Make Poverty History - mobilising NI

Every three seconds a child dies as a result of avoidable poverty. Just enough time to click your fingers. Thirty-thousand children die every day as a result of extreme poverty. We believe this can't be allowed to continue.

The same number of people as were killed in the Asian Tsunami die every week - just because they are poor.

With the UK hosting the G8 summit meeting of the world's richest countries, and holding the chair of the EU, we hope to put pressure on governments to make 2005 a special year for the millions of people currently living in poverty. By increasing aid to poor countries, dropping the debt and making trade fair we can help bring an end to global poverty.

Take Action to MAKE POVERTY HISTORY

What difference will you make this year? When you take action you will be joining hundreds of thousands of people around the UK, and the world, to call on world leaders to Make Poverty History in 2005.

1. Wear a white band. The white band is a global symbol for the campaign to end poverty. By wearing your white band you are showing your support and commitment to tackling poverty.
2. Send a postcard to Tony Blair asking him to use his leadership and influence to take the necessary decision to MAKE POVERTY HISTORY. NICVA has produced postcards and white bands as a resource for the voluntary and community sector. To place an order contact LIsa McElherron at NICVA lisa.mcelherron@nicva.org
3. Join the Belfast MAKE POVERTY HISTORY event. Custom House Square (behind the Albert Clock). Saturday 4 June at 2pm. A fun family day with music, celebrities and campaigners. Make your voice heard. Watch local press for further details.
4. Get to Edinburgh - Saturday 2 July 2005. As the leaders of the world's richest countries gather in Scotland for the G8 summit, join tens of thousands of others in Edinburgh to demand trade justice, debt cancellation, and more and better aid for the world's poorest countries.
5. Use your politicians. Ask your local Councils to pass a resolution supporting MAKE POVERTY HISTORY. Ask politicians to appoint a spokesperson for overseas issues in their party who will also question Tony Blair in parliament.

Go to the website: www.makepovertyhistory-ni.org