Archive for October 2012
I am very much looking forward to attending the Crash Conference at the University of Aston. The purpose of this is to bring together all the many people concerned about economic justice. Also to give confidence to those of us who feel inhibited because of its complexity and so empower us to speak out. Great speakers. It’s free but please register as soon as possible.
Best wishes, John Nightingale, Chair JDC Birmingham
The financial crisis and what to do about it.
From Birmingham to Barcelona and beyond
FREE EVENT
Saturday 24th November 2012
10.30 – 17.00
Main Building, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham, B4 7ET
If you want to understand how the global economy got into such a mess, and what to do about it this event is for you!
The financial crisis has led to wide-ranging cuts to public services, job losses and massive bank bailouts in the UK. This isn’t the first time this has happened – countries across the global South have experienced the same process after devastating debt crises from the 1970s to the present day.
Find out about the history of the present financial crisis, understand the basics of how it happened and the impacts it is having on social justice in the UK and around the world.
Whether you are interested in global justice, or the UK anti-cuts movement, whether you know a bit about the economy, or nothing at all, this event is for you.
Speakers include:
– Roger McKenzie, UNISON Assistant General Secretary
– Nick Dearden of Jubilee Debt Campaign
– Iolanda Fresnillo Spanish Debt and anti-austerity activist
& more to be announced
Workshops will include:
How to understand the financial crisis | What would a fair economy look like? | Tax Justice in the UK and around the world | How to communicate effectively about the financial crisis | Direct action taster session | Local economies in the West Midlands | Eurozone crisis: what is going on? | and others…
REGISTER NOW
This is a free event, but please register by phone 020 7324 4722 or at www.jubileedebtcampaign.org.uk/crashto help us plan.
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Help us spread the word by sharing the facebook event with your friends
Current contributors include: Jubilee Debt Campaign Birmingham, West Midlands Office of Christian Aid, student campaigners and the event is supported by People & Planet and Jubilee Debt Campaign UK.
In an article in the Guardian of 9th October John Sentamu, Archbishop of York, calls for a new Jubilee.
He points out that today the poorest in our society – in the richer nations as well as the poorer – are suffering the most from a financial crisis caused for the most part by the greed and speculation of the wealthy. He argues that a new Jubilee today requires lenders and borrowers jointly to share risk so that the burden of debt is shared
Second, governments should reckon to raise funds not just by borrowing but progressive taxes, including those for companies and investors. Thirdly there must be rules for financial markets to work better. Regulation of capital flows should help to shift money from being a means of speculation to that of exchanging goods.
Points that are covered in jubilee for Justice
Add you support and read the article in full
Rev John Nightingale Chairman of Jubilee Debt campaign Birmingham group
International Debt Week
Posted on: October 7, 2012
International debt week.
October 8th – 15th is International Debt Week. A moment when campaigners around the world can reflect on the global poor country debt situation.
It is all to easy to perhaps think there is, nothing I can do about such a huge problem.This was certainly the view of some when we began the campaign here in the Midlands.
Dr Martin Dent at Keele University played a key role but the seminal moment was in 1998 when a “Human Chain” was formed around the G8 leaders at the Birmingham summit. 100,000 people coming together in such a peaceful and purpose way.That began the focus of a huge number of people from all faiths and none.
Now in this International Debt week JDC can tell everyone that $130 billions of debt has been cancelled for 34 countries. That means children in school, vaccines given and the fight against poverty begun across the world. We have done something at least. But we fully realise its not enough and have to involve more and more people in the campaign.
It is encouraging that the Jubilee Debt has now become a global movement particular strong in USA where they have special events in the coming Jubilee weekend.
Jewish Christians and Muslims all taking part in the actions.
Here in the UK we will be focussing on getting more Faith Leaders to sign the letter ( 253 so far)to PM. Across the country the Jubilee for Justice petition and the paper chains grow every day .
Now we need to reflect on new ways to take the message to new generation of campaigners seeking Jubilee for Justice in 2012. there are lots of ways to help during the week a prayer a donation your ideas and encouragement too.
Jubilee Debt Campaign Birmingham 