International Day for People with a Disability - December 3rd

International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) is a United Nations sanctioned day that aims to promote an understanding of people with disability and encourage support for their dignity, rights and well-being. IDPwD also seeks to increase awareness of the benefits of the integration of people with disability in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.

IDPwD brings together people with disability, community organisations, businesses, individuals and all levels of government. IDPwD unites people around the world in celebrating and acknowledging the contributions, skills and achievements of people with disability.

Go to an Event! I will be!

http://www.idpwd.com.au/calendar_events.asp?state=NSW&archive=1&Year=2009

Poverty, domestic violence: Women bearing brunt of economic crisis

A domestic violence shelter in Alice Springs told ABC radio’s AM on May 1 that between January 1 and mid-April this year, it provided accommodation for 157 children and 149 women. However, due to lack of funding, it turned away a further 158 women and 100 children seeking support.

http://www.greenleft.org.au/2009/815/41932

This is exactly the reason i want to start up my own shelter or refuge, there is too few and too many women and children in need.

350.org

350.org is an international campaign dedicated to creating an equitable global climate treaty that lowers carbon dioxide below 350 parts per million.

350 is the number that leading scientists say is the safe upper limit for carbon dioxide measured in parts per million (ppm) in our atmosphere. 350 ppm is the number humanity needs to get back below as soon as possible to avoid runaway climate change. We are now very close to 390 ppm.

http://www.350.org/action-list?country=au&city=sydney

National Bike Paths Program

SYDNEY cyclists will have more opportunities to ride on dedicated routes, with the Federal Government announcing spending on long-awaited bike paths. They will immediately support local jobs while leaving a legacy for the community through facilities that encourage healthier lifestyles. Building better cycling infrastructure will also take cars off Sydney's roads and reduce carbon emissions over the long-term.

http://www.smh.com.au/national/bike-paths-costing-a-pretty-penny-farthing-20091013-gvq8.html

More Aussies are now pro-choice: report

A clear majority of Australians - 57 per cent - support women's right to obtain an abortion "readily when they want one"
Victoria and the ACT have decriminalised abortion and WA has modernised its laws. While the procedure is readily available in other states, it remains part of the criminal code. NSW, like Queensland, is resisting pressure to decriminalise.

http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/more-aussies-are-now-prochoice-report-20091005-gi1x.html

Pro-choice describes the political and ethical view that a woman should have complete control over her fertility and the choice to continue or terminate a pregnancy. This entails the guarantee of reproductive rights, which includes access to sexual education; access to safe and legal abortion, contraception, and fertility treatments; and legal protection from forced abortion.

Copenhagen: success or failure?

With just 10 weeks left, the UN's top climate scientist told reporters yesterday that the outcome of December's UN climate negotiations won't be known until "the last minute." And it's when anything could happen that people power makes the greatest difference.

http://www.avaaz.org/blog/en/w/iain/2009/10/from_here_to_a_global_climate_treaty.php

Anti-Poverty Week

Every day 25,000 children die as a result of extreme poverty. This shameful situation must end. If we have the will to act we can Make Poverty History.

Make Poverty History is a non-partisan coalition of more than 60 aid organisations, community and faith-based groups. We call on all political parties to take the following steps needed to achieve the Millennium Development Goals:

• increase Australia's aid and ensure it is used effectively
• make trade fair
• drop the debts of poor countries
• help poor countries keep their governments accountable, and
• tackle climate change in developing countries.

http://www.antipovertyweek.org.au/index.html

http://www.makepovertyhistory.com.au/

Baaad gifts beware

It’s that time of year again when certain gifts start shaking in their boxes. Because they know very well that with Oxfam Unwrapped, you can find a selection of gift ideas that’ll save the day in more ways than one.

http://www.oxfamunwrapped.com.au/ChooseAGift.php