Action Corps and the Concert for the Climate

Hello Oxfam supporters! Are you looking for a way to get involved with the Kansas City Action Corps, but have some concerns about what you would be doing, the time commitment, or the work load involved? Well, we have a really awesome volunteer opportunity coming up this weekend, and it will only take as much time as you have to spare.

The KC Oxfam Action Corps will be tabling this Saturday, September 28th, at the Concert for the Climate. This event, being held at Kaw Point Riverfront Park, will feature music, workshops, and speakers. The purpose of the event is to show people the real impact of climate change and teach them how the actions of an individual can really make a difference in the environment... while having a good time, of course! The concert is sponsored by multiple organizations, including the NRDC and The Sierra Club. Even more exciting? Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. is the keynote speaker! The Concert for the Climate is free and open to the public; parking is free, too.

For more information on the Concert for the Climate, check out www.concertfortheclimate.org.

The Action Corps will have a table set up for the entire day-long event. Our goal is talk to as many people as possible about the work of Oxfam America and inspire people to get involved (signing a petition counts!). If you're interested in joining the Action Corps this Saturday, email us at kansascity@oxfamactioncorps.org to let us know. There's no required time commitment; simply come for as long as you're able and chat with climate-concerned citizens about Oxfam. And bring a friend... the more the merrier!

Become an Oxfam Action Corps Organizer!

Oxfam America now accepting applications for new Action Corps organizers for 2013-14. Apply now and, if chosen, get a FREE trip to Washington DC for training! Check out the message from Oxfam America below for more information.

 

Are you concerned that the people who grow the world’s food—many of whom are women—cannot afford to feed their own families? And that one in eight people goes to bed hungry every night even though the world produces enough food for everybody?

Do you want to take action in your city to achieve policies to sustainably feed a growing population and empower poor people to earn a living, feed their families and thrive?

Are you willing to reach out to others in your community to hold governments and businesses accountable for the impact of their policies and practices on the environment and global food security?

Oxfam invites you to join the Oxfam Action Corps, an exciting effort to cultivate grassroots leaders and political change.

Volunteers with the Oxfam Action Corps lead a coordinated charge to improve national legislation and business practices, and to deepen local community resources for fighting poverty and injustice.

When you volunteer with the Oxfam Action Corps, you take actions like: hold a house party or collect signatures at a concert. You can lead a delegation to a lawmaker's local office, organize a petition drive, or plan an Oxfam America Hunger Banquet. Anyone is welcome to volunteer, regardless of age or experience level—all you need is a willingness to make a difference.

Volunteers receive continuing support from Oxfam, including campaign materials, strategy tips, and advice on community organizing. Each city has two trained volunteer corps organizers who welcome and orient volunteers throughout the year.

Other responsibilities of a corps organizer:

Work with other lead organizers and volunteers on a local level

·         Help convene activities focused on Oxfam’s GROW campaign

·         Follow policy developments and messaging

·         Update blog, email announcements and social media sites with events and news

·         Create plans for local action  

·         Lead outreach at public events like concerts and conferences

·         Build relationships with like-minded organizations

·         Gather volunteers for regular planning sessions

·         Cultivate leadership in others

·         Work within budget to accomplish goals

·         Maintain strong, regular communication with Oxfam staff including tracking and reporting on activities

What volunteers have to say: “Oxfam Action Corps has really helped me professionally.  Before the training I was working as an administrative assistant and never got a chance to take charge of an event.  With Oxfam Action Corps I got to lead an event, reach out to allies.  It prepared me for a huge career change, directing a small non-profit.” - Jessica Lettween, from Minnesota.

“This is leadership in practice.  You can’t just read a book on leadership.  You have to put it into practice. You should see how I list this on my resume!” - Jill Mizell, NYC

Food Justice

Food Justice by Shayla Price

There's enough food in the world to feed everyone. So, why do individuals go hungry?

Huge imbalances in access to fertile land and water exist. Farmers and consumers do not hold the power to control these vital resources. Instead, companies and governments possess authority over the global food system. They often determine who eats and who doesn't.

Oxfam's GROW Campaign advocates for food justice. Here are a few goals of the campaign:

• Increase the productivity, self-reliance, and economic opportunity of small-scale farmers;
• Increase farmers' access to resources like water and land; and
• Modernize our food aid programs so they are more effective, efficient, and fiscally responsible.

Watch the video to learn how Oxfam America is working together with others to end poverty and injustice. Also,  get involved by taking the Oxfam GROW Pledge!

Sahel Food Crisis

Sahel Food Crisis by Shayla Price

More than 18 million people are facing a food crisis across West and Central Africa. Due to inconsistent rains, poor food harvests and water shortages have occurred.

The food crisis, which followed a drought in 2011, has affected 4.6 million people in Mali. Currently, the country is not only dealing with hunger issues but also political strife, leading 400,000 people to flee their homes. Particularly, resources are needed to save children from severe malnutrition.

To assist in the humanitarian crisis, Oxfam International is helping vulnerable families with cash transfers, water, and public health related work.  The World Food Programme is providing vouchers and cash for individuals to purchase food at local markets, supporting the economy.

So, how can you help? Donate funds. Sign a petition. Spread the word. To learn more about the Sahel food crisis, watch the video below.

Live the GROW Method Way

Live the GROW Method Way by Shayla Price

Hunger affects 1 in 7 people around the world. So, how can we work together to tackle global hunger? Oxfam International has created the GROW Method. Through every day simple tasks, we can fix the food system and create a better world for everyone.

Right now, our food system is broken. The way we produce food is hurting the environment. Agriculture accounts for nearly a third of global greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, climate change is influencing how small-scale farmers grow food. From farmers to grocers to consumers, we all play a role in mending the food system.

The GROW Method is part of the solution. Below are five easy ways you can get involved:

1. Save food

Create less waste by storing your food. Don’t throw away leftovers, instead be creative and try new recipes.

2. Buy seasonal

Energy is wasted when farmers grow out of season. Purchase fruits and vegetables that are in season.

3. Consume less meat and dairy

The production of beef uses a lot of water—a 500g packet of beef contains 6,810 liters of water. Instead of eating more meat, try swapping a dish or two with veggie meals.

4. Support small-scale farmers

Protect the 1.5 billion people living on small farms. When you shop, look out for Fair Trade products and brands.

5. Cook Smart

Conserve the heat. Try eating cold meals, such as salads or no bake cakes, to save energy.

We can change the world by changing how we live. To learn more about the GROW Method, visit: http://www.oxfam.org/en/grow/method. Let’s do it together!