Ideas For Action

Humanitas UK
c/o British Monomarks
BM — Human Rights
London WC1N 3XX
Tel: 01-449-6761;
0865 59490

AIMS

To increase awareness of human rights abuses and to aid those whose rights have been abused. To work towards nuclear disarmament, supporting existing campaigns and initiating our own projects. To encourage the use of nonviolent tactics to effect progressive social change. To see the world ‘through both eyes’, not coloured by ideologies of left or right To support the projects of our parent organisation in the United States, Humanitas International.

METHODS

We distribute a quarterly newsletter containing information about human rights and disarmament We organise discussion meetings around specific issues. We liaise with other human rights and disarmament groups, to make them aware of issues which concern us and to co-ordinate campaigns on areas of common interest

SUCCESSES

We are new, and our most notable success was the organisation of ‘An Evening With Joan Baez’. As founder and President of Humanitas International Joan Baez came to England to launch our group, giving a benefit concert A film about human rights in Latin America was also shown. In addition, we have organised an ‘Open Forum’ on new initiatives in nuclear disarmament, and have participated in various conferences.

FAILURES

To acquire the human resources for adequate research into human rights and disarmament problems.

FUTURE PLANS

To work on a nuclear disarmament proposal for a neutral nations peace initiative, involving the grouping of neutral countries to act as mediator between the superpowers. To work with other existing campaigns, developing our own specific angle. To organise conferences and develop public awareness programmes.

HELP NEEDED

You could help with research; help set up meetings and exhibitions; help disseminate information material. Or you could become a subscribing member, thus receiving the Humanitas International newsletter.

Foundation for the People
of the South Pacific
Edward King House,
The Old Palace
Lincoln LN2 1 PU
Tel: (O522) 28778

AIMS

To work with the peoples of the South Pacific, principally through local committees on development set up in Pacific nations, in programmes and projects that assist human development, the advancement of education, the relief of poverty and all areas of community development.

METHODS

We receive proposals and projects from National Community Development Trusts in the South Pacific and Foundations for the Peoples of the South Pacific for the funding of projects. We fund these projects by the receiving, administering and distribution of funds provided by funding agencies in Europe and the UK. The Trust also works in association with its sister Trusts in the United States of America, Canada and Australia.

SUCCESSES

Since 1965 FSP International (based in New York) has supported and funded development projects throughout the South Pacific: nutrition programmes: fisheries and food growing development; self-reliant small industries; women’s community development: fresh water supplies; the establishment of National Community Development.

FAILURES

Because FSP began in such a small way as an advocate for the Pacific and therefore sought support for projects from big donor agencies, it never developed its own fund-raising programme. It has not yet built up an adequate education programme about the Pacific in Britain, the USA and other rich world nations.

FUTURE PLANS

To continue the advancement of community development in the South Pacific in association with our Pacific partners and building on the experience of FSP International To bring the needs of the South Pacific peoples before the UK public.

HELP NEEDED

People who would like to run small fund-raising activities for the South Pacific and particularly for the Tongan Rehabilitation Scheme following the cyclone earlier this year and for the Maternal and Nutrition Programme.

Energy Probe
100 College Street
Toronto, Ontario
Canada M56 115
Tel: (416) 978-7014

AIMS

To promote policies for Canada based on conservation and renewable energy, that will secure long-term energy self-sufficiency in the shortest possible time, with the fewest disruptive effects and with the greatest societal, economic and environmental benefits.

To help Third World countries achieve sustainable, equitably-distributed sources of energy for development.

METHODS

We try to reach both the general public and decision-makers. Through the media and our publications we reach hundreds of thousands of Canadians each week. To reach decision-makers we contact politicians and government representatives 3,000 times a year through correspondence and meetings. We also intervene at government inquiries, organize coalitions and undertake demonstration projects.

SUCCESSES

We average two breakthroughs a year. For example, following our presentation to the federal government, its Special Energy Committee adopted Energy Probe’s position and said ‘no’ to more tar sands plants and more coal energy projects.

Energy Probe’s critique of proposed radiation safety standards prompted Canada’s Atomic Energy Control Board to tighten its standards four-fold, inline with Probe’s recommendations.

FAILURES

After years of pressure and near success we’ve yet to convince the federal government to hold an inquiry on nuclear energy.

FUTURE PLANS

We plan to initiate joint research and information projects with organizations in developing countries. A book on myths about energy issues in the Third World is underway, as is a series of energy information packets especially designed for the Third World groups. We will write a series of articles for the Canadian press on North and South energy issues, and critique Canada’s energy aid and trade policies.

HELP NEEDED

Our Imminent need is for information from groups in developing countries that do work in energy areas. We would also like to hear from those groups who would like to receive our information and research.