Blogging For Hope: Seven Simple Ways to Save Darfur

Across the blogosphere today, bloggers are coming together to try to make a change in the world through Bloggers Unite for Human Rights.  

I’ll be completely honest.  Back in July of 2003 when the conflict in Darfur began, I didn’t fully understand what was going on.  I had heard the reports of another possible genocide, but it all just seemed so far away and removed from my day to day life of wrangling toddlers and potty training.  Of course I prayed, but there just didn’t seem to be anything else that could be done.   

Fast forward almost 5 years later.  Thanfully my potty training days are over, but the crisis in Darfur is not.  

Did you know?

More than 2 million innocent people have been forced from their homes due to the Darfur conflict.

At least 400,000 people have been killed.

According to a World Food Program, over 355,000 people in the Darfur region have been cut off from food aid.

I read these statistics and feel hopeless all over again.  How could something like this be going on for almost 5 years?  How could we have let this happen?  What can someone as insignificant as me do to try to stop this madness?

Like all major issues, people tend to take a side because of political beliefs.  In my opinion, this issue goes far beyond politics.  This is a human issue and since we are all humans, there seems to be no other answer than to get involved and somehow help these poor people who have suffered so much. 

As much as I would love to just hop on a plane to Africa and get involved, that obviously isn’t going to happen anytime soon.  Plus, that sounds a little scary.  It’s hard to figure out a way to get involved from the safety and comfort of my house so many thousands of miles away. 

I was able to find a few ideas that don’t take a lot of money or time but could hopefully bring about some positive change for the people of Darfur.

1.  Get a celebrity girlfriend or boyfriend and get them to take you to a high-profile event wearing a  DARFUR shirt.  See example:

Ok, obviously that was a joke.  On a more serious note, if you happen to read this, Ryan, I’m free anytime. 

Now on to the real list:

2.   Call 1-800-GENOCIDE-The Genocide Intervention Network has created the first-ever anti-genocide hotline. Call today to be connected directly to your elected officials for free. All you need is your zip code.  I’ve done it and it is really easy.  I swear.  They give you talking points related to current Darfur legislation and other actions your elected officials can take to help end the genocide.  It’s a great way to really keep the issue of Darfur a top priority for your governor, representative, senators and the White House.

3.  Send an email to President Bush to tell him to deploy UNAMID.  UNAMID is the United Nations African Mission In Darfur.  Certain things need to happen before they can be deployed.  The email has already been written for you.  All you have to do is enter your personal information.  It only takes about two minutes and could really make a difference.

4.   Look up your mutual funds to make sure they are not funding the genocide.   Millions of investors are unaware that their savings are invested in companies that help fund genocide in Darfur.  Many U.S.-based investment firms own shares in companies such as PetroChina, a Chinese oil company whose parent company, CNPC, fills the coffers of the Sudanese government and helping fund the its actions in Darfur.

5.  Sign a petition.  Tell the five targeted firms with the largest holdings in PetroChina that genocide is a bad investment!

 6.  Watch Hotel Rwanda.  If you haven’t seen this movie, then go out and rent it today.  Although it is not about Darfur, it will help you to better understand what is still going on today and inspire you to take action. Check out this scene before you make your calls to 1-800-GENOCIDE:

 

 7. Get involved in the Dream For Darfur Olympic Campaigns–Again, this is another easy way that you can just send a few emails from the comfort of your home to make your voice heard.  Olympic Dream for Darfur is not a boycott campaign, nor does it support a boycott of the Olympics.  Their goal is to leverage the Olympics to urge China to use its influence with the Sudanese regime to allow a robust civilian protection force into Darfur.  China is in a unique position to do so: as Sudan’s strongest political and economic partner, as well as the host of the Olympics.

Ok, so that was really only six ways, since you really can’t count number one.  Pick one or two or more of these ideas and take a few minutes today to take action.  Leave me a comment to let me know what you’ve done.   If you’re feeling extra ambitious link back to this post on your blog to help spread the word even more.  Let’s get the word out that it isn’t that hard to get involved.  We can all make a difference.

Did you notice that there was no money out of your pocket involved in any of these ideas?  Of course, if you wanted to donate to the cause one way is to purchase a stove (or two or three) for the women in the refugee camps.   With the stoves the women are no longer forced to venture out of the camps to search for fire wood, which can be extremely dangerous for them. Not only does it keep the women safe, but it will help them provide better nutrition to their children.   Because the stove frees women from hours of searching for fire wood, they can reallocate that time to money-making ventures like weaving mats.  $20.00 will subsidize a Berkeley Darfur Stove for a family living in the Darfur refugee camps.

 

May 16, 2008 | Filed Under Blogging For Hope, GosWatch | 8 Comments