Hazel Southam asks what amateur G8 lobbyists can do
BEFORE the G8 summit ends in three weeks' time, can people in the UK make a
difference? Campaigners say that they can - even if they can't join Bob Geldof
in Edinburgh.
"It can be frustrating, feeling that your efforts aren't recognised," says
Claire Shelley of Christian Aid. "But the world leaders will listen. The media
coverage will be huge. It will be all over the television. They won't be able
to be unaware of what's happening in Edinburgh. Whether they respond is another
matter."
Martin Drewry, of the Make Poverty History co-ordination team, agrees: "When
the G8 leaders were in Birmingham last time, people felt that it was the
demonstration that led to the change of policy on debt. That was the day that
it changed, even though the protest was in Birmingham and the leaders were in
Staffordshire.
"They hear about protests. They don't need to see them. There are few things
more powerful than large numbers of people speaking out with a unified voice in
a non-violent way," says Mr Drewry.
In the week of the G8 summit, there are three big events.
First, the Live 8 concert in Hyde Park, which will feature acts including
Sir Paul McCartney, Madonna, and Robbie Williams. It is already in
The Guinness Book of Records, because 2,060,285 mobile-phone texts
were received requesting tickets.
Second, Bob Geldof has called for a million people to join the protest rally
on the summit's first day, Wednesday 6 July.
Third - the event on which most churches and Christian charities are
focusing - the Make Poverty History rally in Edinburgh on 2 July is expected to
attract 200,000 people, all in white, to form a band around the city centre.
The coalition has booked more than 98,000 seats on coaches, buses, and
trains, to bring people to the city. Make Poverty History's website advises on
cycling to the event, but tells drivers to leave the car at home: they won't be
able to park.
Edinburgh police are also giving tips for the day: wear sensible shoes and
clothes; take snacks and water, as well as sun cream; be patient; keep
valuables secure; work out how you're getting home before you leave it; and don'
t take pets.
"We are encouraging as many people as possible to come to Edinburgh for
Saturday 2 July," says Keith Ewing of Tearfund.
"If enough people make their feelings known, we are at a moment in history
when the tide could change."
And if you stay at home? From the Make Poverty History website, you can send
an email to the Prime Minister, asking him to "seize the opportunities of 2005"
and "deliver on his promises". After that, you can sign up to a statement that
says: "I believe that everyone has a right to feed their families, make a
decent living and protect the environment. I believe that to end poverty and
protect the environment we need trade justice not free trade."
Lastly, you can buy a white band, car sticker, or Make Poverty History
T-shirt. Many aid agencies, such as Christian Aid and Tearfund, also sell white
bands.
Eulette Ewart, from World Vision, recommends: "Writing to your MP is
effective; and your MP will also see if people are wearing white bands. It's
about raising awareness."
But, she says, this is not like the tsunami appeal. This campaign is about
giving your time and views. "It's not about giving money: it's about asking the
Government to do something."
makepovertyhistory.org.uk