Hopeful Things ...glimpses of light in the darkness

Fight climate change with the flip of a switch!
One day, one hour, one bulb

• Lights Out - Oct 20, 2007 (8-9 pm, mostly California) http://www.lightsoutsf.org/

• Lights Out America - March 29, 2008 (Boston has signed on) http://www.lightsoutamerica.org/

Massive Mobilization to End the War - October 27, 2007
http://newenglandunited.org/

New England United, the new coalition of the six New England states, will rally to protest the war on Boston Common at 12:00 noon. March to Copley Square begins at 2:00 pm. Speakers include Howard Zinn, and Medea Benjamin of CODE PINK.

Boston is one of 10 major cities participating across the nation. Action called by United for Peace and Justice. Supported by Progressive Democrats of America and 100 other organizations.

* Bring All The Troops Home Now!
* End All Funding for the Iraq War Now!
* Support Our Communities, Fund Human Needs!
* No Attack on Iran!
* Stop the Attacks on Civil Liberties, Defend Human Rights!



Greg Mortenson coming to Harvard
Thursday, November 8, 2007.

Greg Mortenson will talk about his mission to promote peace, one school at a time, and show slides about the inspiring story behind his best-selling book, Three Cups of Tea.

Find out how to get tickets (required but free) at: http://www.ci.cambridge.ma.us/cpl/cambridgereads/

"Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world."
- Nelson Mandela

The Elders

We are moving to a global village and we need global elders. Fortunately for the world, out of deep concern a group formed this summer to help tackle some of the world's toughest problems. Called The Elders, the group includes Desmond Tutu, Nelson Mandela, Jimmy Carter, Kofi Annan and nine other senior statesmen and women who have the trust of the world. They are free to speak, to be fiercely independent, and to respond fast and flexibly in conflict situations. Their first mission, to Darfur and the Sudan, took place in September. Learn more at http://www.theelders.org/

The Elders are also building an online global village. A place where you can make your voice heard. Please leave your email address and share your thoughts on the role of The Elders and possible new Elders at http://www.theelders.org/village/




Nobel Prize winning Grameen Bank - A revolutionary anti-poverty strategy that works on the scale of the problem

Read about microlending in Banker to the Poor, the story of Grameen Bank written by its founder and 2006 Nobel Peace Prize winner, Muhammad Yunus. Grameen Foundation's mission is to empower the world's poorest people to lift themselves out of poverty with dignity through access to financial services and to information. With tiny loans, financial services and technology, we help the poor, mostly women, start self-sustaining businesses to escape poverty. Founded in 1997 by a group of friends who were inspired by the work of Grameen Bank in Bangladesh, our global network of microfinance partners reaches over 3.6 million families in 25 countries.

See and hear inspiring microlending stories:

• The online video, "Breaking Through" gives you a glimpse of what this has meant for millions throughout Africa, Asia, the Americas and the Middle East. The 16-minute documentary introduces you to families whose lives have changed through microfinance, and to Grameen's front line partners.


• "To Our Credit" - a two-part series for PBS on microcredit and microenterprise development. Part One: Bootstrap Banking and the World profiles microcredit with stories from Bangladesh, South Africa, Bolivia and India. Within the past decade, 15 million people have received microloans. Part Two: Bootstrap Banking in America profiles microenterprise development in New England, Arkansas, South Dakota and Chicago. 300 U.S. organizations now provide loans and training to microbusinesses.

How we can help: http://www.grameenfoundation.org/get_involved/

Contact: Grameen Foundation, 1709 New York Avenue NW, Suite 101, Washington, D.C. 20006. TEL: (202)628-3560. FAX: (202)628-3880. Email: acounts@grameenfoundation.com Website: http://www.grameenfoundation.com/

The nation is rising to DRAFT Gore


Op-ed: CBS/ The Nation: Gore Should Heed the Call and Run. America does not need another prize, we need another president.


Draft Gore Petition Hits 200,000 Signatures.
Draft Gore Runs Full-Page Ad in the New York Times.

Al Gore: The Conscience of the Democratic Party.
He’s eloquent, passionate, relentless, undaunted. The first political figure to oppose the Iraq war, Al Gore is also the lead champion and now Nobel Peace Prize winner for his fight against global warming, a passionate defender of our Constitution, and an unyielding voice against the Bush Administration’s abuse of power. Given his unmatched experience and leadership on issues of moral imperative. Gore is increasingly seen as Democrats’ best bet to win back the White House.