Debating poverty informs activism that spills over

TEACH (AND LEARN) THE ISSUES Education on the issues is vital; understanding them and how we ‘feel’ about them; their causes, potential solutions, challenges and choices. Debating and analysing the issues is vital for all our futures. BE PROFESSIONAL, PLAYYOUR ROLE Everyone has a role – doctors, bakers, lawyers, drivers, farmers; whatever area we work in is related in one way or another to the issues through trade, ingredients, law making, ecology etc. Just as we can make a difference at home and in our community, we can (and should) make a difference through our work places and practices! CHALLENGE WRONG REGULARLY ‘Someone should do something about that, it’s wrong’; how many times have we heard or said that; speak out (about trade, torture, waste, pollution, women’s rights etc.); get colleagues to write that letter, send that email, make that post, support that cause (many organisations already do, does yours?). BE POLITICAL – ultimately, issues of inequality and injustice in the world are political; don’t leave it to others to take on the issues as you may disagree with them as to how they do so; make your thoughts, ideas and solutions heard politically. Organisations like Concern,Amnesty, Friends of the Earth cannot do the job alone.