Happy New Year

This video is from Oxfam UK and as we enter 2011 and approach the one year anniversary of the Haiti earthquake, it's a great reminder that we must continue to put pressure on our leaders to end extreme poverty.

When a devastating earthquake struck Haiti in January 2010, President Obama promised that Americans would stand with Haitians in their hour of greatest need. Your contributions made a huge difference, providing people with life-saving services and income-earning opportunities.

Now, Haitians need your support–your voice–as they look to their government to lead them in rebuilding their communities, providing vital services like schools and healthcare, and creating jobs.

Tell US legislators to support rebuilding efforts in Haiti.
1. To speak up, call 1-646-452-9493 and enter the pin number 3804.
2. Then say "My name is [your name] and I am a(n) [your job] from [your city and state]. We need to keep our promise and stand with Haiti."
3. Your message will be added to our nationwide voice resolution, and will be shared with members of Congress as we call on them to help Haitians build back better.

For more information on how to ACT FAST with OXFAM click here.

2011 will be a busy time for the Austin Oxfam Action Corps. Stay tuned to for updates coming soon and join us on facebook.

In pictures: women fighting climate change

As obvious as it sounds, climate change affects everybody. From the devastation caused by hurricane Katrina in 2005, through to the floods that covered Pakistan in July this year, we're all in this together.

But what's less well understood is that the impacts of climate change are much more likely to hit women the hardest.

It's not the easiest idea to understand. After all, everyone gets affected during a flood. But because in many parts of the world it tends to be women who grow the family's food, fetch fuel and water, and bring up the children, it's women who are most likely to be in harm's way when disaster strikes. So when clean water becomes harder to find during a drought, or when crops are destroyed by floods, it's often up to women to find solutions.

The slideshow below is a snapshot of the problems – brought on by climate change – that women are facing, and some of the many ways that they're fighting back.

At climate change negotiations taking place in Cancún this week, Oxfam is working to raise awareness of the critical role that women play in tackling climate change. And we're pushing for a much greater repsonse from the international community to meet women's needs.

-Natalie Brook
Oxfam Great Britain
Climate Change Campaigner

In pictures: women fighting climate change | Oxfam International Blogs

December Meeting

Meeting Reminder...Hope to see you there!

Day/Date: Monday, December 6
Time: 6:30pm - 8:00pm

Location: Daniel E. Ruiz Public Library
1600 Grove Blvd., 78741
Austin, TX