What could the world do this year with $1.5 trillion? This is what the nations of the world spent in 2009 on military budgets. On April 12th citizens around the world are taking action to tell governments where they would like to see this money directed—towards alleviating poverty, hunger, providing education and health care, and addressing environmental issues.
You, your organization, and your communites are invited to be a part of the April 12th Global Day of Action on Military Spending. This Day of Action is being organized by the International Peace Bureau and the Institute for Policy Studies, to coincide with the April 12th release date of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute’s (SIPRI) new annual report on world military expenditures. The Day of Action will focus public, political, and media attention on the costs of military spending and the need for new priorities.
What will you do on April 12th? Hold an informational event, use street theatre, contact your policy makers (in the USA your Senators and President Obama,) pass out leaflets, reach out and build connections with other peace, human rights, or environment organizations, post on your Facebook page, or have conversations with friends and family. There are a limitless number of ways you can get involved on an organizational or individual level.
Go to Global Day of Action on Military Spending for information and resources you can use, including fact sheets, and for US citizens interactive tax day materials, that you can print and modify. You can also find an event near you.
What will you do this coming April 12th to make your voice heard and to encourage a more peaceful, just and sustainable future? Let us know in the comments!
Comments