Indianapolis Oxfam Action Corps

Oxfam Action Corps 2012 Recruitment

2011-12-29T18:04:00.001-08:00

Hey Everyone,

Oxfam America is currently recruiting new volunteers for 2012-2013. If you are interested in joining the Oxfam Action Corps please sign up and spread the word by February 14^th at http://www.oxfamactioncorps.org .

Join the Oxfam Action Corps to support women farmers, fight global hunger, and build a better food system! You will meet great people and work together to change laws that can save lives, defend the rights of the world’s poorest farmers, and protect communities from rising food prices and climate change. You will gain leadership skills, have fun, and change the world!

Anybody can join the local effort! All levels of experience are welcome. You can also apply for Oxfam’s free four-day leadership training in Washington D.C. May 12 – May 15.

This year, we will mobilize for the GROW campaign for global food justice. The women and men in poor countries who struggle to grow enough food to feed their families are facing competition for land and water, rising prices, and climate change. We will call for laws that support women and farmers, sustainable practices, and resilience to climate change, and ensure a better future for people in the poorest regions of the world.

This is a year-round volunteer opportunity, with a deadline of February 14 to apply for the spring training. Find out more and sign up at http://www.oxfamactioncorps.org .

Check out this video to see what we are all about:

Setting the Table for 9 Billion

2011-05-23T18:52:00.000-07:00

The world's population is expected to reach 9 billion by 2050. Currently, more than 925 million people don't get enough to eat. More people die from hunger each year than from AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis combined.

But hunger is not about too many people and too little food--it's about inequality. For example, Guatemala exports millions of dollars in food each year, but the country's poorest people can't afford to feed their families.

We will be setting up a “Table for 9 Billion” on Saturday June 4th to discuss Oxfam America's new food justice campaign and how Hoosiers can help.

When: Saturday June 4th 8:00am to 12:00pm

Where: Binford Farmers Market, 62nd and Binford Blvd.

Come learn how we can support small scale farmers globally, while we support Hoosier farmers locally. All of us, no matter who we are, can do something to help. Join us on June 4th to find out what you can do to educate others and help get the word out.

If you are interested in volunteering or learning more, please email us at indianapolis@oxfamactioncorps.org

Please feel free to share the event on Facebook or email this post to your friends. Also, get more information on Oxfam America's campaign here.

International Women's Day recap

2011-03-18T16:14:00.000-07:00

Oxfam Action Corps Indy joined several other local organizations in celebrating the 100th Annual International Women's Day. The event was a success at reaching Hoosiers that are interested in taking personal action to end hunger, locally and globally. I was reminded during the panel and welcoming address of the reason why I volunteer with the Action Corps. I want to be a part of something that is taking action to end hunger, poverty, and injustice.

Local hunger is increasing with financially difficult times for families across Indiana and nonprofits are faced with providing more food for more people with less resources. The event demonstrated that women around the world are working to fight hunger and feed their families. The challenge globally is that many women lack the resources that we here in Indiana have come accustomed to. While there may not be enough money to help all families and women provide for themselves, women globally are fighting for a seat at the table to be leaders in their community and access agricultural technologies and resources that can fight hunger. I left the evening with a renewed sense of responsibility for making Hoosiers aware of the issues that plague people around the world and providing something to do about it. Will you join us in the fight against hunger?

Ending Hunger Starts With You: 100th Annual International Women's Day Event

2011-02-14T11:53:00.000-08:00

Join us to Celebrate the 100th Annual International Women's Day by seeing how you can be a part of ending hunger.

What? Hunger Symposium

Where? IUPUI Campus Center (corner of Michigan and University Boulevard)

When? March 7th from 6:30-8:30pm

What will I do there? Panel discussion with four experts on local and global hunger with an opening from Cindy Hubert, Gleaners Food Bank CEO

Short film viewing showing how women around the world have joined the fight against hunger

Organizational booths from local and global hunger organizations and REFRESHMENTS!

We hope to see you there!

Oxfam America's "Ending Hunger Starts Here"

2011-02-04T09:32:00.000-08:00

Women and girls make up the majority of people living in poverty. And although women produce most of the world's food, millions of rural women are facing hunger. In honor of the 100th Anniversary of International Women's Day in March 2011, women (and men) around the country are teaming up with Oxfam America to fight this injustice. We are raising awareness about hunger, climate change, and other crises facing women worldwide.

And we are calling on an investment in women farmers, so we can fight hunger and poverty now and for generations to come.

Please take a moment to be a part of Oxfam America's photobook for International Women's Day 2011! Upload your photo to show your support of women fighting hunger.

http://actfast.oxfamamerica.org/index.php/takeaction/online/photobook

Also, please join us for Indianapolis' International Women's Day Hunger Symposium on March 7th, 2011 from 6:30-8:30pm at IUPUI student center.

Oxfam Action Corps 2011 Recruitment

2011-01-21T12:53:00.000-08:00

Hey Everyone,
Oxfam America is currently in the process of recruiting new volunteers for 2011-2012. If you are interested in joining the Oxfam Action Corps or if you know someone that might be interested, please spread the word and sign up by February 14th at http://www.oxfamactioncorps.org .
You will meet great people and work together to change laws that can save lives, defend the rights of women and farmers, and protect communities from climate change. You will gain leadership skills, have fun, and change the world!
Anybody can join the local effort! All levels of experience are welcome. You can also apply for Oxfam’s free four-day leadership training in Washington D.C.
This year, we will mobilize a political response to the urgent problem of global hunger. The women and men in poor countries who struggle to grow enough food to feed their families are facing competition for land and water, rising prices, and climate change. We will call for laws that support women and farmers, sustainable practices, and resilience to climate change, and ensure a better future for people in the poorest regions of the world.
This is a year-round volunteer opportunity, with a deadline of February 14 to apply for the spring training. Find out more and sign up at http://www.oxfamactioncorps.org .
Check out this video to see what we are all about:

An idea that could save lives | Oxfam International Blogs

2010-12-06T15:43:00.000-08:00

As world leaders meet in Cancun to discuss the feature of the Global Climate Fund and the global response to climate change, we should not forget the role we play in advocating for change. Read the blog posting below, by clicking on the link to hear more about the life changing ideas that could be implemented out of Cancun.

An idea that could save lives Oxfam International Blogs

Hoosiers Fighting Hunger

2010-10-28T11:58:00.000-07:00

Oxfam Action Corps Indianapolis is joining groups around the world to demonstrate support of efforts to address global food security and the need for action to fight global hunger. We often see images of starving children around the world and it is paralyzing in how to respond in a way that would really produce meaningful results. Oxfam Action Corps Indy will be hosting events the month of November to provide open discussion and tangible actions for Hoosiers to join the fight against global hunger.

Join us on November 18th to experience a Hunger Banquet, which demonstrates what hunger really means around the world for families. There will be discussion led by a Rep. Carson staffer and Oxfam Action Corps members, followed by a video of agricultural projects that are working from a former Peace Corps member from Indiana.

When? November 18th, 6:30-8pm
Where? Earth House Collective, 237 N East St, Indianapolis, IN

We are all in this together and it is time for Hoosiers to join the fight against global hunger.

Good Fortune Film Screening on Foreign Aid Reform

2010-09-21T15:45:00.000-07:00

US foreign aid under-performs and often fails to reach the people who need it most. Oxfam seeks reform of US foreign aid to make it more efficient, more modern and more focused on ending global poverty.

Join us for a film screening of Good Fortune at the IMA on Thursday, September 30th at 7pm. The film explores how massive international efforts to alleviate poverty in Africa may be undermining the very communities they aim to benefit. The film poses questions about the intentions and methods of global philanthropy. The film is open to the public and ticket prices are $9 for the public, $5 for IMA Member and free entry for IUPUI students with ID. The film will also be followed by discussion.

The film screening is hosted by the IMA and the IUPUI Committee on African and African American Studies, with support from Provocate.org, Cold Spring Institute, The Village Experience, Indianapolis Oxfam Action Corps and the IUPUI Office of International Affairs. To learn more about the film visit the IMA website.

(2009, 73 mins., dir. Landon Van Soest, Kenya)

Stand Against Poverty

2010-08-29T17:32:00.001-07:00

Join the Oxfam Action Corps Indianapolis and 5 other organizations in Standing Against Poverty on September 17th. From 5:30 to 8:30pm at Village Experience (6055 N College Ave), we will be showing what Hoosiers are doing to combat global poverty. Enjoy refreshments from Egyptian Cafe and learn about organizations that you can get involved with to join the fight against Global Poverty. We will be featuring a speech from Garret Johnson, staffer for Senator Lugar, about "Fighting Global Poverty in the 21st Century." We will also have a panel of Hoosiers fighting poverty firsthand.

If you would like to have a booth to highlight your organizations, contact us. We hope to see you there for what is sure to be an inspiring night.

Senate Drops Climate Change Provisions, Oxfam America President Raymond C. Offenheiser Calls for Action Now

2010-07-26T17:31:00.000-07:00

Dear friend,

We need your help. It takes just 3 steps and 2 minutes.

· Call the congressional switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and tell the operator your name and where you are calling from.

· Ask to speak to your senator – the operator will connect you.

· When they connect you, tell the staffer: I’m calling because it is absolutely critical that we tackle climate change head on, this year. Addressing the oil spill is important, but it is not enough – the world’s poorest communities can’t wait any longer.

Please report your call to us!

Outraged. Influenced by big oil and coal, senators are leaving for the August recess without taking action on climate change.

Last week, the climate and energy bill, the one that we have been working for years to pass, was decimated by oil and coal special interests. Although the bill critically addresses the Gulf Coast oil spill, the fundamental issues of climate change and real energy reform were eliminated.

We cannot let the Senate get away with this – and we need your help. If we don’t do this today, it could take years to get this critical legislation passed. In those years, those living on the front lines of climate change will be fighting even harder to live and maintain their livelihoods.

Do you have just 2 minutes to make a phone call? Here is all you have to do:

Call the congressional switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and tell the operator your name and where you are calling from.
Ask to speak to your senator – the operator will connect you.
When they connect you, tell the staffer: I’m calling because it is absolutely critical that we tackle climate change head on, this year. Addressing the oil spill is important, but it is not enough – the world’s poorest communities can’t wait any longer.

Once you have called, if you could just take 30 seconds to let us know you made your call, it would be greatly appreciated.

Waiting another year to tackle climate change, and its effects on the world’s poorest communities, is unconscionable. Now is the time, and your leaders need to hear from you.

Please just take 2 minutes to make a phone call today – it could make a huge difference in the lives of those who are suffering the effects of climate change already.

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

Raymond C. Offenheiser
Board of Directors
Oxfam America Advocacy Fund

Join Me in Taking Action

2010-07-14T12:54:00.000-07:00

Tell your Senators: Don't Cut Poor People Out of the Climate Bill!
secure.oxfamamerica.org
Poor communities are hit first - and worst - by climate change, but the bill authors are under pressure to cut key provisions from the climate bill that would help poor people around the world adapt to global climate change. Join me in taking action.

Indianapolis Oxfam Action Corps Highlighted in NUVO

2010-07-10T09:35:00.001-07:00

Hello all! The Action Corps Indianapolis has been busy the past couple of months doing outreach and recruiting volunteers. NUVO highlighted our efforts in this weeks publication and the article is below. If you want to join our efforts, join us for our next volunteer meeting July 15th at 6:30pm at Earth House Collective.

Local Oxfam chapter unveiled

By Lauren Nigro
EDITORS@NUVO.NET
They got the call, and in April 2010, Kristin Clements-Effner and Tracie Moss traveled to Washington D.C.
And for what did they enlist? The fight to find international solutions to poverty and injustice under the auspices of Oxfam America, the U.S. branch of the global humanitarian NGO.
In Washington D.C., Effner and Moss attended a four-day orientation as organizers of an Oxfam Action Corps group being established in Indianapolis.
There are a total of 13 groups in the United States, San Francisco and New York City being two of the largest, with the Indianapolis group part of a crop of five new groups including outposts in Seattle, Wash. and Columbus, Ohio.
As part of the training, Effner and Moss were asked to put together an impromptu consciousness-raising event. With little advance time, they put together a screening of the short film Sisters on the Planet, a documentary concerning four women from countries affected by climate change: Sharon from coastal Mississippi, Muriel from Argentina, Sahena from Bangladesh, and Martina from Uganda.

"We were given three hours to put together the screening, "Moss said. "We had to get food and most importantly, get people to come. It ended up being a success and helped us get more energetic about what we were doing."
Effner and Moss brought their skills -- and a copy of Sisters on the Planet -- back to Indianapolis, again screening the film at the Earth House in May.
Effner, who grew up in suburbia, says it was easy for her to remain unaware about issues like global poverty and the impact of climate change.
"I was blind to the fact that there are people in other countries that do not have food, homes, and furniture," she explained. "I went on my honeymoon in Jamaica and was shocked that people were living in dirt huts without floors. And I am a firm believer that if you see something that is wrong, you should do something."
Effner found out about Oxfam America on www.idealist.com. "I wanted to be able to use the skills I had gained through my studies in social work on an international level and Oxfam gives me that opportunity."
Moss first heard about Oxfam America after the earthquake in Haiti. "I donated money to the Haiti relief, but I wanted to be able to do more. Oxfam does a lot on the ground and I wanted to help."
Effner and Moss are currently working on getting more volunteers in the Indianapolis area. "We want to make Hoosiers aware of what is happening around the world and what they can do to help," Effner said. The group signed up ten new volunteers since the film screening.
The Action Corp group will also be present at concerts and events (including the Lilith Fair and John Mayer show) throughout the year in the Indy area to inform visitors about the group and their mission.
Meanwhile, networking is key for these newcomers to activism. "We are also trying to recognize other local groups that have similar goals and the same ideas, so we can join our efforts," Effner said.
The Oxfam Action Corp group holds monthly volunteer meetings at various locations; July's meeting will be held July 15 at the Earth House at 6:30 p.m. More information about the group and dates for future meetings can be found on the group's calendar at indianapolisoxfamactioncorps.blogspot.com. New volunteers are welcomed.

Take Action Now!

2010-06-27T17:46:00.000-07:00

Climate change is an issue that has direct human implications that result in loss of life, increased disease, increased hunger, and increased instability in already volatile regions. Oxfam Action Corps Indianapolis is tackling this issue head on by empowering a grassroots effort to bring the human face to climate change. An imperative component is a comprehensive climate change bill that stops harming through the cutting of emissions and starts helping by providing funding to poor communities around the world that are disproportionately impacted.

Oxfam Action Corps Indianapolis has taken their message to Indiana elected officials, such as Senator Lugar, Senator Bayh, and Representative Carson. The message is clear that a comprehensive climate change bill needs to be passed and that an intrical component is the inclusion of adaptation funding now to help communities around the world cope with their changing environments. This funding looks like mangroves being planted to provide a natural barrier to flooding and irrigation systems and agricultural innovations to allow farmers to respond to drought conditions. These investments need to be significant and sizable to ensure that resiliency can be built now and prevent increased expenditures later to deal with more disastrous outcomes.

Oxfam Action Corps needs you to speak for the millions of people around the globe dealing everyday with the crisis of climate change as a vote may be taken in the Senate as soon as July 12th. Click here to take an e-action today.

Join Us in Changing the World

2010-06-14T17:40:00.000-07:00

Oxfam Action Corps Indianapolis has been busy the past couple of weeks hosting our kick off event and conducting lobby visits with Senator Lugar and Bayh's office and Representative Carson. The Sisters on the Planet screening was a success, getting volunteers signed up for upcoming events and raising awareness of how climate change is impacting women around the world.

Our lobby visits were successful in letting decision makers know we are in Indianapolis and in getting champions for global poverty and food issues. We will continue to push forward in our efforts to get a comprehensive climate bill passed, address global food security, and aid reform issues.

This is just the beginning of our efforts and I know you want to be part of the our movement for change in Indianapolis for the poor and oppressed around the world. We will be enjoying pizza, fun, and discussion at our next volunteer meeting. You are invited to join the Action Corps this Thursday.

What? Oxfam Action Corps Indianapolis Monthly Volunteer Meeting

When? June 17th, 2010 at 6:30pm

Where? Bazbeaux Pizza, 811 E Westfield Blvd, Indpls

Meet Our New Sister on the Planet

2010-05-27T09:07:00.000-07:00

Meet our new Sister on the Planet Sefya from Ethiopia and learn about the effects of climate driven drought on her family.

Sefya's Story from OA Videos on Vimeo.

Sisters on the Planet Screening Event

2010-05-09T12:54:00.000-07:00

Want to learn more about the ties between climate change, poverty and injustice? Interested in learning about Oxfam Action Corps grassroots campaign to fight the impact of clime change on vulnerable communities? Are you wondering why women are so disproportionately affected by climate related disasters? Are you generally interested in volunteering for a grassroots organization that has global impact on issues involving poverty and injustice.

Then join Indianapolis Oxfam Action Corps for our first event and summer kick off celebration.

Where: Earth House Collective, 237 N. East Street

When: Thursday, May 27th at 6:30 pm

Learn how women around the globe, especially in poor countries, are disproportionately being affected by climate change and the associated natural disasters like droughts, floods and hurricanes. Hear the stories of Sahena, Sharon, Muriel and Martina as they discuss the impacts of climate change on their lives.

You'll also get a chance to learn more about the Oxfam Action Corps, our campaign, our purpose and opportunities to volunteer with us and other like-minded people. We'll discuss the Indianapolis Oxfam Action Corps and our current campaign over food and refreshments.

Stay tuned to this blog and our soon to come Facebook page to keep updated on this event.

Why I Joined Oxfam Action Corps Indianapolis

2010-05-04T18:24:00.000-07:00

Passion. We all have a passion that sits deep in our heart, in our spirit. It may look a little different for each of us, but one thing we can center ourselves on is the desire for all of our brothers and sisters around the world to have lives that flourish and have dignity.

Humanity. I am here today because as I watch my two little girls laughing and playing in the yard on a warm spring day, they are filled with such love and innocence. They believe the world is already the way we think it should be. I can feel the quiet desperation of a mother in Uganda who longs to show her children what life could be, but is faced with the crisis of climate change. She must battle water scarcity and food insecurity. But in that desperation she shows a resiliency and hope that I can't begin to describe. She is my inspiration.

Duty. It is our responsibility as humans to do everything we can to help our fellow neighbors whether they live next door or across the world. Hoosiers aren't often viewed as catalysts for social justice. But, Oxfam Action Corps can change that. We can make a difference and there is a group of us who still think the world can change.

Through focusing on our passions, our child like humanity, and owning our duty, I know that we can make a difference around the world and show the world Indianapolis cares and is leaving our mark.

Kristin Clements-Effner
Oxfam Action Corps Indianapolis

Why Climate Change is a Poverty Issue

2010-04-20T20:54:00.000-07:00

The mainstream debate on climate change has centered around many issues from polar bears, melting ice caps and carbon markets. However, the debate rarely focuses on the impact on poor communities.

The fact is poor communities both here in the U.S. and around the world are the most vulnerable to climate related natural disasters. Many poor people rely on agriculture and the land for their livelihoods and intensifying the impact of climate related natural disasters on their lives.

In particular, women who constitute the majority of the world's poor are often the hardest hit. In many communities, women's traditional roles such as food and water gathering have made them the front line in the climate change battle. While women in poor communities are more vulnerable, they are less likely to have education, opportunities and resources they need to adapt to the impacts of climate change.

WHAT CAN BE DONE?

While solutions to climate change that deal with mitigation such as emissions cutting is an important goal, Oxfam America's campaign focuses on helping poor communities adapt to the consequences of climate change that are here today. By supporting such projects we can help poor communities create resiliency to climate related disasters. Oxfam America has partnered with local organizations around the world on projects to help communities prepare for natural disasters and reduce their vulnerabilities. Examples of adaptation projects include:

Creating a coastal barrier to floods with mangrove trees;
Placing homes in flood-prone areas on raised platforms;
Micro-insurance programs for farmers in drought ridden areas;
Food banks for times of food shortage.

WHAT CAN WE DO IN INDY?

Currently, policymakers in the U.S. are crafting legislative proposals to tackle the climate change issue. As policymakers work on a comprehensive climate change we are asking that they the legislation includes funding for projects that will help poor communities cope with the effects of climate change.

You can become a volunteer with Oxfam Action Corps in Indianapolis to help advocate for this and other issues effecting poor communities at home and around the globe. Or you can contact your representatives and tell them that you want legislation that includes funding for international adaptation projects. For more information on how to act now e-mail us at: Indianapolis@oxfamactioncorps.org.

Oxfam Action Corps takes over Indy

2010-04-19T14:40:00.000-07:00

Allow us to Introduce Ourselves

Welcome to the Indianapolis Oxfam Action Corps blog! We're a recently formed volunteer group dedicated to taking on the fight against global poverty here in Indianapolis, Indiana. Oxfam Action Corps is a project of Oxfam America, a non-governmental international relief and development organization that creates lasting solutions to poverty. The Indianapolis Oxfam Action Corps is a non-partisan, grassroots volunteer initiative in key cities nationwide to inform, inspire, and mobilize public support for policies to create solutions to hunger, poverty, and social injustice.

Current Campaign

This year we are focused on mobilizing awareness and action regarding the impact of climate change on the poor, with a particular interest in women in rural areas who are closely tied to food production. They are among the most vulnerable, and at the nexus of climate change and food insecurity.

Our Role

We're educating our fellow hoosiers in Indianapolis and around the state on the impact of climate change on vulnerable communities. We're reaching out at community festivals, concerts, homes, libraries, and special venues. We’re also encouraging people to contact their member of congress on this issue.

Join Us

FIRST OXFAM INDY MEETING

When: April 22nd at 6:30pm

Where: Earth House Collective

237 N East St; Indianapolis, IN

http://www.earthhousecollective.org/

Contact Us

If you would like to volunteer with the Indianapolis Oxfam Action Corps and can't join us on Thursday, please e-mail us at: indianapolis@oxfamactioncorps.org