Stand Together Oppose Poverty |
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| Saturday 16th October We are encouraging and supporting community events and activities all across Glasgow and Scotland |
Sunday 17™ October |
WestGAP 0141 3424343 Glasgow Braendam Link 0141 4401999 Oxfam UK Poverty Programme 0141 2858884 |
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| STOP is an informal alliance of community and voluntary organisations |
Dear Friends, |
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STOP believes the existence of poverty is immoral and not inevitable . It is a Human Rights issue |
. It's a chance to express YOUR feelings about the injustice that condemns millions of women, men and children throughout Scotland to live on incomes well below the poverty level, where they have to struggle to take part in even the most basic activities within our Society. It is also a weekend where the dignity and strength of people surviving poverty is made visible, honoured and celebrated. In addition coming together tells those who have the power to change things that we stand together in saying 'No More* and that we demand change. |
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| STOP is non-party political , supports peaceful democratic principals and promotes respect and diversity |
The Weekend is organised around The United Nations International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, which has been marked all around the world on the 17th of October since 1992. On this day, people worldwide have a chance to express their solidarity and to stand together against poverty. It's a day when the human rights of all people living in poverty are stated once more, and where attention is drawn to the fact that these rights are violated every day, over and over again. It is a day where their/our spirit, courage and dignity are given the recognition they deserve. The idea of this bay originally came from Joseph Wresinski working with A TO Fourth World, whose statement below helps to sum up the spirit of the Weekend. |
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| STOP opposes all forms of prej udice in society and encourages all that celebrates our common humanity |
We are calling upon individuals and community- based groups and organisations to stand up and be counted in the fight against poverty -whether it directly affects the lives of you and you family, your friends and neighbours or your Community. We are also asking for the support of larger organisations too, in whatever way they can support this grass-roots series of action. If you receive more than one copy of this letter please pass the extra(s) to other groups you know. Thanks. We are all in it together as equal partners and we want you and/or your organisation to be involved in the 16th and 17th as equal partners too. We all have something to contribute - however big, however small. |
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| STOP was formed by Glasgow Braendam Link, West Glasgow Against Poverty, The Poverty Alliance and Oxfam's UK Poverty Programme |
Stop "It is not poverty that is shameful, it is the existence of poverty that is shameful"Joseph Wresinski | ||
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WHAT IS STOP? - STOP is an informal coalition of anti-poverty organisations that have met regularly over the last few months, with a view to sharing our experiences and skills gained in the struggle against poverty in Scotland. Our discussions have resulted in the proposed Weekend of Action. STOP has been inspired by the efforts of the family members of Glasgow Braendam Link, who, for many years, have marked the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, by gathering in Glasgow's George Square to speak out about the reality of their lives and to honour the dignity of those surviving poverty.
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"Don't agonise. Organise." |
On October 17th 1999, Glasgow Braendam Link set a commemorative stone into the ground in George Square in Glasgow, which reads: |
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| WHAT IS THE WEEKEND OF ACTION? - The Weekend of Action has a different focus on the 16th and 17th. You can take part in one or the other, or both - it's up to you. |
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| SATURDAY 16 OCTOBER - We are encouraging and supporting community events and activities all across Glasgow and Scotland designed to express your/our feelings at the injustice that is Poverty and inequality. If you are affected by poverty - if you care about those who are - that means you. What you do is up to you, as long as it is non-violent and helps to raise awareness about poverty and its effects. If you have ideas now - great - if not, don't worry - there is time and others can help. STOP also has a small amount of money to support activities on the 16th, so please speak to us if this might help. We'll tell you more about that later. |
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| SUNDAY 17™ OCTOBER - We hope that those taking part in the Community-based actions and many others will want to join together in the big-event being organised for the next day in George Square. Then we want as many people as possible to gather in the centre of Glasgow to say STOP together as we mark the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. We anticipate and hope that a huge range of individuals, groups and organisations will want to take part. The focus on the 17th is for people and communities most affected by the existence of poverty, discrimination and inequality in to have the space to make their/our voices heard, so whether that means you or whether you want to support others - come and join with us. There will be a varied programme of activities, covering smaller events and a big 'all together' one. But we want to work out the actual plan for the day with all those who want to take part, So............. |
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| 'We are committed to change in the distribution of opportunities, resources and power in society" The Poverty Alliance |
STOP are holding an information and organising day, in Glasgow on the 18th August for everyone to find out more and discuss ideas and arrangements. You don't need to know what you would like to do at this stage. We're just looking to register your interest and support in principle. |
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| If you know of any other people and groups that might be interested please tell them. Please fill in the postcard, send it to us, and we'll be in touch soon with the details. If you want more information meantime, contact either Kait or Terry at WestGAP (342-4343), Tricia or Ruth at Braendam Link (440-1999), Adrian or Crispin at Oxfam UK Poverty Programme (285-8884), or Frank or Isabelle at The Poverty Alliance (353-0440). |
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Thanks. We look forward to hearing from you STOP |
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