A growing group of civil society organisations is working together to pressure world leaders to act against poverty in 2005. By joining this ‘Global Call to Action Against Poverty’, which is an alliance of both South and North, you become part of this global effort to demand that the world stops allowing millions to die every year because of extreme poverty. This movement is calling for world leaders to start keeping their promises, and to do all they can to achieve the Millennium Development Goals and move towards eradicating poverty.

The Global Call to Action Against Poverty is not a membership organisation. Any non-profit organisation willing to support the core message and joint action is invited to become involved. The main level of co-ordination will be national platforms, layered under regional networks. National activities will be home grown, will include national priorities and national demands and will build on existing initiatives. Mass mobilisation and people-centred advocacy will be key to the campaign.

During 2005, millions of people around the world will be taking part in activities that coincide with significant international, national, and local events. Community organisations, national and regional networks, international NGOs, trade unions, school children, faith groups, and celebrities, are calling for action
to eradicate poverty. In countries all over the world, people will be asked to wear a simple white band to show their desire for world leaders to act now.

There will be key dates in 2005 where the group will aim to mobilise together,
but the group also foresees a series of dynamic campaign processes to put pressure on decision-makers in the South, the North and at the global level throughout the year. The more people are encouraged to take part, the louder the call for action will be. Together, the group members will pressure
governments to eliminate poverty and achieve the Millennium Development Goals.

The group is calling for Trade Justice, Debt Cancellation, and a major increase in the quantity and quality of aid. It also wants national efforts to eradicate poverty that are developed and implemented in a way that is democratic, transparent and accountable to citizens.

Poverty denies hundreds of millions of people their rights to water, health care, and education, and fuels the HIV/AIDs epidemic. This is not an unchangeable fact of life – for instance the WHO estimates that vaccinations could prevent this. But change will not happen unless all of us, together, demand it loud and clear. If we can get all of those who want to eradicate poverty to speak at the same time, then leaders will be forced to act.

Members of the group know from past experience that success, and a better world, is possible. Global campaigns to ban landmines, to end apartheid and to realise women’s rights have all made a huge difference. These campaigns
have helped to change - and save - lives. By joining the group, you become part of this global effort.

There are many national platforms and groups already working on these issues, and this action is designed to compliment, support and build on activity at the national level.

An International Facilitation Group was established in Johannesburg in September 2004 to take this work forward, in consultation with all involved.

For further details or to join the campaign, see the official website www.whiteband.org

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