Oxfam Nw Newsletter November 09

Oxfam Active in North West England November 2009 Happy November everyone! I hope you’re all getting as excited as we are that the Copenhagen climate talks are fast approaching and that a real momentum is starting to build about needing a fair deal at them from across the country. Last week we were getting supporters from across the EU to email their heads of state about putting their money where there mouth is to fund climate adaptation in developing countries. Decisions were made and the numbers didn’t quite add up but it’s a positive step in the right direction that numbers were there in the first place - and with continued pressure we know that they can improve! Remember to write in and let us know what you’re up to or just to find out more ways of getting involved! [email protected] and join our Facebook group and twitter feed to stay uber up to date. Also check out (and subscribe to) our brand spanking new North West Blog

The Wave, The Wave, The Wave! We've got a little over a month left until Copenhagen, and there's still so much that you can do to help to ensure we get a fair and safe climate deal: The Wave, on the 5th of December hopes to bring together 100,000 people demonstrating on the streets of London calling on the government and other world leaders to deliver the global deal on climate change we need. We need as many people as possible to attend The Wave to show just how important we think it is - and we need your help to make this happen! 1. Book your transport today, and get all your friends/ family to come too! There is subsidised transport i.e. the co-operative train from Manchester (code: OXFAM_TheWave) or a mere £2 megabus. 2. Take part in our viral video competition – make a video promoting the wave and send us the link. The video with the most views will win a brand new HD flip video camera so they can go on to make even more ace videos. Here’s one I made earlier … if I can do it anyone can! 3. Promote the wave on and offline – through facebook, twitter, putting up posters, speaking to everyone you know about it – Why not ask your boss to give everyone a day off in lieu of attending the wave? 4. Make your own mini Mexican wave and be part of the giant online wave demanding a fair deal!

Are women the answer to poverty? Free training session To book a place go to http://oxfamgendercampaignstraining.eventbrite.com/

Wednesday November 4th 2009: 6:25-8pm Woman make up the majority of people living in poverty; 70% of people that live on less than a dollar a day are women, women work two-thirds of the world's working hours yet only receive 10% of the world's income and own only 1% of the world's property. Women are also the most vunerable to climate change because of their responsibilities within the household. For example In Kenya, fetching water for the family may use up to 85% of a woman’s daily energy intake and can take up to eight hours a day in times of drought. Come along to this session and find out why this is, how women around the world are working together to overcome poverty, and how you can help them.

Other fun things to get involved with Come and Outreach campaign at VV Brown and Just Jack Come campaign at these amazing gigs in Manchester VV Brown 4th November Just Jack 5th November Get a full campaigns briefing Help to change minds Then watch the gig for free!

Can we prevent Climate Change and make poverty history? Duncan Green (author of ‘From Poverty to Power and Oxfam’s head of research) is coming to Chester for one night only to ask the question ‘Can we prevent Climate Change and make poverty history?’ 11th November: 7pm at Chester University Best Building Lecture theatre CBB 115

Spaces are limited so get in touch With Rachel ASAP to reserve your place: [email protected]

What’s been going on? Manchester Climate Conference makes waves On October 17th over 150 people from across the North West gathered in New Century Hall in Manchester for the Climate Action Now conference. With Copenhagen fast approaching we thought it was time to join forces across the region and discuss both why and how we can take action on climate change, locally and globally.

Highlights included; an excellent, no-nonsense scientific talk from Kevin Anderson of the Tyndall Centre, a Q & A session with George Marshall (COIN) who highlighted ways we can communicate climate change. Elvis Sukali (Oxfam Malawi) talked about his first hand experiences of climate change, then Lucy Pearce (Stop Climate Chaos) got us all excited about The Wave in London on the 5th December and how we could make it bigger and bluer. Why not look at a few highlights from the day …

Oxfam’s Active Global Citizenship Conference October 19th saw Oxfam hosting its first Active Global Citizenship conference for over 100 young people from across the North West.

Highlights of the day included a visit from a life-sized polar bear reminding us of the need to save humans too, students getting their faces painted blue, and the chance to question Rebecca Gowland, head of Oxfam’s ‘Here and Now’ climate change campaign. It was great to see students really engaging with complex issues and the sense of empowerment this gave them. By the end of the day they had channelled all this learning and enthusiasm into an action plan to take back to their school, containing their ideas on how to campaign for climate justice within their community. Here are some of our favourite parts of the day …

Climate Charge to Copenhagen

Manchester Campaigns Group hits the streets

1000 miles to Copenhagen.

On October 24th Manchester Campaigns group took to the streets to be part of 350 degrees day of climate action.

60 Hitchhikers from Liverpool and Manchester

On 24 October, people in 181 countries came together for the most widespread day of environmental action in the planet's history. At over 5200 events around the world, people gathered to call for strong action and bold leadership on the climate crisis.

A journey of a lifetime to change lives. Pushing for a fair climate deal for everyone in the world in Copenhagen.

Manchester activist Julie was really impressed by the sheer volume of support on the day. ‘Bring on Copenhagen – I’m ready for a fairer world.’

Befriending politicians like Chris Davies (MEP) to help us to get the deal we need. Raising money for climate adaptation projects to show we will put our money where our mouth is. Please follow us and support our journey… Chapter One: An idea is born … Chapter two meeting MEP Chris Davies coming soon – keep an eye on the blog!

Oxjam October is Over … And it was amazing! Oxjam totally rocked the month of October: music's been played, money's been raised and Oxjammers have been demanding action on climate change till they are blue in the face! As a result, lives will be saved right across the globe. And we just can't thank you enough for your support! It couldn't have happened without you.

There have been so many Oxjam highlights: Not least the takeover events on 25 October when Oxjam took over the nation's favourite venues. Over 2,000 artists played in 22 cities in venues from pubs and clubs to puppet theatres. In Manchester, Chester and Blackburn thousands of people from across the North West came together to tackle poverty, make music and have a great time! Make sure you check out this and more October highlights. Oxjam has already raised over £1m since 2006 to help the world's poorest people. As soon as we have the grand total from this October we'll share the news with you.

Dates for the diary November 4th November – Free Oxfam campaigns training on ‘Are women the answer to poverty?’ 6.25-8pm Central Hall, Oldham Street, Manchester - http://oxfamgendercampaignstraining.eventbrite.com/ 4th – Outreach Campaigning at VV Brown’s gig in Manchester. A free ticket to the show after spreading the word about Oxfam’s campaigns. Full briefing will be given on the night. Contact Rachel = [email protected] for a place quickly as spaces are limited! 5th - Outreach Campaigning at Just Jack’s gig in Manchester. A free ticket to the show after spreading the word about Oxfam’s campaigns. Full briefing will be given on the night. Contact Rachel = [email protected] for a place quickly as spaces are limited! 8th November – Chorley Age of stupid screening only £3 at the little theatre 7-9 pm. Contact Keith for more information and to get your ticket! 11th November – Duncan Green (author of from Poverty to Power and Oxfam’s head of Research) ‘Can we prevent climate change and make poverty history?’ 7pm Chester University: Best Building - Lecture theatre CBB 115 http://www.chester.ac.uk/sites/files/chester/location_chester.pdf 14th November – Fair trade Fair at Stockport College (only 40p entry). Help out at the Oxfam stall there 18th November – "Copenhagen" and "Manchester's Climate Action Plan" - Manchester Climate Forum meeting: from 7pm (for mingling) 7.30- 9pm, Friends Meeting House, 6 Mount St. Manchester. An opportunity to come hear the latest news about both the upcoming climate negotiations and also hear detail about what is happening in Manchester. Lots of scope for mingling, brainstorming, announcements! www.manchesterclimateforum.org.uk 24th November – GenderWorks Roadshow – to celebrate achievements of a two-year project funded by the European Commission that has explored the problems faced by women living in poverty across the UK and Europe. The Mechanics Institute, Manchester: 10:00 – 15:30. Contact [email protected] for more information about this fab day! 28th November – Oxfam Manchester group promotes The Wave and does climate change campaigning in the Manchester Peace Gardens – come Help out and show your support. Polar bear will be present!

December 3rd December – Free Craftivism training session – ‘How can you use crafts/ creativity to spread your campaigning message?’ finishing by making something blue together for The Wave on Saturday! 6.25-8 pm Greenfish resource centre, Manchester 5th December – ‘The Wave’ march in London to Stop Climate Chaos. Get onboard with the co-operatives subsidised transport. You can book tickets online via The Co-operative website: http://www.co-operative.coop/thewave The Oxfam supporter code is: OXFAM_TheWave (book early to avoid disappointment and try to get as many of your friends coming as possible) or a mere £2 megabus. We are also looking for volunteers for the day to help out= http://www.stopclimatechaos.org/files/docs/The-Wavestewarding-form.doc 9th-12th December – The climate charge (hitchhike) to Copenhagen from Liverpool and Manchester – contact Manchester or Liverpool. Follow us on our journey and show your support – why not come along on 9th December to either Manchester/ Liverpool town hall to wave us off with the mayor? For a more up to date events list join our Facebook group to see our weekly updates, interesting articles and please do remember to get in touch to get your events publicised

Materials to help you put on your events Are you doing something wonderful for Oxfam? We have some great local resources that you can borrow to make your events even better – from Polar bear outfits to video cameras, from t-shirts to training packs on media and political campaigning. Just get in touch [email protected] to book the materials you need!

What else can I do? There are so many different ways that you can get involved with Oxfam – why not get in contact to find out more?

Join your local campaigns group

Oxfam needs you to raise your voice

Up and down the UK – and around the world – ordinary people are making an extraordinary difference in the global fight against poverty.

Theatre • Local Festivals • Sports Competitions • Art Exhibitions • Music Gigs • Dance • Your Choice

Activists/ local campaigners – are part of a dynamic international network dedicated to communicating our vital campaigns for change direct to the public, encouraging others to take part.

Outreachers go to events and speak to the public to generate excitement about Oxfam’s campaigns. You don’t have to be an expert, you just have to care about ending poverty and suffering.

Working together for impact, they use their energy and skills, knowledge and passion, to take effective action locally - helping to raise the popular support that’s crucial to putting decision-makers under pressure globally.

Get training on Oxfam’s latest campaigns Get creative connecting with the public Get access to the best events in town

Find out where your local group is and how you can get involved – [email protected]

Get involved in Outreach in the North West Find out more: [email protected] or 0161 234 2787

Mahmoud in Ethiopia wants you to fill a bucket with change… Oxfam North West have got loads of different ways for you to be part of the brandGet in contact if you have any questions/ comments – we are a friendly bunch! spanking-new fundraising activity going on [email protected], in the region. Raise some and yougroup can Call: 01612 342786, Email: or usecash our Facebook help people like Mahmoud to fight the effects of climate change. Oxfam GB is a member of Oxfam International. Registered charity No. SC039042. To unsubscribe to these e-updates contact [email protected] Anything from organising a fundraising event, to shaking a collection bucket, there is always something for you to do. Just £87 can buy 10 first aid kits for families who desperately need them or £250 can provide drought resistant crop seeds for 50 families. Any money you raise can will make a real difference people living in poverty and suffering worldwide. To find out more about how you can get involved, get in touch with Harriett = [email protected] or call 0161 234 279 to find out more.

Get in contact if you have any questions/ comments – we are a friendly bunch! Call: 01612 342786, Email: [email protected], or use our Facebook group or twitter Oxfam GB is a member of Oxfam International. Registered charity No. SC039042. To unsubscribe to these e-updates contact [email protected]