U.S. Social Forum Writers Network October 19, 2009
This is a semi-monthly memo to the U.S. Social Forum Writers Network. Writers commit to helping spread the news about the USSF, which will be held in Detroit June 22-26, 2010. Please try to submit at least one piece of work per month to a local or national newspaper, community or professional newsletter, internet blog, or other media source. You are free to use the suggested “hooks” provided here to reach diverse audiences and to support the social movements behind the U.S. and World Social Forum process. Please send your ideas for future USSF writers story “hooks” or links pieces you’ve published to writers@ussf2010.org .
'Another world is possible! We need YOU to help make it happen!
Help Build the USSF Writer’s Network: Please distribute this Call for Participation
Thanks! Jackie Smith, Sociologists without Borders and member of the USSF Communications Working Group
Suggested Story “Hooks” Mid-October, 2009
Small victory Against Corporate Lawlessness is just the beginning: U.S. Passes law prohibiting companies from requiring employees to waive rights to sue for rights violations. Activists meeting at the US Social Forum in Detroit June 22-26 2010 will be working to resist corporate political influence and to advance human rights and democracy. The recent passage of a bill sponsored by Senator Al Franken highlights the need for this sort of citizens’ convergence at the USSF. It cries out for greater citizen vigilance in the matter of corporate law in this country. Most legal analysts and human rights defenders would argue that “there should not be and arguably is not a right to contract out of one’s right to bring a civil suit against rapists” (or others who violate basic human rights). But rape victim Jamie Leigh Jones learned that she had been forced to do just that when she began working for one-time Halliburton subsidiary KBR. The Franken law only applies to companies receiving US Government contracts. http://humanrights.foreignpolicyblogs.com/2009/10/15/republicans-oppose-anti-rape-amendment-why/
Major Citizen Climate Action --October 24: A major goal of organizers preparing for the USSF in Detroit is to help build a broad-based movement for environmental justice in this country. Many USSF activists will take part in an action this week to build awareness and support for a new policy on climate change. 350.org is facilitating more than 3,000 actions around the globe this October 24 to draw attention to the importance of reaching agreement on climate change at the international summit in Copenhagen this December. The organization takes its name from the amount of atmospheric carbon that many scientists recommend should be a target goal of climate treaties. http://350.org/ . This year, activists working to combat “time poverty” are joining forces with environmental groups at 350.org to put pressure on our leaders to “Chill Out,” unplug, reduce our reliance on fossil fuel energy, and slow down our demands for growth and unnecessary consumption. See: http://www.timeday.org/
USSF National Organizers meet in Atlanta this week to build momentum for Detroit USSF. Organizers for the USSF will meet for three days in Atlanta, the host to the first USSF on the weekend of Oct. 24-26 to continue their work. During the weekend, working groups will meet to discuss progress and identify the needs of their group. By holding this meeting in Atlanta, organizers hope to attract participation from movement leaders who have not been able to attend earlier organizing sessions in Detroit.
UPCOMING EVENTS & Story opportunities'
NOVEMBER 30: 10-year anniversary of the Battle in Seattle
DECEMBER 10: International Human Rights Day
DECEMBER 7-18 United Nations Climate Change Conference, Copenhagen—World leaders debate how to respond to climate change. www.campaigncc.org
JANUARY 18: MLK Day - reframe civil rights - right to good work, right to migrate, right to a healthy environment
FEBRUARY 15 Presidents’ Day - support Obama in doing what’s right - listen to the growing voice of civil society
MARCH 8: International Women’s Day
MAY 1- May Day: - speak to the left, the progressives, the workers, consolidate support for USSF
MAY 31: Memorial Day - Veterans for Peace & Iraq Vets against the war plug USSF
- TIPS FOR WRITERS
“How to Pitch a Story” http://www.timeday.org/book-appendix-c.asp
SEND YOUR SUGGESTIONS AND PUBLICATIONS TO: writers@ussf2010.org
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