer a celebration of a new and respected China. China is also a sprawling, diverse country with much brutality in its past, so it has good reasons to be concerned about stability — some of Tibet’s rioters killed innocent people. But President Hu must recognize that the greatest danger to Chinese stability and development today comes from hardliners who advocate escalating repression, not from those Tibetans seeking dialogue and reform.

We will deliver our petition directly to Chinese officials in New York, London and Beijing, but it must be a massive number first.

The Tibetan people have suffered quietly for decades. It is finally their moment to speak, we must help them be heard.

The petition for restraint and dialogue in Tibet is exploding, with 253,353 signers since March 19! Add your voice to the outcry now. Sign the petition The goal is 1 million voices united for Tibet.

Do you know a supermarket who is doing a great job in stocking and promoting fair trade products? Or is your grocery store slacking and just not interested in fair trade? Either way, have your say.

Download this grocery store report card, and when you next visit your grocery store make a quick note of the fair trade varieties. Submit your report online here, and help Oxfam congratulate those who deserve it, or put pressure on those groups who need to stock more fair trade.

Help us know whats going on in your area and help fair trade!

This year, March 8 marks the centennial anniversary of International Women’s Day. On this day one hundred years ago more than 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding shorter hours, better pay and voting rights. Since then, International Women’s Day has remained a day for women raise their voices.

Last month The United Nations raised its voice to donors, calling for a massive $856 million to help women in crisis situations and war. This call for funds illustrates the sheer magnitude of the problem that UNICEF’s Executive Director, Ann M. Veneman, explains

“From Somalia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to Iraq, Zimbabwe and Sudan, children and women continue to bear the brunt of conflict, displacement and deteriorating conditions,” UNICEF Executive Director Ann M. Veneman

There have been more than 250 major wars since WWII, leaving millions of women displaced around the world. In modern-day warfare, women are targeted for ethnic cleansing, rape is used as a weapon to destroy communities, and women make up for at least 75% of the casualty rate.

Women today have a duty to contribute to programs that provide assistance and relief. One excellent program worth examining is that of Women For Women International, a courageous organization that reaches out to assist women in war-torn and post-conflict countries.

Their work is exceptional, as seen by inspirational videos and stories on their website. With a solid track record of rebuilding lives and communities, Women For Women offers a one-year program to sponsor a woman in a country of your choice.

The program is very personal, a deep connection is formed. Both parties get to know each other, letters are often exchanged, and friendships blossom. For $27 a month (and a $30 one-time administration fee), you can sponsor a woman in need to attend vocational training, feed her family and understand her rights.

This program is about more than money, its about creating a significant impact on both lives. After all, giving is the greatest gift.