| Environment/Sustainability
websites "Bioneers seeks to unite nature, culture and spirit in an Earth-honoring vision, and create economic models founded in social justice." "Nature cleans our air and water, makes the soil that grows our food and provides the resources to make all our material goods. "Unfortunately, with six billion of us now living under one roof, we are gradually eroding the services nature provides – even though we depend on them for our quality of life and our future. "Since 1990, the David Suzuki Foundation has worked to find ways for society to live in balance with the natural world that sustains us." "EarthSave educates people about the powerful effects our food choices have on the environment, our health and all life on Earth, and encourages a shift toward a healthy, plant-based diet." Founded by bestselling author and activist John Robbins. "The purpose of the Earth Policy Institute is to provide a vision of what an environmentally sustainable economy will look like, a roadmap of how to get from here to there, and an ongoing assessment of this effort, of where progress is being made and where it is not." This website includes free downloads of EPI Founder and President Lester Brown's recent books. Brown is a veteran leader of the environmental movement. "EnviroLink is . . . a grassroots online community that unites hundreds of organizations and volunteers around the world with millions of people in more than 150 countries. EnviroLink is dedicated to providing comprehensive, up-to-date environmental information and news."
"As a global organisation, Greenpeace focuses on the the most crucial worldwide threats to our planet's biodiversity and environment. "We campaign to:
"The Club is America's oldest, largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization. "Our Mission Statement
UCS is an independent nonprofit alliance of more
than 100,000 concerned [US] citizens and scientists. We augment rigorous
scientific analysis with innovative thinking and committed citizen advocacy
to build a cleaner, healthier environment and a safer world.
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| Globalization
articles Joseph Stiglitz: The subtle truth about globalization websites "Tobin Taxes are excise taxes on cross-border currency transactions. . . .The revenue should go to global priorities: basic environmental and human needs. Such taxes will help tame currency market volatility and restore national economic sovereignty. (The name Tobin Tax and the original concept derives from James Tobin, a Ph.D. Nobel-laureate economist at Yale University.)" Can select corporations be a force for good in global affairs? With a dues-paying membership of roughly 1000 major world corporations, The World Economic Forum claims its mission is to do just that. Critics dismiss the 30+-year-old organization, which holds a lavish annual meeting and mixer for industry and government for a few days every January, usually in Davos, Switzerland, as a glorified think-tank for corporate globalization: "While the WEF’s founder, Klaus Schwab, claims that the forum is the 'social conscience of the global economy,' the actual instances of 'corporate good citizenship' trumpeted at forum meetings are, at best, noblesse oblige and, at worst, PR smoke and mirrors."In 2001, the World Social Forum was created as a grassroots challenge to the WEC. "The World Social Forum is an open meeting place where groups and movements of civil society opposed to neo-liberalism and a world dominated by capital or by any form of imperialism, but engaged in building a planetary society centred on the human person, come together to pursue their thinking, to debate ideas democratically, for formulate proposals, share their experiences freely and network for effective action. . . ." Formed in 2001, the WSF very deliberately times
its annual meetings to coincide with those of the World Economic Forum.
In 2004, it meets in Mumbai, India from January 16-21.
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| Governance
& Citizenship - Global
articles Opening America's View - by George Soros Among the sweeping reforms called for by this study-in-progress: abolition of the Security Council veto, establishment of a Global Peoples Assembly, a major ideological makeover for the World Bank, IMF and WTO, and "an international system of governance for transnational corporations."websites "The vision of the Campaign for United Nations Reform is an effective, democratic, and accountable United Nations system able to fulfill the goals set forth in the preamble of its Charter. These goals include preventing war, protecting fundamental human rights, establishing conditions for justice and respect for international law, and promoting social progress with sustainable standards of living." CUNR is in the process of merging with the World Federalist Association to become Citizens for Global Solutions (see below). "Citizens for Global Solutions envisions a future in which nations work together to abolish war, protect our rights and freedoms, and solve the problems facing humanity that no nation can solve alone. This vision requires effective democratic global institutions that will apply the rule of law while respecting the diversity and autonomy of national and local communities. ". . . .We are a membership organization working to build political will in the United States to achieve our vision." The Commission on Global Governance "The Commission calls for a global neighbourhood
ethic and commitment to core global values that can command respect across
frontiers of race and religion. It also makes a plea for enlightened leadership
that looks beyond the next election.
Created in 2001 as an initiative of George Soros's Open Society Institute, the Democracy Coalition Project identifies several key issues of concern on its website:
". . . [W]e must decide to live with a sense of universal responsibility, identifying ourselves with the whole Earth community as well as our local communities. We are at once citizens of different nations and of one world in which the local and global are linked. Everyone shares responsibility for the present and future well-being of the human family and the larger living world. The spirit of human solidarity and kinship with all life is strengthened when we live with reverence for the mystery of being, gratitude for the gift of life, and humility regarding the human place in nature." The website of the world's first card-carrying world citizen. "This international anarchy is moving swiftly toward a final war. I no longer find it compatible with my inner convictions to contribute to this anarchy, and thus be a party to the inevitable annihilation of our civilization, by remaining solely loyal to one of these sovereign nation-states. I must extend the little sovereignty I possess, as a member of the world community, to the whole community, and to the international vacuum of its government - a vacuum into which the rest of the world must be drawn if it is to survive, for therein lies the only alternative to this final war. I should like to consider myself a citizen of the world." - Garry Davis, 1948Global Policy Forum "GPF is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization, with consultative status at the United Nations. Founded in 1993 by an international group of concerned citizens, GPF works with partners around the world to strengthen international law and create a more equitable and sustainable global society. GPF uses a holistic approach, linking peace and security with economic justice and human development, and we place a heavy emphasis on networking to build broad coalitions for research, action and advocacy." Website features an amazing depth of reprinted articles on global issues. The International Simultaneous Policy Organisation "The Simultaneous Policy is a peaceful political strategy to democratically drive all the world's nations to apply global solutions to global problems, including combatting global warming and environmental destruction, regulating economic globalization for the good of all, and delivering social justice, peace and security, and sustainable prosperity. "'Can it work? Certainly worth a serious try.'
"The One World Trust was formed 50 years ago by the All-Party Group for World Government to promote a greater sense of world community. The Trust believes that sustainable world peace, prosperity and justice will only be achieved when individuals see themselves as world citizens as well as citizens of their own nations. . . . "A crucial aspect of the Trust's work is to promote stronger and more just world law which will help the nations of the world solve those problems they are unable to solve by themselves. The Trust is a member of the World Federalist Movement and its ultimate objective is a World Government based along federal lines, nations pooling sovereignty." "We seek to make the real world a place without borders...
"The World Citizen Foundation is a nonprofit nonpartisan think-tank dedicated to the design of solutions to international problems based on the fundamental principles of equal human dignity, liberty, democracy and constitutionally protected basic rights of all." "This project is based on the Sacred Writings of Baha'u'llah, Prophet-Founder of the Baha'i Faith, who proclaimed over one hundred years ago, 'The Earth is but One Country and Mankind its Citizens.' He also warned, 'The well-being of mankind, its peace and security, are unattainable unless and until its unity is firmly established.' 'Being a world citizen doesn't exclude a sane and legitimate patriotism for one's own country, but it embraces a wider loyalty, a love for all humanity and a sense of responsibility for the fate of the earth as well.'" "As world federalists, we view the world as one
society embracing all of humanity in all its diversity. We affirm that
the ideals and principles of community life which are basic to civilized
existence can and must be applied to international relations. To this end,
we call for urgent progress in developing the democratic world institutions
of law by which the world's people and nations can govern their relations
to assure a peaceful, just and ecologically sustainable world community."
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| Governance
& Citizenship - U.S.
The Center for Public Integrity "Through its hard-earned reputation for 'public service journalism,' the Center aims to produce high-quality, well-documented, investigative research resulting in a better-informed citizenry that demands a higher level of accountability from its government and elected leaders." CPI's award-winning investigative reports are regularly featured on PBS's own outstanding public affairs series, "NOW, with Bill Moyers." The National Initiative for Democracy " . . . The Democracy Foundation has developed a plan to empower the people as lawmakers, creating, for the first time, a government 'by the people.' "The plan, The National Initiative for Democracy, brings the people into government as lawmakers in every jurisdiction of the United States, adding - the People - as a new Check to our system of Checks and Balances. The National Initiative does not alter the existing structure of representative government; it establishes a partnership between the people and their elected legislators." "Public Citizen is a national, nonprofit consumer advocacy organization founded by Ralph Nader in 1971 to represent consumer interests in Congress, the executive branch and the courts. "We fight for openness and democratic accountability in government, for the right of consumers to seek redress in the courts; for clean, safe and sustainable energy sources; for social and economic justice in trade policies; for strong health, safety and environmental protections; and for safe, effective and affordable prescription drugs and health care."
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| Justice
articles The Case for Animal Rights - by Tom Regan websites "Amnesty International (AI) is a worldwide movement of people who campaign for internationally recognized human rights. "AI's vision is of a world in which every person enjoys all of the human rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international human rights standards. In pursuit of this vision, AI's mission is to undertake research and action focused on preventing and ending grave abuses of the rights to physical and mental integrity, freedom of conscience and expression, and freedom from discrimination, within the context of its work to promote all human rights." "The Animals Voice is an award-winning, independent, networking source of timely information, resources, thought-provoking editorial and compelling photography about animal rights and its defenders. "We offer the veteran activist all the tools of their trade and, at the same time, educate newcomers to the plight of animals worldwide." International Consortium of Investigative Journalists "[M]any of society's major issues today cannot even be broached without addressing their global dimensions and context. How, for example, can journalists investigate and write comprehensively about the international arms and drug trade, political corruption, financial fraud, or the environment without information on these subjects from different parts of the world? Too often, most of these kinds of significant but complicated issues are ignored. ". . . .ICIJ and its hand-picked cadre of international journalists investigate major global issues that affect us all and release its findings via The Public i and in media around the world." Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders "Médecins Sans Frontières (also known as Doctors Without Borders or MSF) delivers emergency aid to victims of armed conflict, epidemics, and natural and man-made disasters, and to others who lack health care due to social or geographical isolation. . . . "MSF unites direct medical care with a commitment to bearing witness and speaking out against the underlying causes of suffering. Its volunteers protest violations of humanitarian law on behalf of populations who have no voice, and bring the concerns of their patients to public forums, such as the United Nations, governments (in both home and project countries), and the media. In a wide range of circumstances, MSF volunteers have spoken out about forgotten conflicts and underreported atrocities they have witnessed—from Chechnya to Angola, and from Kosovo to Sri Lanka."
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals "PETA believes that animals deserve the most basic rights — consideration of their own best interests regardless of whether they are useful to humans. Like you, they are capable of suffering and have interests in leading their own lives; therefore, they are not ours to use — for food, clothing, entertainment, or experimentation, or for any other reason." Universal Declaration of Human Rights "The Universal Declaration of Human Rights sets
forth the inalienable rights and fundamental freedoms of each and every
person on the face of the earth. These rights are your rights. Learn them.
Promote them. Defend them."
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| Networking
"The Augmented Social Network is a proposal for a 'next generation' online community that would strengthen the collaborative nature of the Internet, enhancing its ability to act as a public commons that engages citizens in civil society. The ASN creates an infrastructure for trusted relationships across the entire Internet - enabling innovation in democratic governance, alternative economics, and social organization of all kinds. . . . "Like the Web or email, the ASN would be available to anyone." iCan (UK) "iCan is a BBC website to help you do something about issues that matter to you. "We make it easy for you to get together with other people and start making a difference in your neighbourhood. "You can find information and advice, see what's going on in your area, get in touch with people who share your views and even start a campaign online." "For the first time in history, we have the technology necessary for 'real democracy.' This is it, right here at your fingertips! So, please use it. . . . "Do your part to peacefully promote change from
your easy chair, at your convenience, right here. As we've seen, when we
don't use our power, we lose it. So, let's exercise it to get it back!"
"Planetwork illuminates the critical role that the conscious use of information technologies and the Internet can, and indeed must, play in creating a truly democratic, ecologically sane and socially just future."
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| Peace/Nonviolence
articles What We Do Now: A Peace Agenda - A theme issue of The Nation published after the occupation of Iraq websites
"Anyone can be a peacemaker. The Bruderhof Peacemakers Guide was created to inspire and empower you to work for peace, and to arm you with living proof of the power of nonviolence to effect change and resolve conflicts. Some of the peacemakers featured on this website are famous, others obscure, but all have dedicated their lives to building a more peaceful and just world through nonviolent means.... "We've also supplied you with ammunition to help you convince those who doubt the practicality of nonviolence. In this section you'll find writings on nonviolence, reconciliation, conflict resolution, pacifism, and conscientious objection to military service, as well as freely downloadable e-books on peace-related themes. Don't miss our popular "This Week in Peacemaking History" calendar." This website invites American citizens to lobby their elected representatives to support of a 2001 Congressional Bill - already co-sponsored by 50 members of the House of Representatives - to establish a U.S. Department of Peace. "The Department would focus on nonmilitary peaceful conflict resolutions, prevent violence and promote justice and democratic principles to expand human rights. Domestically, the Department would be responsible for developing policies which address issues such as domestic violence, child abuse, mistreatment of the elderly, and other issues of cultural violence. Internationally, the Department would gather research, analyze foreign policy and make recommendations to the President on how to address the root causes of war and intervene before violence begins, while improving national security, including the protection of human rights and the prevention and de-escalation of unarmed and armed international conflict." The Fellowship of Reconciliation (USA) "FOR seeks to replace violence, war, racism, and economic injustice with nonviolence, peace, and justice. We are an interfaith organization committed to active nonviolence as a transforming way of life and as a means of radical change. We educate, train, build coalitions, and engage in nonviolent and compassionate actions locally, nationally, and globally." The International Fellowship of Reconciliation has branches and groups around the world. "The Fourth Freedom Forum's mission is to encourage discussion, development, and dissemination of ideas that will free humanity from the fear of war. The emphasis is on barring armed aggression and eliminating nuclear and other weapons of mass murder through enforceable international law. "A primary Forum focus is the utilization of economic incentives and sanctions to establish the rule of law, provide a reliable and humane system of enforcement, and promote the international cooperation that contributes to the progress of civilized society." |
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| Spirituality
websites "Sojourners is a Christian ministry whose mission is to proclaim and practice the biblical call to integrate spiritual renewal and social justice. . . . "In response to this call, we offer a vision for faith in public life by:
We are a community of people from many faiths and traditions, called together by TIKKUN magazine and its vision of healing and transforming our world. We include in this call both the outer transformation needed to achieve social justice, ecological sanity, and world peace, and the inner healing needed to foster loving relationships, a generous attitude toward the world and toward others unimpeded by the distortions of our egos, a habit of generosity and trust, and the ability to respond to the grandeur of creation with awe, wonder and radical amazement. We are guided in our work by our belief in the principle of solidarity. |
