“All I ask is this: Do something. Try something. Speaking out, showing up, writing a letter, a check, a strongly worded e-mail. Pick a cause – there are few unworthy ones. And nudge yourself past the brink of tacit support to action. Once a month, once a year, or just once.” – Joss Whedon
Why We Are Here…
In the past few weeks, we’ve shared some stories about the cold, cruel and unbalanced world around us and the need to keep the signal going. But what happens when you do speak out? Do things change? The answer is yes – they do. Some change faster than others but action and speaking out do make a difference.
That’s why the latest Why We Are Here feature is about the positive side of working to make the world a better and more equal place. There are two stories featured, where Equality Now has helped justice prevail and the winds of change sweep far and wide. The first is in Zambia, where Equality Now is successfully working against the rape and sexual assault of school girls by their teachers. And the second is the uplifting story of a woman named Kobra Najjar, who has finally been released from prison after 11 years (the last three years waiting to be stoned to death) for a crime she did not commit.
Please take a moment to read the full article, and to pat yourself on the back for your contribution to Equality Now’s success.
Our Main Cause…
Primarily, Can’t Stop the Serenity events raise much needed funds for Equality Now. Equality Now works to end violence and discrimination against women and girls around the world through the mobilization of public pressure. Issues of concern to Equality Now include rape, domestic violence, reproductive rights, trafficking, female genital mutilation, political participation and gender discrimination.
This week, we’re featuring two areas where the dedicated team at Equality Now are fighting to improve our world.
Equality Now on Sexual Harassment:
We’re very excited to see Equality Now was featured on the front page of The Wall Street Journal on May 21, 2009. The article, “Sexual-Harassment Cases Plague U.N“, highlighted how prevalent sexual harassment is. Equality Now’s campaign centers around the urgent need of the United Nations to improve its internal system of justice by establishing effective, objective and transparent mechanisms of investigation and adjudication of cases of sexual harassment and to end impunity for perpetrators within the system.
Equality Now want to get the word out to as many people as they can. That’s where you come into the mix. You can help make a difference by doing two simple things. 1: Read the article and become educated about the matter. 2: Send the message on to everyone you know and urge them to do the same. Twitter it, post it on your blogs and websites, get it out anywhere and everywhere you can. Let’s help make a difference. You don’t have to stop there, you can do more. But just these two little things will help spread the word and keep the signal going. This is why we are here.
Equality Now on Sex Tourism:
Sex tourism remains a serious worldwide problem. An estimated 25% of international sex tourists are from the U.S. They help support a multi-billion dollar illegal commercial sex trafficking industry, which promotes violence and discrimination against women. Visit Equality Now for more information on how you can join this campaign.
Our Other Causes…
While the majority of profits from a screening go to Equality Now, organizers can choose to donate up to 25% to other charities of their choice. Many choose to give to local charities or other global charities that have special meaning to Browncoats.
This week, we’d like to tell you about The Al Wooten Jr. Heritage Centre, which is being supported by CSTS Arlington. The Al Wooten Jr. Heritage Center provides a safe after-school environment where hundreds of boys and girls in South Central Los Angeles nurture their dreams, participate in tutoring and academic enrichment programs, learn important social skills and are guided to succeed in school and enter college. Serenity actor Ron Glass is a member of the Board of Directors for the center, and it is a cause that is close to his heart.
THANK YOU!
We’d like to share this wonderful letter of thanks we received from Amanda Sullivan of Equality Now in appreciation of our 2008 events. To each and every one of you who gave your support, thank you!
“Browncoat generosity is becoming legendary around here! The spirit and heart you have shown in organizing these events over the years are a continuing inspiration. We talk about you often, about how amazing and steadfast your support is and how grateful we all are for it. Thank you all, again, for a great 2008 Global Event, and here’s to another fantastic happening this year.” – Amanda Sullivan, Equality Now
