Steps to Change

With the G8 being held in our backyard we have been trying to take in all the events that are taking place as a result. A call was put out to artists around the world a few months (perhaps longer) ago, for original postcards to be sent in that share a message the artist wants to express to the G8 leaders. The postcard could be done in any medium, on any topic that the individual felt was important, the only requirement was the size.
A local gallery displayed the collection, which were made from material, birch bark, recycled material, leather to name a few. The art wasn't limited too, but included quilting, photographs, pencil drawing, water colour, oil painting, embroidery, collage. The messages for humane fishing, community focus, peace, fair trade, women's rights, embracing nature, ending hunger, the waste of money on the G8 were among many. The diversity represented was fabulous, not to mention the high quality of art.

Another display that came to the community was one that focused specifically on peace through children. The local Buddhist community worked with the national Buddhist community to bring the large screens to the library for people to enjoy. The large material display touched on the components of peace, the difference between peace and its absence. Examples of children around the globe working towards peace were highlighted, empowering the reader to make another step to make a difference.

Thankful

A 12 foot high steel fence blocking us off from town. Restricted zones. Check points requiring special passes, limited to very few. Helicopters, fighter jets, army trucks, military presence, armed vehicles, becoming regular presences on the streets, in the air and even the grocery store. Bomb threats, rumours and bewilderment.

We have known the G8 was coming. We have watched as the preparations have been made. The security has gradually increased as the dates approach. Now just a few days away I am feeling so thankful that this is temporary. That I don't live in a place where my children grow up knowing this as their norm. I have a new appreciation for Mothers raising children in countries where freedom has a totally different meaning.

A New Light on Chocolate

With Valentines day a few weeks away the increase of chocolate in the grocery store aisles is very noticeable. Valentine's day is an odd holiday. While I am all for more reasons to express your love, the whole commercial diamonds, chocolates, teddy bears thing is kind of weird. The commercial part of the holiday isn't something we participate in. That said we do still celebrate it, in the past we have attended valentine's day parties, been part of exchanges with friends, sent letters expressing our love, made gratitude trees, etc.

A few weeks ago I came across a fabulous curriculum on this site focusing on fair trade chocolate that was being marketed specifically for Valentine's day. The curriculum includes of both a book and activities. Students are invited to look at the process of chocolate making, the geographical location, question how the cost of chocolate is broken down and where the money goes, is it fair? The power of purchasing and consumer advocacy is addressed. It looks excellent.

While the concepts that are part of fair trade have been discussed in the grocery store and around the dinner table we haven't ever gone this in depth with one particular product. I think chocolate is a great one to start with.

fair trade chocolate
chocolate process
fair trade oxfam

raising global citizens (my friend karen has started a fabulous blog with lots of resources for
educating ourselves and our children on global issues and social justice)

Remembrance Day

We are the Dead. Short days ago.

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved, and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders fields.



John McCrae

World Food Day

Tommorrow, October 16th is World Food Day, a day to take action and reflect on world food issues, hunger.

At a time when the global economic crisis dominates the news, the world needs to be reminded that not everyone works in offices and factories. The crisis is stalking the small-scale farms and rural areas of the world, where 70 percent of the world's hungry live and work. With an estimated increase of 105 million hungry people in 2009, there are now 1.02 billion malnourished people in the world, meaning that almost one sixth of all humanity is suffering from hunger.

From the World Food Day site

Even during really hard times, Chris and I have never had to watch our kids go hungry, feared our children were malnourished. We have had the privilege to grow some food of our own, not worrying that the government would come along and relocate us or take our land away. We have had the luxury of being able to can fruits and vegetables knowing that we have the option to buy produce that was grown locally and has little to no pesticides. We also know it is not an option to take these things for granted. It also isn't an option to stand by silently while people die of hunger. Children, mothers, fathers, grandparents, friends, die. Donate to food banks, be thankful, write to politicians, volunteer, become educated and empowered to act. We can all do something.

Oxfam has some great resources for World Food Day to use with your family or school. Even a jeopardy game. Over 700,000 Canadians turn to food banks each month. As part of World Food Day, Foodbanks Canada has put Canadian faces to hunger. They have compiled and published stories about individuals who are facing hunger. As a problem that often feels far away, this publication dispells the myths.

The rice game
A Flicker photo group for World Food Day
Make Poverty History Resources

Games for kids based on social justice