For a closer look at the numbers

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Still more from the Stand Up event from two weeks ago. While I was able to participate online in the event, I was not able to follow up in a timely manner due to real life/day job demands. Part of me simply wants to move on to other issues, but some review needs to be made to make sense of things.

This also came from the Stand Up End Poverty organization giving a wrap up of the events impact. They put a nice spin on the outcome, which is to be understood. There is however the concern that this campaign is beginning to plateau. A basically 50% increase is impressive, but there were exponential increases in past years. There is mention of North America sharing in the largest percentage increase, but if the number starts small that is not a high hurdle to get over. My point is not to cease the efforts, but rather start concentrating on increasing overall numbers work on strengthen the connections that have been made.

GUINNESS WORLD RECORD SHATTERED BY CITIZENS ACROSS GLOBE DEMANDING THAT THEIR LEADERS END POVERTY

More than 173 Million People Gather at "Stand Up, Take Action, End Poverty Now!" events, setting new world record for largest mobilization in history

A Guinness World Record shattered [this weekend] when 173,045,325 citizens gathered at over 3,000 events in more than 120 countries, demanding that their governments eradicate extreme poverty and achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). "Stand Up, Take Action, End Poverty Now!", now in its fourth year, has been certified by Guinness World Records as the largest mobilization of human beings in recorded history, an increase of about 57 million people over last year.

"The more than 173 million people who mobilized this weekend sent a clear message to world leaders that there is massive, universal, global demand for eradicating poverty and achieving the Millennium Development Goals," said Salil Shetty, Director of the United Nations Millennium Campaign. "In particular, we have seen citizens determined to show their governments that they will hold them accountable for keeping their promises to end hunger, improve maternal health and abolish trade-distorting agricultural subsidies. They will not accept excuses for breaking promises to the world's poorest and most vulnerable people, who have already been hardest hit by the global food, economic and climate crises they had no role in causing."

The numbers from around the world:

• Asia 101,106,845
• Africa 37,848,412
• Arab region 31,394,459
• Europe 2,102,121
  
• Latin America 229,371
• North America 191,535
• Oceania 172,582

The mobilization was organized globally by the United Nations Millennium Campaign, in partnership with a range of organizations including the Global Call to Action Against Poverty (GCAP).

For a closer look at the numbers

Asia and Africa, which is where the largest numbers of poor people reside, continue to be the two regions where the maximum number of people Stand Up for the MDGs. Asia saw the biggest increase in absolute numbers and Europe, the Arab Region, North America and Africa saw the biggest increase in percentage growth.

The top two countries in terms of numbers mobilised this year are Philippines and Bangladesh, with Philippines continuing to mobilise in force despite the typhoons and devastating floods.

India and Nepal showed big jumps in spite of the dates clashing with Diwali and 3 million Indonesians joined the Stand Up mobilization even as the country was reeling from a major earthquake.

The mobilization in Africa this year was simply spectacular, Nigeria is still numero uno with huge increases in Ethiopia, Uganda, Ghana, Kenya and several other countries.

And in the Arab region, Egypt saw a massive jump again, Yemen entered the mobilization in a big way.

GET YOUR OFFICIAL STAND UP WORLD RECORD CERTIFICATE!

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SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE

Tell us how you stood up and took action to end poverty

Tell your story now >

VIDEOS, PHOTOS, FACEBOOK

Watch videos, see photos and connect with Stand Up from all over the world

• Watch videos >
• See photos >
• Connect on Facebook >

Thank You for Standing Up

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My real life/day job has been heating up lately, so I missed out on blogging about the October 24th 350.org events or any follow up after the October 16 thru 18 Stand Up event though I did get to participate on line this year. This is a part-time amateur effort so one does what one can. This is what the folks at Stand Up sent me after the event.

The global people's movement for the MDGs is stronger than ever, over 173 million people have answered the call - you made it happen!

Dear Fellow Campaigners,

Your passion, commitment and determination have once again inspired a global movement which continues to grow beyond all expectations. You stood up in your cities, towns and villages, in your churches, mosques and temples; you stood in your colleges, schools and homes, on town squares and street sidewalks, you stood together as a global community, not only to shatter the Guinness World record but also to send a powerful message to leaders at the local, national and global level which cannot now be ignored:

"We are more determined than ever to see the Millennium Development Goals become a reality and to end poverty now!"

We know from experience that a significant proportion of activities and events do not get registered in time as many of them take place in remote rural locations with limited internet connectivity. Despite these constraints, over 3000 events spread across 121 countries were registered and more information on the scale of this mobilisation continues to flood in through phone calls, text messages and faxes! More details are at the bottom of this email and on the website www.standagainstpoverty.org.

On behalf of the United Nations Millennium Campaign (www.endpoverty2015.org) I want to thank every one of the thousands of organisers across the world at the local and national levels - social movements, faith groups, NGOs, youth organisations, women's groups, trade unions, civil society coalitions campaigning for the MDGs, local and national governments and the even larger number of volunteers, local groups and individual citizens who made this year's Stand Up and Take Action a resounding success.

We also want to thank the UN system at all levels as well as many of our global partners including the Global Call to Action Against Poverty, Art of Living Foundation, Micah Challenge, Skype, UStream, the ONE Campaign, major media partners at the global and national levels and so many others who played a pivotal role in this unprecedented mobilisation.

Together we have the power to make a difference ...

Now in its fourth year, we have seen the impact that Stand Up is making in people's lives and improving the MDG policies and practises of governments. Providing the space and platforms for ordinary citizens to have their voices heard on issues that matter to them at the national and local level. In both rich and poor countries, citizens have come together, to put the priorities of the poor and excluded groups, firmly on the political agenda and get their own governments to address them. Once again an overwhelming majority of the people who stood up were from poor countries. And as their voices grow louder, they can no longer be ignored. The sharp focus on women's rights, hunger and maternal health (in poor countries) and the elimination of trade-distorting agricultural subsidies (in rich countries) and the specific targeting of Parliamentarians made the Stand Up 2009 messaging more impactful. An outstanding example was the leadership of the Speaker of the All-Party Parliamentary Group in Bangladesh which mobilised citizens in large numbers and joined the Prime Minister in taking an oath to achieve the MDGs by 2015.

We will continue to Stand Up every day until promises to end poverty and achieve the Millennium Goals are delivered ...

Next year in September, world leaders will gather at the UN to review progress on the MDGs. With the strength of over 173 million people telling their leaders that their commitments are being closely monitored, we will take this commitment to those decision makers with renewed energy to convert the strength of these numbers into concrete policy and practice changes in our own local and national contexts. We challenge Heads of State to come to the 2010 MDG Review Summit not just with generalised statements of intent but concrete national action plans for MDG implementation that are focussed on the rights of the poor and excluded, particularly women, to meet the 2015 deadline.

To us, Stand Up once again showed the power of the MDGs in really unifying the different parts of the UN for one common cause and the extent to which the MDGs and the UN system enjoy the confidence of the public at large.

Warmest wishes and once again congratulations on this massive show of people power against poverty and inequality. I hope you will closely follow up with all the partners, organisations and individuals that you helped to mobilise and inspire them further to join our on-going campaign for the MDGs from now to 2015.

Warmest wishes

Salil Shetty

Director

Millennium Campaign

United Nations

salil.shetty@undp.org

Copyright © 2009

Some Speak Out to End Poverty Now Some Sing!

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When I learned about these "Stand Up" concert events being planned, I decided to grab some YouTube videos to give a taste for those of us participating online:

In Nairobi, Kenya, they held the anti- hunger concert dubbed Free the Hungry Billion, Stand Up and Take Action, bringing together development-conscious musicians from across the African continent, including

Oliver Mutukudzi (Zimbabwe),

Susan Owiyo (Kenya)

Professor Jay (Tanzania)

Didier Awadi (Senegal)

Ntsiki Mazwai (South Africa)

Carlou D (Senegal)

Nameless (Kenya)

and Wahu (Kenya) Video .

Food donations will be collected from attendees.

In Nigeria, thousands of people attended various concerts over the three-day mobilization by performers including

Sarah Mitaru
Sarah Mitaru - Stop The War

Francis | MySpace Video

and Femi Kuti,

who will honor the life and work of renowned African musician/AIDS activist Fela Kuti.

The performers will explore the MDGs and the issues of social injustice, exclusion and poverty through song and dance. They will also sign a petition demanding accountability and transparency in their governments in order to achieve the MDGs.

Voices from across the globe call out to End Poverty Now!

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Citizens attempt to break another Guinness World Record by showing their governments they won't stand for broken promises to world's poorest. Here are some voices from around the globe.

This is the last day of the Stand Up Take Action End Poverty campaign. Here are some of the voices that have spoken up at BloggersUnite for Stand Up Take Action End Poverty Now!

Hal786 is a Muslim girl from the United Kingdom. My introduction to her was through my other blog at Blogging about Hardship to Ease and Other Paths Showing the Way From Hardship to Ease. Her perspective on Stand Up Take Action End Poverty Now!

In Islam, we believe that giving money to charity is a very blessed action. Muslims believe that there are 3 actions in this world which will grant us rewards even in the grave!! Yes, that’s right, 3 things which you will be blessed for, given rewards by God for even when you are dead. One of the things is giving money to charity. ‘Ongoing charity’ .

From asimplicity of [small.simple.life] we got Stand Up Now Against Poverty and Inequality.

Connect with your fellow humans on a global scale and let it be known that we care, we know and that we want an end to poverty and inequality. Change can be achieved!!!

More ways to Take action against poverty from Moansters Incorporated

Small actions can make a big difference, so choose yours and take a step to making poverty a thing of the past. Because poverty is not just being too poor to buy a glow-in-the-dark bat, or a pumpkin-shaped candy bucket.

I already introduced two bloggers from the Philippines in my post Today is the Day Stand Up and Be Counted to support World Food Day and End Poverty! One post from Ang Sa Wari Ko who wrote Ang silbi ng 45 pesos at ang isyu ng kahirapan [English Translation]

Since 2004 data provided to me by UNDP and until now 33% from the population of the Philippines is experiencing they call extreme poverty in which they budget in one day is less than 1 Dollar or 45 pesos to the money we .That the only standing only value is specific for only a few pieces of noodles, rice and half papaladin are there with a few pieces of dry, eggs and soap depends also how to budget it, but how the pagsisiksikin these needs if the family that bu-budget are less than five members?

The other from 2Rivers who wrote Can We End Poverty In Our Generation.

Imagine yourself living in an isolated village surrounded by barren fields and wilted crops, with the seasons bringing nothing but drought and mosquitoes carrying malaria.“This is a story about ending poverty in our time,” says Jeffrey D. Sachs, director of the U. N. Millennium Project, in his landmark The End of Poverty: Economic Possibilities For Our Time. “More then 8 million people around the world die each year because they are too poor to stay alive.”

It’s time to end this madness. Here’s how.

I will leave the last words to those who have helped lead this campaign with a few links added.

"With just six years left until the deadline by which heads of state have pledged to eradicate extreme poverty and its root causes, 'Stand Up' will be a stark reminder that citizens will not accept excuses for governments breaking promises to the world's poorest and most vulnerable citizens," said Salil Shetty, Director of the United Nations Millennium Campaign.

"This year's mobilization will place particular emphasis on telling world leaders that their track record on women's rights, maternal mortality and hunger is unacceptable. Citizens refuse to accept the fact that 70 percent of the people living in poverty are women and children [ENDING POVERTY—Why Empower Women and Girls? pdf] and 500,000 women continue to die annually in the process of giving life, and they are demanding urgent action from their leaders.

"Millions of people are standing up against poverty, while politicians are sitting on their hands," said Adelaide Sosseh, Co-Chair of the Global Call to Action Against Poverty (GCAP) based in The Gambia. "The combined effects of the economic, climate and food crises are affecting people of all ages and stations in life, in all countries - especially women -- but those already living in poverty are the hardest hit. Given the amounts found to bail out banks in just a year, we know the resources are not lacking. It´s this lack of political will to tackle poverty that remains the biggest motivation behind Stand Up participation."

People can still Stand Up virtually and be counted towards what organizers hope will be a new Guinness World Record by clicking on the Stand Up Now button in the Today Stand Up and Be Counted widget in the right hand column of this blog.

TO DO FOR THE DAY - EVENT ORGANIZERS – ITS TIME TO ADD YOUR COUNTS

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This morning I woke up and checked my email and saw the email from Stand Against Poverty. Today is the last day to make statement about ending poverty on our planet and more importantly to let everybody know about it by submitting the numbers. The most elaborate and heartfelt demonstrations don't mean anything if they don't get counted. The online event BloggersUnite for Stand Up Take Action End Poverty Now! has 6 bloggers submitting so far including me, more on that in another post. I have reminded everyone that they need to submit before 5 pm Pacific Time or 4 pm to be safe. Anybody who did not get around to writing a post can still be counted by clicking on the Stand Up Now! button at the right hand column of this blog or by going to http://standagainstpoverty.org/.

EVENT ORGANIZERS - ITS TIME TO ADD YOUR COUNTS.

Attention Stand Up Organizers,

There is just one day left in the global event to end poverty now. People of all walks of life and in all corners of the globe are standing up, taking action and demanding governments do what is necessary to put an end to poverty in our lifetime.

We noticed that you have not added your counts yet.

As this global action is officially counted by the Guinness Book of world records, it is crucial as a show of momentum, that each and everyone of us who has hosted an event completes our registration forms before the deadline of 23:59 on Oct. 18th.

TO ADD COUNTS:

1) Just login to http://standagainstpoverty.org/user/register

2) Click on each of your events

3) Click the edit tab

4) Go to step 5 of the event registration process

5) Add your counts and hit save. YOU ARE DONE!

If you have completed an event but have not registered yet, or were having any problems with previous numbers submission, then you may use this one time simple form here: http://standagainstpoverty.org/content/alternative-event-numbers-form

Thanks for taking part in this momentous event to end poverty!

The Stand Up Take Action Team

www.StandAgainstPoverty.org

Take a Stand Against Climate Change

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Two days ago I was blogging about Climate Change for Blog Action Day. Yesterday and today I have blogged about the Stand Up End Poverty Day and other related events. The United Nations Foundation sent an article that combines both.

	This weekend, October 16 to 18, millions of people around the world will join forces through a variety of events to draw attention to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and call upon world leaders to implement solutions now. Established by the UN in 2000, the MDGs outline eight critical global goals -- including environmental sustainability -- and provide a roadmap for worldwide progress by 2015. But the climate crisis threatens to undo much of the progress made so far, especially with regard to poverty reduction. Agricultural production in the developing world will face even greater challenges, and that could spell disaster for the poorest and most vulnerable among us. When you submit your climate change story on October 16, 17, or 18, it will count as an action for Stand Up. Add your climate change story to the board now, and have your action count! Even better: Help us spread the word! Test your MDG knowledge with our quiz and then share it with friends and family. The UN Foundation Climate and Energy Team (Reid, Ryan, Jana, Kurt, and John) http://www.UNFoundation.org/

Today is the Day Stand Up and Be Counted to support World Food Day and End Poverty!

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The moment has finally arrived. The Stand Up Take Action global event has officially begun. So began the message that greeted me this morning. This blog is part of the Online Campaign of Stand Up Take Action Now! at BloggersUnite for Stand Up Take Action End Poverty Now! There are already two posts from the Philippines at the Bloggers Unite event created especially for this cause. You want to start there if you want to contribute a blog post to this effort. One post from Ang Sa Wari Ko Stand Up and Take Actions Now! Ang silbi ng 45 pesos at ang isyu ng kahirapan [English Translation] and the other from 2Rivers Can We End Poverty In Our Generation. I will post others as they come in.

The challenge has been stated by World Hunger Notes.

• The world produces enough food to feed everyone.
  
• Poverty is the principal cause of hunger.
• An estimated 982 million poor people in developing countries who live on $1 a day or less (World Bank, Understanding Poverty, Chen 2004).
  
• Conflict as a cause of hunger and poverty.
  
• Hunger is also a cause of poverty.

Today is also World Food Day, which is also being celebrated by BloggersUnite. The FAO or Food & Agricultural Organization of the United Nations is one of the primary global organizations addressing this issue.

The Objective: World Food Day is annually held on Oct. 16 to commemorate the founding of the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

One concern of paramount importance today in order to achieve Millennium Development Goal 1. End Hunger is FAO Reform:

In November 2007, the Conference welcomed the report of the Independent External Evaluation of FAO (IEE) and passed a resolution on the Follow-up to the IEE. This included the establishment of a time-bound Committee of the Conference (CoC-IEE), open to all FAO Members, and tasked with preparing proposals for an immediate plan of action to be considered by a Special Session of the Conference in the latter part of 2008. Based on the work of the CoC-IEE, the Special Session of the Conference adopted Resolution 1/2008: the Immediate Plan of Action for FAO Renewal and extended the CoC-IEE to further develop outstanding aspects of follow-up and report to the FAO Conference in 2009.

Here are some ways of getting involved with FAO's mission. It is of particular concern to the UN MILLENNIUM CAMPAIGN's to get the G20 to address this need in the current economic crisis, despite the valiant $42.6 million, three-year immediate plan of action by the FAO in November of 2008. These two efforts seem to be different sides of the same coin. One appealing to primarily the emotions of others and their capacity for compassion and collaboration, the other appealing to science, technology, and management skill sets. My natural tendency is to discount "showboat" demonstrations and focus on "hard nose" numbers and demonstrable programs, but I now believe that there is an important role to be filled in getting others to be part of this effort on an emotional level as well. We can't all be experts, but if we can't get most of the people in the world to care at some basic level, no matter how many campaigns FAO tries to put together it won't End Poverty! Below are some past posts dealing with the FAO.

• Making Hope Last Longer Than Hunger
• FAO not Schwartz part 1 - Global Plan of Action Addresses a Global Challenge Hunger

New Stand Up Video Launches!

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New Stand Up Video Launches

"You Can End Poverty", launched on YouTube this week, focuses on a powerful truth: We are the first generation with the power to end poverty. Each one of us holds tremendous power to effect real change like never before. Our collective mobilization can send a clear message to world governments that we refuse to be silent in the face of ongoing poverty and inequality. We can achieve the UN Millennium Development Goals and end poverty 2015. Learn how we can do it.

Checklist for Stand Up Organizers - an online version

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As of the writing of this post there are 5 day 16 hours and some minutes and seconds left until the Stand Up Take Action event.

This blog is leading a registered Online Stand Up event through BloggersUnite for Stand Up Take Action End Poverty Now!! There are, according to the organizers, over 135 events registered in Canada and the United States, with more being planned every day throughout the world. That makes this blog a small voice in a global movement to raise our collective voice against hunger and poverty -- and break another Guinness World Record for the event (October 16, 17 and 18). Even though this is an online event, I still checked out the advice on planning the event.

PLANNING YOUR EVENT: As my main connection with this effort is through this blog, it made sense to start my own online event and see if I could get people to participate virtually. One piece of advice was to promote your event across your networks and encourage others to participate. I have done this through my Facebook page, my Ning account at United Actions Global Network, and the Orkut page which I help moderate and which recently got changed to Let's Facebhookh (a globally inspired play on words). It also suggested that I find materials at the "Event Center" at www.standagainstpoverty.org and provide their brochure for study, translation and make it available for print. The Google translator connected with this blog makes translation easy.

DURING COUNT AND CAPTURE YOUR EVENT: Counting should be easy as so far 7 people are participating in this online event. In my case it is more symbolic than physical bringing up issues of slacktivism, but as people could participate by simply clicking the widget and I have basically accepted my slacktivistic status, I won't worry about that. The organizers also want to ensure that we have a witness who is independent to verify the event. In my case, that should not be a problem as this is online and therefore easily verifiable and part of BloggersUnite.

They also want to make special NOTE that Stand Up and Take Action events or in our case blog posts should only happen from October 16 to October 18 to count towards the Guinness World Record challenge. Now comes the part were bloggers should shine. Tell us your stories! No matter how large or small your event is, we want to hear from you. Tell us how Stand Up is making a difference in your life (e.g., how you met new community members; what motivates you to work on poverty issues, etc.). The want us to document our stories at: http://standagainstpoverty.org/stories

AFTER REPORT YOUR EVENT: They want the numbers reported at www.standagainstpoverty.org as soon as possible, actually immediately, but as this is online blog posts or widget clicks (the height of slacktivism, but they still count) are due in by Monday 5:00 am Pacific time, which is where I live.

Here is a bonus that they provided Get the Stand Up iPhone App!

The Stand Up iPhone application is now available for FREE. It allows iPhone users to see a countdown to the event and take part in our online Stand Up. See: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=330103926&mt=8

Register for Stand Against Poverty! October 16-18

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This is straight from the Stand Up Take Action End Poverty center. The online event I registered at the Stand Up site is here BloggersUnite for Stand Up Take Action End Poverty Now! The BloggersUnite event that I set up is BloggersUnite for Stand Up Take Action End Poverty Now!

.

STAND WITH US - REGISTER NOW!

On October 16, 17 and 18th, millions of people around the world will "Stand Up and Take Action" against poverty and for the Millennium Development Goals. The mobilization will send a clear message to world leaders that we refuse to be silent in the face of ongoing poverty and inequality. Stand Up & Take Action, coordinated by the UN Millennium Campaign and the Global Call to Action Against Poverty (GCAP), is a global event in which citizens urge their leaders to keep their promises to achieve the Millennium Development Goals.

We heard from organizers around the world about the many Stand Up events planned. These events include concerts, silent vigils, tree plantings, campus rallies and many more creative event ideas. Last year 116 million people participated, breaking the Guinness World Record for the largest mobilization around a single-cause event in recorded history.

NEW WEBSITE WWW.STANDAGAINSTPOVERTY.ORG:

The relaunched Stand Up Website has a number of interactive and inspiring features, such as a STAND UP MAP showcasing events happening around the world, powerful personal stories from people whose lives Stand Up has motivated and influenced positively and an EVENT CENTER where you can download design prints such as banners, posters, buttons, T-Shirts, logos and brochures in different languages.

ORGANIZING AN EVENT:

If you would like to organize a Stand Up event, just register at www.standagainstpoverty.org and describe your event - large or small. In order to be counted for the Guinness World Record, remember to report back after your event, the number of people who participated. Your event has to take place between October 16 -18 2009 and you have time to upload the number of participants until Sunday October 18, 23:59, your local time zone. Please make sure to take photos and videos of your event, and upload it to the website in order for your event to be featured.

To find a "Stand Up" event close to you, visit the website and click on "STAND UP MAP" and you'll find a global map with events in your area. If you can't join a "Stand Up" event in person, you can participate virtually from October 16 - 18, 2009 by going to the website and clicking register-just like you would for any other event. Once you verify your email, just check the box that says "Online event" in Step One of the Event registration process. At the end of the registration, you'll get an embed code to use on your website. That's it!

Be a part of the global movement to end poverty - STAND WITH US!

www.standagainstpoverty.org

Copyright © 2009

BloggersUnite for Stand Up Take Action End Poverty Now!

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As of this writing the Stand Up Take Action End Poverty Now! Global Event is less than 17 days 20 hours and 16 minutes and some seconds away. For more information on this important event see the right hand column of this blog.

Finally got registered at the Home Page | Stand Against Poverty Take Action End Poverty Now! site and submitted the Bloggers Unite event created especially for this cause.

Here is the event at the Stand Up site. BloggersUnite for Stand Up Take Action End Poverty Now!. The widget they provided takes you to additional information and has an e-mail reminder.

So far there are 5 bloggers, besides myself participating, but I hope for more. I will also be blogging for other similar events going on at the same time - World Food Day , The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty and Stand Up Against Corruption and Poverty. This way I and anybody else can get at least twice the bang for their posts. The more people that participate, by whatever means, the more the United Nations Millennium Campaign gets to count.

Anybody who wants to needs to part of BloggersUnite.

Here is a Map showing where other Stand Up events across the globe will be going on.

Take a Stand Against Poverty by Investing in Women to Save the World

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This year's actions taking a stand against poverty are also focusing on women's issues. According to the Stand Up and Take Action event on 16 taking place through 18 October 2009.

This year, Stand Up will once again provide an energetic, high impact platform for people to raise the profile of MDG- related issues relevant to their region, country or community. However, this year Stand Up will begin on October 16th, World Food Day, and on this one day the focus on food security and on hunger will be greater. As always, the policy demands will be determined at the national and local levels by participants. But in recognition of the fact that many of the MDGs directly linked to the status of women are not doing well, campaigners are encouraged to give this year’s Stand Up a clear focus on holding governments accountable for improving the status of women and their rights.

In honor of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty on October 17, CARE is encouraging us to stand in solidarity with poor and marginalized women around the world.

Two steps, first:

VOICE YOUR SUPPORT FOR THE
ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN

In July, a large bipartisan group of senators introduced the GROWTH (Global Resources and Opportunities for Women to Thrive) Act; if passed, it will revolutionize the way U.S. foreign aid is directed.

The GROWTH Act promotes the economic empowerment of women and proposes concrete steps that the United States can take to play a positive role in improving the lives of the world's poorest women and their families. In short, this bill will create a chance to lift up the 1 billion people in the world who live on less than a $1.25 a day.

Please join by sending a personalized messageto your own senators.

Step two, learn more by reading:

"Half the Sky" shares poignant tales of women's struggles and triumphs in the face of poverty and discrimination. Through the compelling stories, the authors brilliantly illustrate the connections between women's empowerment and social and economic progress.

The work of Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn has been featured in the New York Times.

Investing in women to save the world

Half the work force of many developing nations is marginalized because of their gender, write Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn. Yet microfinance lenders and other nonprofits are hoping to change that by focusing their efforts on women, helping them start businesses and receive education that can transform their whole communities. The New York Times, (8/17)

Start a conversation with your book club, women's group, alumni chapter or family and friends about the challenges and opportunities women and girls face, or particpate in a blogging action with BloggersUnite with STAND UP and TAKE ACTION against Poverty and The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty and take action together with CARE!

Check out "2009 Stand Up Take Action is next month" on United Actions Global Network

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I am still trying to get the word out about the Stand Up Take Action Against Poverty Event on October 16th, 2009 through various online communities. One of the online communities that I have become involved with through my FaceBook page is the Ning Social Group

United Actions Global Network Don't wait for solutions; create them Brian Dowling Check out '2009 Stand Up Take Action is next month' Link: 2009 Stand Up Take Action is next month About United Actions Global Network Connect to United Actions Global Network and shape our world for our generation and for the generations to come. 271 members 105 photos 76 songs 27 videos 11 discussions 60 blog posts

Here is an invite to both the group and the event.

Brian Dowling Brian Dowling has invited you to the event 'Stand Up Take Action Against Poverty' on United Actions Global Network! Check out "Stand Up Take Action Against Poverty" on United Actions Global Network Brian Dowling Time: October 16, 2009 at 6pm to October 18, 2009 at 7pm Location: World Wide Organized By: United Nations Millennium Campaign Event Description: This year on October 16, 17 and 18 help break the record yet again and send a LOUDER message than ever - Achieve the Millennium Developments Goals by 2015. See more details and RSVP on United Actions Global Network: http://unitedactions.ning.com/events/event/show?id=2932281%3AEvent%3A6502&xgi=2eYlkqhYW0QW4w About United Actions Global Network Connect to United Actions Global Network and shape our world for our generation and for the generations to come. 271 members 105 photos 76 songs 27 videos 10 discussions 60 blog posts

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Upcoming Stand Up Events

Here is more on what is happening around the world re-blogged from an United Nations Millennium Campaign email.

With less than 40 days left until "Stand Up, Take Action, End Poverty Now" in 2009, the excitement and energy behind this global anti-poverty movement is building rapidly. From Uganda to Canada and Poland to Nepal, people all over the world are sharing their stories and creativity with us, telling us about the incredible events that they have planned for "Stand Up" this year.

World leaders will hear the "Stand Up" pledge echoing from the highest point in the world when anti-poverty campaigners climb to the top of Mount Everest. Some incredible people in Nepal are planning this high-profile mobilization. In neighboring India, there are plans to host a creative writing competition around "Stand Up" for young people in Patna. A short boat ride across the Indian Ocean in Uganda, there are plans to host 5,000 students at a public debate about the MDGs -- along with a music concert with gospel singers and prominent speakers at an event for over 15,000 people. Continents away in Edmonton, Canada, a very enthusiastic group of college students are coordinating a campus-wide initiative wrapping hundreds of trees in white 'Make Poverty History' bands and with their University President delivering the "Stand Up" pledge. A member of the Canadian parliament will speak at the event on behalf of the Canadian Government. Down south in sunny California, 1,200 people are ready to parade onto a soccer field where they intend to form a large peace sign with their bodies prior to 'Standing Up'. This will be followed by a number of youngsters staging a Kite Fair (based on the book The Kite Runner) to raise funds for impoverished students in Afghanistan and in support of women entrepreneurs in Guatemala. In Europe, an MDG lecture series at colleges will lead up to two prominent Polish musicians taking the stage in Warsaw to anchor a large "Stand Up" event.

Stand Up events and actions are coming to us from all over the world in all shapes, colors and sizes. Share your ideas and plans with us. Let us know how you are doing your part to call out to politicians and ask them to bring an end to extreme poverty. Find out more on www.standagainstpoverty.org.

Update on UN Millennium Campaign Newsletter - STAND UP special

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I am reblogging some of the latest information from the United Nations Millennium Campaign.

Last year, more than 116 million people - nearly two percent of the people on earth - participated in "Stand Up and Take Action" at events around the globe to demand that world leaders keep their promises to end poverty and achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015. The MDGs are a set of 8 goals to eradicate extreme poverty and its root causes that 189 world leaders pledged to achieve in the year 2000.

After breaking the Guinness World Record for the largest mobilization of human beings in recorded history last year, we plan to make "Stand Up, Take Action, End Poverty Now" bigger and better than ever before this year. Nearly 2% of the world's population stood with us in 2008, and with your continued help and support we can grow that figure.

Today we are launching a brand new and very exciting "Stand Up, Take Action, End Poverty Now" song and video.

Two requests - One to help one woman, the other to help millions, both help us all

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The primary focus of this blog are the Millennium Development Goals and actions that are being taken to see them realized. Those actions include those both direct and indirect as well as those both online and 0n-the-ground. As I often do with blog posts, I am taking multiple perspectives with this issue to help develop a more global understanding.

One particular action that is being promoted by this blog is the Stand Up and Take Action event on 16 through 18 October 2009. This year there is also a focus on women's issues.

This year, Stand Up will once again provide an energetic, high impact platform for people to raise the profile of MDG- related issues relevant to their region, country or community. However, this year Stand Up will begin on October 16th, World Food Day, and on this one day the focus on food security and on hunger will be greater. As always, the policy demands will be determined at the national and local levels by participants. But in recognition of the fact that many of the MDGs directly linked to the status of women are not doing well, campaigners are encouraged to give this year’s Stand Up a clear focus on holding governments accountable for improving the status of women and their rights.

Despite some of my own recent doubts about online activism expressed in this blog and My Pathways to New Paradigms, I am again blogging about online actions. This time by Amnesty International USA, one in support again of Aung San Suu Kyi and the other in support of the International Violence Against Women Act. The words below are summarized from the Amnesty emails. As is my usual practice, I have added a few more links. I have also added two badges to the top of the right hand column. The irony of having Amnesty provide the post cards in light of the recent articles on slacktivism is not lost on me.

Leaders across the globe have issued statements condemning the verdict in pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi's sham trial. Tell them it's time to match words with action.

Time is running out. Vietnam will replace Thailand as chair of ASEAN at the end of next month. Critics have raised concerns that ASEAN's new human rights body will be toothless under Vietnam's leadership. We must ramp up our calls on Thailand to show leadership on human rights in Myanmar in order for it to make a difference in the remaining weeks of its chairmanship.

That's why we're calling on ASEAN to convene a meeting of the top brass in foreign affairs from all 10 member nations to come up with concrete measures to finally address the growing human rights crisis in Myanmar.

We're turning up the heat ourselves by calling on supporters to send 10,000 postcards – instead of emails – to the Thai government, which currently chairs ASEAN. (Don't worry – we'll send the postcard for you, so you don't have to buy postage, lick stamps or find a mailbox.)

Act now. Help us send 10,000 postcards to the Thai government by September 1^st to urge them to call for the release of Aung San Suu Kyi and thousands of other political prisoners in Myanmar.

Thank you for standing with us –
Jim, Nancy, Anil, Ulana and the rest of the Myanmar rapid response team

The United States could be doing more to combat rape in conflict, high rates of domestic violence around the world, human trafficking, and other forms of violence against women. President Obama and Vice President Biden championed I-VAWA as Senators. So we know that their support is there. They have been working with Senators Kerry and Lugar, who have promised to lead I-VAWA through the Senate.

• Young girls are being sold into unwanted marriages to pay their fathers' debts.
• Their sisters are raped by rebel bands as a tool of war.
• And their mothers are beaten by husbands in retribution for daring to seek basic education

But the comprehensive legislation that would make fighting violence against women a priority for US foreign policy and give the State Department Office for Global Women's Issues the force of law is still missing.

Help add 5,000 signatures to the petition urging President Obama and Vice President Biden to actively support the re-introduction and passage of I-VAWA this fall.

The Obama Administration has already taken historic measures this year to raise the issue of violence against women by:

• Creating a State Department Office for Global Women's Issues
• Appointing a White House Advisor on Violence Against Women, and
• Creating the White House Council on Women and Girls

But the bottom line is I-VAWA has still not been reintroduced.

Sign our petition and share it with someone who supports women's human rights.

In Solidarity,

Betsy Wright Hawkings
Deputy Executive Director, Research & Policy
Amnesty International USA

3rd of 8 days 8 Goals Personal Stories behind the Millennium Development Goals

Sphere: Related Content This is the third of the 8 videos provided by the Facebook Group United Nations Millennium Campaign on the Millennium Development goals. Yes, it is out late but still provides a great visual in making the case for the Millennium Development Goals. The "first" day video is here. The second day video is here.

This captivating video focuses on the personal stories and struggles around achieving the United Nations Millennium Campaign - Goal 3 - Gender Equity

Seems to me that the Girl Effect posts are the best done on this effort by this blog.

Related Posts:

• Talking about the Girl Effect at Davos on YouTube

• Change Initiative to Empower Adolescent Girls Investing in the Girl Effect

• The Girl Effect

1st of 8 days 8 Goals Personal Stories behind the Millennium Development Goals

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I am a day late getting this up. The United Nations Millennium Campaign on Facebook is running a series of 8 videos highlighting the 8 Millennium Development Goals. I will get the second one up today to catch up.

United Nations Millennium Campaign Every day, for the next 8 days, we will share a video that introduces each of the Millennium Development Goals and the personal stories behind them. What are your thoughts on Goal 1 - to end hunger?

UN MDGs - End Hunger

Stand Up, Take Action 2008 will be held over a 3 day period from Oct 17th -19th worldwide. Follow me & be a part of the millennium campaign.
http://www.endpoverty2015.org
http://standagainstpoverty.org

Related Posts:

Making Hope Last Longer Than Hunger

FAO not Schwartz part 1 - Global Plan of Action Addresses a Global Challenge Hunger

FAO not Schwartz part 2- Opposing Pathways to Ending World Hunger and Malnutrition

FAO not Schwartz part 3 - A World Tragedy Too Long

Financial Fears * Global Challenges * Some Potential Answers

Blog Action Day Is Today The Struggle Continues

Taking the Measure of Chronic Poverty

The People of the United States Stand Up Speak Out

Once Again Stand Up and Take Action - October 16-18, 2009

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Another quick "slap-it-in" post, this is the reason why this blog got started in the first place. When I get a chance to learn more I will post it.

In 2006, 23 million people stood up, in 2007 47 million people, last year 116 million people Stood Up and Took Action. Let's break the record again this year and send a louder message than ever - achieve the Millennium Developments

Why Stand Up and Take Action in 2009?
For the fourth year in a row, millions of people around the world will Stand Up and Take Action to show their support for the fight against poverty and the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). This year Stand Up will take place against the backdrop of a deepening financial crisis and a slowing global economy. It is a time of great challenge for development in general and the MDGs in particular. Already we are seeing the potentially devastating impact of this on the world's poorest and most vulnerable. We know that the current economic climate threatens to undo and possibly even reverse the very significant gains that have been made towards achieving the MDGs. With just six years left to the 2015 deadline for the achievement of the Goals, we cannot afford to let this happen. The achievement of the MDGs must remain a priority on the global political and public agenda. In this environment, Stand Up is a vital opportunity to send a clear and urgent message to world leaders and decision makers and raise the political stakes. Our policy messages and actions must reflect the urgency of the situation and must be an instrument to convey the sense of our growing impatience and intolerance of excuses for and distractions from the implementation of policies and programmes that address the poorest and most vulnerable.

When
October 16th, 17th, 18th, 2009: From 12 a.m. GMT (relevant local time) on the 16th October to 11.39 p.m. GMT (relevant local time) on the 18th October

Where
Wherever people who want to be involved in the fight against poverty and support the achievement of the MDGs are.

What
Stand Up, Take Action, End Poverty Now! A three day mobilization to send a loud and clear message from citizens to leaders of rich and poor countries to take urgent action to achieve the MDGs. And once again break the Guinness World Record. Participants will need to register their event at www.standagainstpoverty.org before the start of the mobilization and then to report their numbers after they have taken part. Numbers will be counted and verified by Guinness World Records.

Umbrella Logo and Slogan
The Stand Up, Take Action component of the logo will remain the same as last year. The second line slogan will be replaced with a more urgent and demanding call to "end poverty now!"

Thematic Focus
This year Stand Up will once again provide an energetic, high impact platform for people to raise the profile of MDG- related issues relevant to their region, country or community. However, this year Stand Up will begin on October 16th, World Food Day, and on this one day the focus on food security and on hunger will be greater. As always, the policy demands will be determined at the national and local levels by participants. But in recognition of the fact that many of the MDGs directly linked to the status of women are not doing well, campaigners are encouraged to give this year's Stand Up a clear focus on holding governments accountable for improving the status of women and their rights. This might range from a focus on improving maternal mortality or hunger and nutritional status for women and girls in poor countries. In rich countries this could be adapted to demanding urgent reform of trade-distorting agricultural subsidies.

Stand Up: Wherever you are. Alone, in a group or as part of an organization, choose a moment in these three days to physically and intentionally Stand Up and Take Action.

Take Action: Standing Up is the first step in any process of action. It is the signal of intent to actively engage.

Strengthening Actions to Achieve Maximum Policy Impact
This year the intention is to significantly strengthen the action component of the mobilization. It is for the participants and partners in each context to determine the actions that will be most effective to hold governments accountable for the realisation of the MDGs. It is essential that there is a direct link between the actions and the MDG-related policy demands that are being made. A major focus of this year's Stand Up will be to target Parliamentarians/legislators at the Federal (and where appropriate) at the provincial level. This could include early planning to persuade Parliamentarians to Stand Up in the house, to organize a Parliamentary debate and to pass necessary laws and policies for the achievement of the MDGs. Writing to Parliamentarians through letters, emails or text messages in large numbers can make a difference.

Top line Messages to leaders and policy makers
• Time is running out, urgent and decisive implementation of MDG-related policies, budgets and programmes cannot wait any longer
• Do not use the financial crisis as an excuse for ignoring and reneging on your commitments to the MDGs, we, the citizens of your own countries will not stand for it. The poor didn't cause this crisis; they can't be allowed to suffer for it.
• Do not believe that internal domestic challenges such as job losses, financial instability and insecurity will drive societies inwards. Despite these domestic challenges, it is clear now more than ever, that we live in an interdependent world and that we need to find global solutions to revert the current scenario. This is why we are even more ready to Stand Up and demand that promises made to end poverty and inequality are kept, for us and for everyone.

The Pledge
This year r the pledge will be a more integral and central part of Stand UP. We will encourage everyone who takes part to include the reading of the pledge. A copy of the pledge with two sections, one which will be determined globally, which can be read out at all levels, will be made available online and through direct dissemination. The other will be adapted in each context. Participants are encouraged to adapt, revise and translate the second part of the pledge to serve their needs.
Read the Stand Up pledge when you stand up. Wherever possible record the reading of the pledge on video, audio tape recorder or with a photograph and send these to us. Send us your updated pledge so we can post it online.

Materials and advertising campaigns
Materials for Stand Up, Take Action will be designed and disseminated by regional and national Campaigns within their own relevant design parameters. The prescribed components of the materials will be:
Stand Up, Take Action Logo
Red, black and white color theme
A set of global materials will also and made available for adaptation should anyone wish to utilize these.
Partners and campaigners at the national and local levels will also generate their own appropriate advertising and promotional campaigns for Stand Up. An online promotional campaign will be generated at the global level.
Useful materials to consider include:
1. Promotional brochure: Outlining exactly how to take part in Stand Up, how to register beforehand and how to record your numbers. This will be designed and produced by national Campaigns
2. Event in a Box: This will be generated globally and will include logo designs and translations, collateral designs, banners, a template press release and messaging, designs for T-shirts, caps and banners and the pledge. Any other suggestions of materials or collateral for inclusion in the Event in a Box are welcome.
3. National policy demands outlined and disseminated as a one pager to be generated at national level
4. An internal resource for UN Millennium Campaign, GCAP and other key partners involved in counting will be produced with guidelines for counting, spread sheeting and submitting numbers
All of these materials and collateral will also be available for download at: www.standagainstpoverty.org

High Visibility Events
Recognizing the need for a reinforced approach to Stand Up events which will further increase press and media interest, it has been decided that a number of solid, high-visibility events should be organized in each of the regions this year. These events will form the entry points and anchors for promoting Stand Up as a whole and attracting the attention of a wider spectrum of press and media coverage.

More information on www.standagainstpoverty.org

UN Millennium Campaign
April 2009

http://www.StandAgainstPoverty.org

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Reaping from Yesterday's Efforts Planting for the Future

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Both Blog Action Day - Poverty and Stand Up Take Action are now in the past. You can see the results of the Blog Action Day here. Stand Up Take Action will be holding their press conference tomorrow to talk about the results. I already provided input to both the folks at Blog Action Day about an idea for next year's Blog Action Day and my views to the Orkut group I belong to supporting EndPoverty2015.

I had two basic messages to the Orkut group. One was to send in what they had done as stories, pictures or links. This is actually a bit self-serving because I get so many useful and interesting resources this way. The other was to register online as having Stood Up Against Poverty Online if they couldn't make it to an actual event.

The idea of pushing Universal Education as a means of promoting the Millennium Development Goals has been running around my head for awhile. I did see one local event at a near by Long Beach magnet school on Understanding Global Poverty, then I realized that it was 6th to 8th graders. Now I am very happy that they are studying global issues, but it wasn't something I would want to attend unless I still had my own eighth grader. So I participated online with the the Australian Council for International Development Make Poverty History Campaign.

Looking over some of the other posts at Blog Action Day I found Lucy Barrow's EduBlog post on Blog Action Day - What does the world think about poverty? | ICT and TLC. I did not know what an ICT trainer was until now. Lucy's post lead me to a more interesting resources such as Edublogger, and the polling site Ask 500 People. The pertinent question was “Do you believe it is possible to make poverty history?” That led me back to to Make Poverty History.

Another new and interesting find was Blog Action Day posts by "association" bloggers courtesy of Lisa Junker via Acronym by on 10/17/08. I have to admit that I am not familiar with the use of the term Association as a profession, but it seems like they do great work and that there is a great deal to learn from them. The Bamboo Project seems to have a good deal to offer.

I particularly liked the insight from Kristin Clarke the day after October 15th “Blog Action Day”.

Can one day’s worth of blog posts fundamentally shift public discourse on a major social issue? All I can say is that issues definitely won’t be addressed if no one is talking about them.