Stand up Against Poverty

As you know, in September 2000, heads of government of 189 countries signed the United Nations Millennium Declaration and committed the nations of the world to an agenda for action designed to establish a world free from want, a world free from fear, a world where all people are free to live in dignity. Despite progress made, 50,000 people die everyday as a result of extreme poverty; the gap between rich and poor people is increasing and nearly half the world’s population continues to live in poverty, 70% are women. We know we have the power to change this.

Last year Sisters of Mercy and their colleagues, students, and friends joined more the 43 million people world wide who stood up to publicly demonstrate their support for the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). This year we are asking you to once more Stand Up and Take Action. Tell the leaders of your community and the world that you support efforts to eradicate poverty and accomplish of the MDGs. Add your voice to those who pledge to stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters around the world who seek justice.

All the information you need is posted on our website http://www.gerhardinger.org/english/jpicsen/standup2008/standup08.htm. You will find suggestions about how your unit, your community, your parish, or your school can add their voices to the millions who will Stand Up and Take Action October 17-19, 2008. Many of the resources are available in English, German, Portuguese and Spanish at www.standagainstpoverty.org.

We ask you to please share this information as widely as possible—with your sisters, associates, colleagues, students, and friends. Invite them to join us as together we Stand Up and Take Action October 17-19, 2008.

Download the flyer here