Americans for Informed Democracy: Regional Coordinators

October 17: UN International Day for the Eradication of Poverty
Tell Congress to Modernize U.S. Foreign Assistance

This October 17th, commemorate the UN International Day for the Eradication of Poverty by telling Congress to modernize U.S. foreign assistance programs! Current legislation--the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961--is nearly 50 years old, grounded largely in Cold War politics and does not reflect global challenges of the 21st century. So take a few minutes to gather your friends or organize a phone bank or letter writing campaign and tell Congress that the U.S. needs a fresh approach to global development--one that streamlines our aid, eliminates long-standing inefficiencies and increases the impact of our dollars, even in a time of economic hardship. Click here to find out more.

2009 Power to the Peaceful Festival and CARE Global Action Forum in San Francisco

Power to the Peaceful Festival
September 12, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Speedway Meadow, Golden Gate Park
Cost: Free*

Join 70,000 people in San Francisco's beautiful, green tree lined Speedway Meadow in Golden Gate Park for a free* day of music, arts and action. Founded by singer, activist and CARE ambassador Michael Franti, the Power to the People Festival is dedicated to the promotion of cultural coexistence, nonviolence and environmental sustainability through the arts and music. Visit http://powertothepeaceful.org for more information, including a list of participating music artists and other attractions.

CARE Global Action Forum
September 13, 2 p.m.-6 p.m.,
Herbst Theater, 401 Van Ness Ave.
Cost: $20

Following the Festival, join Michael Franti, Power to the Peaceful and CARE for three sit-down conversations and workshops about climate change, girl's empowerment and global hunger with leading humanitarian representatives from CARE, Back to Earth, the Office of Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Potentia Foundation, Room to Read, Spark, UC Berkeley and Vitamin Angels. Workshops will be followed by a reception featuring organic food, drink and a concert with Michael Franti and brazilian dancers and drummers.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit http://www.care.org/newsroom/articles/2009/08/power-to-the-peaceful-forum-20090817.asp.

Rebel Rocker, Michael Franti, talks with Americans for Informed Democracy
about his decision to join CARE as a CARE Ambassador, the Obama administration,
and what it means to be a rebel.

Support the Modernizing Foreign Assistance Network’s Open Letter to President Obama on
Global Development and Foreign Assistance Reform TODAY!

Nearly 150 powerful individuals and organizations, including Americans for Informed Democracy, have sent a letter to President Obama on the importance of strengthening U.S. efforts to alleviate poverty, fight disease, create opportunity, and foster sustainable security in the developing world. The letter acknowledges the reality of our current situation: To be as strategic and effective with taxpayer dollars as we must at this time of economic crisis, it is critical to modernize our outdated foreign assistance system. Find our more about the Modernizing Foreign Assistance Network and add your name to the letter today!