People Helping People

Here's a great video on the Scientology Volunteer Ministers and the work they do.

It shows the importance of the movement and what you can do to help.

More on Bono

DATA stands for "Debt AIDS trade Africa". It was established "...to raise awareness of the crisis facing Africa and to increase support in the United States and abroad to address this issue. We lobby the governments of wealthy nations to increase funding and promote policies which will benefit Africa. We also work to inform citizens of wealthier countries and to increase grassroots support for better policies towards Africa."

Bono is on the Board of Directors of DATA and this is an article I found on the site on his RED campaign:

AS PRODUCT (RED) LAUNCHES IN AMERICA, OPENING A NEW FRONT IN THE WAR AGAINST AIDS, A FEW WORDS FROM BONO

Sometimes when I’m walking down the street a passer by will say “love your work on Africa Bono, great cause.” Sometimes, they wish they hadn’t. I’m Irish, I love to talk to strangers. I love to talk about Africa. It can be hard to get away ... Each time it makes me think we need to do much more to get the message across that this is not a ‘cause,’ this pandemic that we and so many others are working on. 5,500 Africans dying a day of AIDS, a preventable, treatable disease is not a cause. 5,500 Africans dying each day is an emergency.

Enter Product (RED). Red is a new idea we’re launching to work alongside the growing ONE Campaign to Make Poverty History. Over the past year, almost 2 million Americans have joined ONE, in churches and chatrooms ... on soccer pitches and movie sets ... at NASCAR races and rock concerts. By 2008, we’re aiming to have 5 million members – that’s more than the National Rifle Association. Just think for a moment of what that kind of political firepower could achieve for the poorest of the poor...

Where ONE takes on the bigger, longer-term beast of changing policy and influencing government, (RED) is, I guess, about a more instant kind of gratification. If you buy a (RED) product from GAP, Motorola, Armani, Converse or Apple, they will give up to 50% of their profit to buy AIDS drugs for mothers and children in Africa. (RED) is the consumer battalion gathering in the shopping malls. You buy the jeans, phones, iPods, shoes, sunglasses, and someone - somebody’s mother, father, daughter or son - will live instead of dying in the poorest part of the world. It’s a different kind of fashion statement.

You might think (RED) sounds too simple. But AIDS is no longer a death sentence. Just two pills a day will bring someone who is at death’s door back to full health, back to a full life. Doctors call it ‘the Lazarus effect’. I’ve seen it myself and I have to say that it’s nothing short of a miracle. These pills are available at any corner drugstore. They cost less than a dollar a day, but the poorest people in Africa earn less than a dollar a day. They can’t afford them, and so they die. It’s unnecessary. It’s insane.

You might think it’s too difficult to get these drugs to the people who most need them. A couple of years ago when DATA (Debt, AIDS, Trade, Africa) lobbied President Bush, Tony Blair and Jacques Chirac to do more on AIDS we went to experts about this. From Bill and Melinda Gates, to Dr Paul Farmer working in the poorest places on the earth, to Dr Coutinho in his AIDS clinic in Uganda. Is it easy? No. Is it impossible? No. Can we do it? Absolutely. In 2001, there were 50,000 Africans taking ARVs. Now there are over one million people getting these life saving drugs thanks to President Bush’s AIDS initiative, and thanks to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria.

There are though still 4.3 million Africans without drugs, which is why 100% of (RED) money is going directly to the Global Fund to support the work they are doing. (RED) uses the power in your pocket to keep people alive. ONE uses the power of your voice to create a more just world where people can earn their own way out of poverty. This means tackling more than AIDS. It means fighting corruption. Insisting on good governance. Getting kids in school. Changing trade rules. Getting businesses to invest in Africa. Myself and Ali started a company called Edun – a fashion line that makes clothes in Africa – because so many Africans we met said what they wanted more than anything was a job.

All of this is ganging up on the same problem – the greatest health crisis in human history and the extreme poverty in which it thrives. The Number 1 question we get asked is, what can I do to help? From today, you can do one more thing than you could do yesterday. Shop (RED). And if you haven’t already, join the One campaign at one.org.

As I said, this is an emergency. And in these dangerous times, how we in the West respond is an opportunity to show what we stand for, as well as what we stand against. If we’re successful, we will not only transform millions of people’s lives, we’ll transform the way these people see us ... and in turn, the world in which we live.

For more information on the campaigns Bono mentioned:

Joinred.com
Product (RED), founded by Bono and Bobby Shriver in 2006 to engage consumers and the private sector with its marketing prowess and funds in the fight against AIDS. Money raised from (RED) Products goes to the Global Fund to fight AIDS, TB and Malaria.

One.org
The ONE campaign to make poverty history was founded in 2005 and is now 2.3 million members strong representing Americans from all 50 states. The goal of this movement is to persuade the US government to spend an additional one percent of the federal budget on tackling AIDS and extreme poverty

Data.org
DATA (debt, AIDS, trade, Africa) is an advocacy organization founded in 2002 by Bono, Bobby Shriver and activists from the Jubilee “Drop the Debt” campaign to fight extreme poverty and AIDS in Africa. DATA’s mission is to tackle the three issues that most adversely affect the African continent -- unpayable debts, the spread of AIDS and unfair trade policies – by raising public awareness and working with leaders in the U.S. and throughout the G8 to bring more resources to the region.

Edun.ie
EDUN, which has just produced a ONE Campaign t-shirt raising money for AIDS drugs in Lesotho, is an ethically-sourced high fashion clothing company. It was created in 2005 by Ali Hewson, Bono and designer Rogan Gregory in an effort to increase trade opportunities and sustainable long-term employment in developing nations. With factories located in Africa, South America and India, EDUN believes in respect for and investment in the people and places where its clothing is made.

Scientologists in Society

Every Scientologist who takes the time to help in his community is a hero to the people he helps.

I saw an example two nights ago.

I was coming home and I was with a group of my friends. As we turned the corner we hear the squeal of some brakes and a crash - a car had crashed sideways into another car and the car that was hit was in bad shape.

While one of the guys got on his cell phone to call 9-11 three others went to help the guy in the car, get him oriented and give him an assist till help could arrive.

They stayed with him until the paramedics arrived and by that time he was doing much better.

Scientologists get involved, they know they can help and the do so.

I was really proud.

David Miscavige Drives the Message Home about Scientology

Here is a great article on religion4life

The work David Miscavige is doing to ensure effective solutions are implemented on a planetary basis are helping millions of people around the world.

And with the grand opening of the Church of Scientology of London, this is about to ramp up another important notch.

"We are about to drive home the message 'This is Scientology ' like you have never seen," said David Miscavige , chairman of the Church of Scientology (sic.) [David Miscavige is actually the Chairman of the Board of Religious Technology Center.]

So reports Robert Booth on Saturday in the Sunday Times - a story that got picked up internationally.

And Sunday's grand opening was everything Mr. Miscavige promised.

The Scientology Press Office announces the news as follows:

With thousands of Scientologists, local residents and officials in attendance, the new Church of Scientology of London opened its doors.

Mr. David Miscavige , Chairman of the Board of the Religious Technology Center and leader of the Scientology religion , stressed the historical importance of London. "This is the city L. Ron Hubbard himself [founder of the Scientology religion] selected as home to the first Scientology organization. This is also the city wherein he first defined the human spirit as an immortal being possessed of capabilities beyond anything predicted, and so arrived at the axiomatic truths on which the whole of Scientology is founded. Your early London organizations were also the original proving ground for the bulk of Mr. Hubbard’ s social betterment programs which are used to uplift neighborhoods just like this one."

Heroes of the Tsunami

This beautiful woman was one of the hundreds of Scientologist volunteers who went to the South East Asian tsunami to help.

She is from England and her name is Jennifer Bird.

Her success story is something most Scientologists are very familiar with.

The technology she used and describes here is contained in the Scientology Handbook
and can be studied online.

HumanTrafficking.org | About Us

humantrafficking.org was established "to bring Government and NGOs in the East Asia and Pacific together to cooperate and learn from each other’s experiences in their efforts to combat human trafficking."

It has been implemented by the Academy for Educational Development with funding provided by the U.S. State Department.

HumanTrafficking.org | About
Us

March 2, 1931

Overview:

Mikhail Gorbachev was a bold leader, whose kindness and charm won over millions. In a strict country where the elite admonished new ideas, he reached out and helped an ailing population and the world. His contributions to society will forever be remembered.Country: Russia

Mikhail Gorbachev

International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

Today is the day set aside by the United Nation as International Day for the Eradicaton of Poverty.

There are many fine organizations working to combat poverty.

Truly, in this day, with our technology and communication potential, we should be able to accomplish a basic standard of living for any man or woman on this planet.

Opra and Bono Combatting AIDS in Africa

What a brilliant idea - channel some of the money of the affluent to doing good in Africa.

Leave it to Opra and Bono!

O & Bono's Shopping Spree

Posted Oct 13th 2006 2:26PM by TMZ Staff
Filed under: Fashion Police, Life Style, Oprah

When Oprah Winfrey and Bono team up, you just know it's for something big.

The two celeb humanitarians hit up Michigan Avenue in Chicago and zipped in and out of stores selling Product (RED) merchandise - an effort benefiting the fight against AIDS in Africa.

Apple, Gap, Motorola and Emporio Armani have joined the cause, which is backed by Bobby Shriver and the U2 frontman. "What's great about (RED) is I'm not asking you to give money or write a check or give to charity," says Bono, "I'm asking you to buy (RED) products and the companies who make those products will be making the checks, that's so cool."

The products, all of which are the color of the campaign name, include iPods, RazR phones and clothing.

Bono will appear on Oprah's talk show today to talk more about the U.S. launch of (RED).

Yunus says Bangladesh's new found unity must extend to political arena

As Bangladesh cheered its first Nobel laureate, Mohammad Yunus, the "banker to the poor" said on Saturday the country's new-found "unity" should extend to the political arena and he was ready to help end the standoff between the two main alliances. >>

Universal Declaration of Human Rights - Article 25

It is pretty shocking how many people on earth suffer from the lack of the lack of the most basic things needed for survival. Especially at a time when there is no shortage of food or supplies to care for this.

It is up to each of us to ensure that Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is brought about for all.

This video was produced for Youth for Human Rights International by the Church of Scientology International Human Rights Office.

The Heroism Project

I just found the web site of the Heroism Project.

Really interesting!

David Miscavige

Mr. David Miscavige is Chairman of the Board of Religious Technology Center (RTC) and as the ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion he has been the inspiration for so much good in the world.

Scientology literally saves lives.

Check out what the Scientology Volunteer Ministers are doing, for example. There is news about the Volunteer Ministers on the Scientology News site, just about every day.

Wangari Maathai

Thanks, again, to TheCommunity.com for this profile of the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize Winner:

Wangari Maathai is the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize. As leader of the Green Belt Movement for nearly thirty years, she mobilized poor women to plant trees to counteract the deforestation occurring in her country. She has also campaigned for broader women's rights, education, family planning and nutrition.

Born in central Kenya in 1940, Maathai became the first woman from East and Central Africa to earn a doctorate. She founded the Green Belt Movement while head of the National Council of Women of Kenya. In 1988 she was severely beaten along with other members of the Green Belt Movement as the women attempted to plant trees in Karurua Forest on the outskirts of Nairobi. In 1992 riot police clubbed her and three other women unconscious in central Nairobi during a demonstration. She has been teargassed, threatened with death by anonymous callers, and jailed for leading protests. She has continued tirelessly, and today the Green Belt Movement in Kenya has planted more than 30 million trees.

Mohamed ElBaradei

This description of Cr. Mohamed ElBaradei is courtesy of TheCommunity.Com -- a beautiful web site dedicated tot he Nobel Peace Laureates and their work.

Dr. ElBaradei was born in Cairo, Egypt, in 1942. He earned a Doctorate in International Law at the New York University School of Law in 1974. He began his career in the Egyptian Diplomatic Service, and in 1980 he left the Diplomatic Service to join the United Nations. He was simultaneously an Adjunct Professor of International Law at the New York University School of Law.

The organization he heads, the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) is the world´s center of cooperation in the nuclear field. It was set up as the world´s "Atoms for Peace" organization in 1957 within the United Nations family. The Agency works with its Member States and multiple partners worldwide to promote safe, secure and peaceful nuclear technologies. They have 2200 multi-disciplinary professional and support staff from more than 90 countries and operate around the world.

Pepsi Everyday Freedom Heroes

I think it's terrific that Mary Shuttleworth, the founder and president of Youth for Human Rights International, was named as a Pepsi Everyday Freedom Hero this year.

What Pepsi says about this award is:

"A Freedom Hero is an individual or group that takes action to protect or extend freedom. The action is often as simple as speaking up, working as a catalyst for change or encouraging others to learn, grow and contribute. Freedom Heroes come from all walks of life and may affect any form of freedom including race, gender, religion, speech, press, educational, social and/or economic issues. We honor the individual whose innovation, involvement and intervention redirects fate."

Mary recently completed the third annual Youth for Human Rights World Tour, where she visited 30 cities and released human rights public service anouncement - one in each city - covering all 3o articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

These ads, which are really short films and works of art - were directed by Mary's son, Taron Lexton, who was the director of the award-winning United human rights music DVD.

Here's what they say about Mary on the web site:

Mary Shuttleworth grew up in the Apartheid days of South Africa. She grew up with a passion for human rights and a desire to share the passion with young people. Mary moved to the United States where she became a school principal and children's advocate. She launched Youth for Human Rights International as an education program for children so they would understand and embrace the importance of human rights and religious tolerance. Mary shared this passion with her son, Taron.

The Wrong Heroes

I think we tend to idiolize the wrong people in this, our "enlightened" 21st Century.

If our favorite magazines and TV shows are an accurate measure of who we revere, I think we've missed the boat.

His Holiness The Dalai Lama

"Peace can only last where human rights are respected, where the people are fed, and where individuals and nations are free."

His Holiness The Dalai Lama

Unsung Heroes

There are many heroes.

Anyone who goes out of his or her way to help others is a hero, in my books.

Nelson Mandela

"No one is born hating another person because of the color of their skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite."

Nelson Mandela