Youth3 (Cubed)
This August, Youth will redefine how young people connect with each other, with Business, and with Government. There are three events planned which aim to connect thousands of young people across the nation to talk about their dreams and share their vision for the future of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Click here for more info about YouthConnect
Click here for more info about BizConnect
Click here for more info about GovConnect
UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Please speak out!
A global petition has been organised by the Grand Council of the Crees and Amnesty International Canada, to be used to promote adoption of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples to governments around the world. More than 14,000 individuals and organisations have already signed the petition. You can add your name and encourage others to do so at Amnesty International Canada.
More info on the Declaration here.
Conservation Week
Another world, just down the road.
Tētahi anō Ao Hākinakina, kei raro tata nei ō te huarahi
This is a week of activities and action for the environment and takes place in the first week of August each year (6 - 12 August). Loss of biodiversity has been identified as New Zealand’s most pervasive environmental problem, so this week is an opportunity to highlight the issue, generate awareness and action, and just get outside! Conservation Week celebrations are co-ordinated by the Department of Conservation. This year they are focusing on outdoor recreation.
If you like tramping check out the competition to win an all expenses paid trip for two to walk the Queen Charlotte Track.
International Youth Day
This years theme is: Been seen, be heard: Youth participation for development.
This is an opportunity for the world to recognise the potential of youth, to celebrate their achievements, and plan for ways to better engage young people to successfully take action for development- locally, nationally and globally.
Team up! Organise! Celebrate! Take action! Use the media, hold public forums and discussions, organise youth rallies and street fairs to further encourage the participation of youth in the processes and decisions that affect their lives.
More info here.
Shoot Nations
Do you know any budding young photographers?
On the 12 August 2007 young people (aged 11 to 24) from all around the world can submit photographs and drawings to participate in a global photography competition "Shoot Nations". Prizes will be awarded for 48 winning photographs that will tour five major cities around the world, as well as be presented to the United Nations and displayed at UN Headquarters in New York on 12 August, International Youth Day.
For more info visit Shoot Nations or email: hello@shootnations.org.
New Zealand Diversity Forum
We are becoming an increasingly diverse country. Every year the New Zealand Diversity Forum presents an opportunity to take stock of the issues, responsibilities and opportunities a diverse nation brings.
The theme for this years forum is: Aotearoa New Zealand - 4 All of Us. The public events are being held in the Parnell Community Centre, Auckland Museum and Auckland Town Hall. Full details of the programme are posted on the Human Rights Commission website.
The Outlook for Someday
A Sustainability Film Challenge for Young New Zealanders
A call for all young New Zealanders to showcase their talent and help the planet!
In the last GEC:News we informed you about the Outlook for Someday, a short film competition for young people up to 20, organised by Connected Media and partners (including the Global Education Centre).
The new website is up and running and FULL of information and tools to help you get started. If you are interested, but need a bit more support, contact GEC.
Talk to me! Sharing the Voices of Young Refugees
In the last 15 years Aoteaora New Zealand has become home to 16,556 refugees. These are people forced to leave their homelands from fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership of a social group. The Petone Settlers Museum, with the Department of Labour and the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and Tearaway are running a nationwide essay competition on the stories of young refugees.
The competition is open to intermediate and secondary school students, to share refugees’ experiences that offer understanding and knowledge of the issues that they face. Win up to $750 for yourself and $750 for your school!
The competition closes on September 21.
See www.petonesettlers.org.nz for more details.
Kids Voting
Check out this great opportunity for Year Nine students to participate in an authentic voting experience. Kids Voting allows students to vote for real candidates, on real ballot papers and compares the results from the Kid's election with the real election results. This initiative is designed to promote awareness among young people about New Zealand’s electoral processes and build understanding, belief and confidence in electoral participation.
It will be run each year in conjunction with local government elections (2007), Parliamentary elections (2008), and a third option in 2009.
See www.kidsvoting.org.nz for details.
Slavery still exists!
Do you want to take a stand against modern day slavery?
Do you want to be part of the solution?
If the answer is YES - Trade Aid is asking you to ACT NOW! There are lots of different ways to get involved, from signing a petition to buying fairtrade. Find out how you can support the campaign to stop slavery at the Trade Aid website.
From Live Earth to a global movement
Inspired by Live Earth but don't know what to do next?
Using the latest technology, Avaaz.org empowers ordinary people from every corner of the globe to directly contact key global decision-makers, corporations and the media. They want to take the live earth message to the world's leaders. Avaaz's climate petition has been presented to top officials in countries from Germany to Brazil, and generated worldwide headlines. Passing a half million signatures would be a major achievement- and would catch the attention of world leaders who are still delaying action to fight climate change. Sign the petition here.
Moratorium on Bottom Sea Trawling
Bottom trawling threatens deep-sea life and is a major environmental concern. New Zealand has a unique chance to support a moratorium on bottom trawling in international waters. Here’s an opportunity to send a message to your MP urging them to take up the issue in Parliament. See Greenpeace’s campaigns site below to find out more!
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