Bring PEACE not PainTM

 Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed it's the only thing that ever has.
-Margaret Mead  

Peace Day, September 21, 2009

Join PEACE ONE DAY http://www.peaceoneday.org and celebrate Peace Day

Peace One Day looks to engage all sectors of society, including governments, organizations of the United Nations system, regional and non-governmental organizations and individuals in observance of 21 September, through the practical manifestation of non-violence and ceasefire in accordance with UN GA Resolution 55/282, and encourage action on Peace Day that creates a united and sustainable world.

Peace One Day is a non-profit organization, impartial and independent of any government, political persuasion, corporation or religious creed

There are three ways that you can take action and help to make 21 September an annual day of global unity:

1) Create your own commitment to take action on Peace Day. It can be anything from saying sorry to organising a live event. The scale of your action is not important – your willingness to act is everything.

2) Football for some, soccer for others - harnessing the power of the beautiful game, One Day One Goal is a campaign to see matches played on Peace Day in every country of the world. PUMA and Peace One Day invite you to organise your own match on Peace Day.

3) Hold a screening of your own on Peace Day. Inside or outside, with a few friends or a crowd, all that matters is you introducing new people to Peace Day.

Why take action?

UN GA Resolution 55/282 invites you as an individual to act on the UN International Day of Peace, 21 September, to help create peace in the world - not only peace between nations, but peace and non-violence in our homes, communities and schools.

If you don't take action on the day, then governments cannot be expected to follow. If we come together as one, separate from politics and religion, on a scale that humanity has never known, then we will change the world forever. 21 September is the starting point. 

It is up to individuals - to you - to lead the way. It's in your hands.

Marriage equality is gaining momentum across America.

On Friday, the Iowa Supreme Court -- by a unanimous ruling -- made marriage equality the law of the land. Then the Vermont legislature overturned their Governor's veto of a marriage equality bill by a two-thirds margin on Tuesday.

And now the religious right is responding with a national TV ad filled with fear about a same-sex

Recent news has shown that the crisis in Afghanistan continues to worsen. The US is spending millions of dollars per month in humanitarian relief and assistance, but this aid is failing to reach its full potential because short-term and security goals are being emphasized over a coordinated and effective strategy to reduce poverty.

Because of the deteriorating situation we wanted to send you an important action alert in support of a campaign by Oxfam America for US foreign aid reform in Afghanistan and across the developing world. You can view the campaign here:

http://www.change.org/oxfamamerica/actions/view/afghanistan_in_crisis_tell_congress_to_act_now

The US foreign aid system is highly inefficient. At least 60 percent of US foreign aid funding never leaves the US; instead it is spent on salary and benefit packages for corporate consultants.

The good news is that there is a major effort underway in the House Foreign Affairs Committee to make US aid more effective at combating extreme poverty in Afghanistan and other developing countries. But the committee needs to hear from you before they make this a priority this year.

Make a difference right now by telling the Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Howard Berman to make foreign aid more effective at fighting poverty:
http://www.change.org/oxfamamerica/actions/view/afghanistan_in_crisis_tell_congress_to_act_now

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