On October 16, 17 and 18th, millions of people around the world will “Stand Up” against hunger and poverty in city plazas, schools, concert halls and churches. Stand Up & Take Action, coordinated by the UN Millennium Campaign and GCAP, is a global event in which citizens urge their leaders to keep their promises to achieve the Millennium Development Goals and work locally to ensure food security and climate justice. We are hearing from organizers around the world about the many Stand Up events planned – concerts, silent vigils, tree plantings, campus rallies — even a pumpkin drop. To join an event, go to the Stand Up website and click on events in your region.
If you would like to organize a Stand Up event, just register on the website and describe your event — large or small. You can download Stand Up signs, brochures, logos, banners, t-shirt designs and more. Remember to report back on the number of people who participated, so they can be counted for the Guinness World Records. (Last year, 116 million people participated in Stand Up — shattering the record for the greatest number of people taking action for a social cause in a set time.) Stand Up participants are invited to take photos and upload them to the website, which will run a continuous stream of Stand Up pics and videos throughout the 3-day event. If you can’t join a “Stand Up” event on the ground, you can participate virtually by going to the website and clicking on “Act Online.”
Why focus on the Millennium Development Goals? In 2000, 189 countries, including the U.S., committed to achieving eight goals that would address poverty, health, education and environmental challenges by 2015. However, more than halfway to the deadline, major reductions in global poverty levels have begun to slow or even reverse. The UN’s 2009 Millennium Development Goals Report is both promising and disturbing. But we can turn the tide.
Stand Up is a once-a-year opportunity to join with millions of others speaking out against hunger and poverty. For inspiration, check out scenes from last year’s Stand Up mobilization. Join us!
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