CALL TO ACTION! On March 14, 2007, unite with communities around the world to celebrate the *10th ANNIVERSARY* of the International Day of Action Against Dams and for Rivers, Water and Life! Ten years ago, the International Day of Action was launched at the First International Meeting of People Affected by Dams in Curitiba, Brazil. Chosen to coincide with Brazil's Day of Action Against Large Dams, March 14th is a day of protest and affirmation that has spread from those original 20 countries including Brazil, France, Argentina, the USA, Russia and Lesotho, to over 50 countries and hundreds of local groups. This year we join together, stronger than ever, to protest destructive river development and celebrate successes over the last year. This is also a time to fight for social justice and the rights of communities to have a say in decisions affecting their lives and livelihoods.
We invite you to participate in this year's International Day of Action by planning an event to celebrate rivers, water and life. Last year on March 14, nearly 100 actions mobilized and inspired people. Across the globe, in places where rivers and communities are impacted by destructive river-development schemes, tens of thousands of people from at least 34 countries united on the 9th annual International Day of Action for Rivers. Actions ranged from hunger strikes to sit-ins; dam-site blockades to urban protest marches; children's events to public seminars; spiritual ceremonies to boat trips down threatened rivers. Take a stand on March 14th for healthy rivers and thriving communities! Organize a direct action, a celebration, or an educational event. Choose whatever topic and form you like, and focus on whatever works within your own context. Just get involved and get active! WHAT YOU CAN DO (AND HOW WE CAN HELP)! --Planning an event? We are thrilled you are putting on an event and will help in any way we can. Once you provide us with information about your event, we will be able to provide you informational material, if needed, contacts to other participants, and increased visibility of your actions. First of all, tell us about your event, including: (1) title, (2) location, (3) date and time, (4) contact person, and (5) a brief description (be sure to let us know if we should keep your event confidential). We will post it on our web site, maintain a master list, and distribute information to interested individuals. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, we would greatly appreciate any photographs and short summaries of your events after they take place. SEND YOUR EVENT INFORMATION TO [EMAIL PROTECTED] <mailto: [EMAIL PROTECTED]> . --Need brochures? We have a full color one-page brochure to inspire groups to participate in the Day of Action, and a four-page fact sheet describing past activities for the Day of Action. Contact us if you would like copies of these brochures or fact sheets, background information or other materials to help promote your event and we will send them to you. Let us know how many brochures you need, and be sure to include your address. You can also download the materials at www.irn.org/dayofaction <http://www.irn.org/dayofaction> . --Want to attend an event? Keep checking our website (www.irn.org/dayofaction < http://www.irn.org/dayofaction> ) as the Day of Action approaches to find events in your area. Be sure to contact us to double-check information. And please help spread the word! SOME OF LAST YEAR'S ACTIONS **BRAZIL: Panel Discussions, Ceremonies and Marches Against Dams** MAB (Movimiento dos Antigidos por Barragens) celebrated their 20th anniversary by hosting their second annual national meeting against dams in Curitiba. The events lasted four days, and brought together more than 1,300 dam-affected people to participate in many fora, panel discussions, ceremonies and marches, uniting Brazilians against dams and proposing alternative forms of energy. Other actions in Brazil included a boat rally and prayer session for local rivers and against local dams, as well as a protest, led by an umbrella group known as the Forum for Debates on Rondônia Energy, against the construction of two hydroelectric power plants on the Madeira River in the state of Rondônia. **MEXICO: Demonstration in Mexico City** The Fourth Annual World Water Forum in Mexico City brought together thousands of people from all over the world, and prompted local and visiting activists to launch a massive march on March 16 to raise awareness about major water-related issues, including large dams, water privatization and inequities in water services. The march included a large contingent of people who would be affected by the La Parota Dam near Acapulco. **INDIA: Action Against Tipaimukh Dam** A leaders' meeting, convened at the Manipur Press Club in Imphal, strongly opposed the government of India's decision to construct the Tipaimukh High Dam and urged the government to review the decision. The meeting was jointly organized by the Zeliangrong Youth Front, Imphal, the Ethno Heritage Council (HERICOUN), Indian Political Science Association (IPSA), Centre for Organisation Research & Education (CORE) and United Progressive Alliance (UPA). It was attended by leaders and representatives of the 25 different civil society bodies of the state. Participants resolved to form an Action Committee on Tipaimukh Dam, and to launch a series of agitations on the issue. **NIGERIA: "Safe Rivers for ALL"** Safe Water Africa convened a Million Man March Against River Pollution in Abuja. Groups convened at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja and the Nigerian House of Assembly wearing vests with the message "Safe Rivers for ALL," to sensitize their president to the alarming rate of river pollution in the region. This enabled the policymakers to become informed and enact laws against water pollution by the private sector. We look forward to hearing from you! For the rivers, International Rivers Network 1847 Berkeley Way Berkeley, CA 94703 USA Phone: +1.510.848.1155 Fax: +1.510.848.1008 E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Web: http://www.irn.org/dayofaction/ http://www.irn.org/dayofaction/ --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ greenyouth mailinglist is the activist support mailinglist for kerala run by Global Alternate Information Applications (GAIA) To post to this group, send email to [email protected] -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
