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Americans for Informed Democracy empowers and equips young people in the United States to address global issues—poverty, health, climate change, peace and security—through awareness raising and actions that promote just and sustainable solutions on their campuses, in their communities, and nationally. Find out more about us.

ACTION:

January 22, 2009: Host the "Youth Voices on Global Poverty" Videoconference

Curious to know what community-based organizations in developing countries are doing to address global poverty or their hopes for the newly inaugurated Obama administration? Want to know how you can work together towards common goals? Host a videoconference site and connect your campus with representatives of the Sawi Youth's Common Initiative Group in Cameroon, the Slums Information Development and Resource Center in Kenya, and other partners to discuss current obstacles to development and what youth are doing to respond to the challenge! The purpose of the videoconference is to allow you all an opportunity to discuss and ask each other questions about systems that perpetuate poverty (i.e. unfair trade rules, ineffective foreign aid, intellectual property rights), the impact of poverty on youth, and how youth are responding to create and advocate for sustainable solutions.Contact Sarah@aidemocracy.org for more information.

AWARENESS:

Los Angeles BEYOND BELIEF Leadership Retreat Inspires Students, Community Member

Ed O’Connell, Co-Director of the RAND Alternative Strategy Initiative talks with two students and their teacher (Pete Barraza) from Santa Monica High School

On November 22nd, 60 student and community leaders gathered
at the USC IGM Art Gallery for a day long retreat focused on how citizens can engage in civilian diplomacy in their local communities to counter terrorism abroad with peaceful, sustainable solutions. Keynote Speaker Suraya Sadeed spoke passionately about the need to reintroduce peace in the world by investing in education and long term solutions. Her address was followed by positive examples of peace building projects from the film Beyond Belief and expert panelists Ed O’Connell, Terry Gifford, and Brittany Miles. Participants explored innovative strategies for restoring peace and were inspired to take action in their own communities with film screenings, awareness raising events, and cross-cultural dialogue. Thanks to all who participated! This was a great first event and we look forward to four more Beyond Belief events in the Spring. [click for pics]

Link to event page

ADVOCACY:

The Global Peace & Security (GPS) Advocacy Program is Accepting Applications.

The GPS Advocacy Program is an initiative to give 12 young leaders from across the US the resources to engage their local communities in global peace and security issues and the opportunity to present their campaigns and policy recommendations to legislators on Capitol Hill and on the Executive Level. Participants will become community activists and policy advocates/experts over the span of six months on one of four themes: US-Iran Relations, US-Middle East Relations, Rising Powers and the Role of the US, and Rethinking Counter Terrorism and Civic Engagement.

Click Here for More Information