One thing I want to do from time to time is focus on a particular charity which is close to my heart. I will give a few details, explain why I think it is important and give information on how to donate / help in other ways.
Today I want to look at Amnesty International, a British human rights charity.
The phrase 'Human Rights' has a stigma attached for many people (thanks to certain tabloid newspapers which will remain nameless!) but if you strip away the stigma, what it means is protecting the basic rights that everyone on the planet has, whether they know it or not.
Amnesty International operates in two ways: by conducting research, and promoting action and mobilisation among ordinary people to prevent and end violations of human rights.
They often focus on individual cases - for example, they put pressure on governments to release political prisoners, or to end torture, to ensure a fair trial or to prevent the death penalty.
In my opinion they are the last life line for people all over the world who face situations most of us can't even imagine. They are the thorn in the foot of tyrannical dictators the world over and they must be supported in their work.
Just remember the phrase 'There but for the grace of God (or fate) go I...'
If you want to help - either by signing a petition, sending a letter or making a donation - please visit their website at http://www.amnesty.org.uk/content.asp?CategoryID=10009
Thanks.
Showing posts with label Charity. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Charity. Show all posts
Wednesday, 14 July 2010
Sunday, 11 July 2010
The Big Issue
I’ve been focusing on environmental issues so far (as an environmental student I have to admit to a special interest in environmental topics) but I wanted to branch away for today to another topic I am interested in: homelessness.
It’s an extraordinarily broad and complex subject that I couldn’t possibly scratch the surface of in one post (or even several). So I wanted to take a look specifically at The Big Issue.
For anyone who doesn’t know, the Big Issue is a magazine that is bought by homeless people and sold on the street for a profit.
In my opinion it is one of the best social business initiatives ever embarked upon and helps bridge that gap between homelessness and reintegration into society.
The problem is usually that you can’t get a job without an address, but you can’t get an address without a job. So selling the Big Issue provides that vital mid step of earning an income and gaining self respect. Without it, there would be little to do for homeless people other than beg – and I can’t begin to imagine what a miserable existence that would be.
So what I want to know is: how often do people buy the Big Issue? And if you don’t, do you acknowledge the vendor or hurry on past? (I’m not judging – everyone has to make their own decisions regarding these things.)
Also, if you have bought it, what do you think of the content? The Big Issue has been criticised for being too commercial in content and appearance, but in my opinion, the better the magazine is, the more people will want to buy it – and who can argue with that?
Finally, before I go, if you want to make a donation to the Big Issue Foundation (which helps homeless people find their feet, obtain housing and generally reintegrate into society) you can donate here: http://www.bigissue.com/Support_Us_7.php
Or if you want to do one thing today that helps another person, spend a couple of quid by buying The Big Issue. Not only will it help someone in ways most of us cannot imagine, I promise you it'll give you a warm glow.
Thanks for your time :)
It’s an extraordinarily broad and complex subject that I couldn’t possibly scratch the surface of in one post (or even several). So I wanted to take a look specifically at The Big Issue.
For anyone who doesn’t know, the Big Issue is a magazine that is bought by homeless people and sold on the street for a profit.
In my opinion it is one of the best social business initiatives ever embarked upon and helps bridge that gap between homelessness and reintegration into society.
The problem is usually that you can’t get a job without an address, but you can’t get an address without a job. So selling the Big Issue provides that vital mid step of earning an income and gaining self respect. Without it, there would be little to do for homeless people other than beg – and I can’t begin to imagine what a miserable existence that would be.
So what I want to know is: how often do people buy the Big Issue? And if you don’t, do you acknowledge the vendor or hurry on past? (I’m not judging – everyone has to make their own decisions regarding these things.)
Also, if you have bought it, what do you think of the content? The Big Issue has been criticised for being too commercial in content and appearance, but in my opinion, the better the magazine is, the more people will want to buy it – and who can argue with that?
Finally, before I go, if you want to make a donation to the Big Issue Foundation (which helps homeless people find their feet, obtain housing and generally reintegrate into society) you can donate here: http://www.bigissue.com/Support_Us_7.php
Or if you want to do one thing today that helps another person, spend a couple of quid by buying The Big Issue. Not only will it help someone in ways most of us cannot imagine, I promise you it'll give you a warm glow.
Thanks for your time :)
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