Creating a Climate of Responsibility
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SPEAK is a Network connecting the emerging generation to campaign and pray on issues of global justice. Through bringing change to situations of injustice we aim to share our faith in our creator: God.
SPEAK combines campaigning and prayer because we believe that they make a powerful combination to bring social transformation. We believe in networking because only together, when acting and praying in unity, can we really make a difference.
Visit the SPEAK site at
www.speak.org.uk
by Jo Frew
It is clear that our lifestyles, and the operations of companies who sell them to us, are having an impact not solely on our neighbours across the world, but also on the world itself. The weather, the sea, the sky, the wind, the air we breathe, the thousands of precious species we share this space with and rely on, are all being affected. Climate change impacts most those humans who do not have the safety net of wealth and infrastructure – the poorest people.
A recent report by Christian Aid found that, while the UK’s share of global carbon emissions stands at 2%, it soars to 12 – 15% when you take into account the activities of UK companies.
We have a great opportunity to use our campaigning on Corporate Accountability to support the urgent fight against climate change. Making multinational companies accountable is a climate issue – a danger that your least socially aware friends should have heard of by now!
This year will give you an opportunity for loads of learning and action, whether you’re in a group or on your own.
Unfinished Business MP3 Petition
Our challenge to each SPEAK group is to collect 1 hour’s worth of MP3 messages calling for greater accountability of multinational companies. Each group is to bring their contribution to Soundcheck in February 2009. We want to collect 24 hours of messages to present to the UK government. This is where you can get really creative – why not put on a music night and get each artist to incorporate a message into one of their songs or record the whole crowd shouting a message? You could raise awareness of the campaign and fundraise for SPEAK at the same time! Contact the SPEAK northern office for an MP3 pack. If you’ve already recorded messages, please email them to north@speak.org.uk.
Breaking Europe: Lobby Your MEP!
European elections are coming up in June 2009. Our second challenge to you wonderful campaigners is to find out who your Members of European Parliament (MEPs) are and meet with at least one of them before the elections next summer. Ask them to make sure Corporate Accountability, which is vital for progress in international development and climate change, is a priority for their party, and for the new European Commission (which MEPs appoint). Go to www.speak.org.uk/what-speak-does/trade-justice-campaign/summer-08-lobby-... for a step by step guide.
Climate Change
See the latest Pray and Post card for actions and materials on climate change. Through calling for action from world leaders on climate change, you’ll be joining a larger movement of people across the UK who are concerned about climate change, and its effect on the world’s poorest people. For more actions and materials visit www.christianaid.org.uk or www.stopclimatechaos.org.