Turning trees into money Cutting down trees is big bucks. Clearing land for development, crops, grazing land, wood products and wood chips are all common reasons for deforestation. However if countries need revenue, the world also needs a livable climate. Responsible for approximately 20 percent of world greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation continues at the alarming figure of 13 million hectares per year. Caritas Australia’s partners CINEP in Bolivia are showing that you can make money from forests while leaving the trees standing. Read more...

Communities in crisis Wherever disaster occurs, Caritas is ready to respond, providing relief such as shelter, food, water as well as trauma counselling. Caritas Australia is currently responding to emergencies in Samoa, Tonga, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia and India. Read more about these emergencies here. To make a donation call 1800 024 413 or donate online.  Credit: Reuters

Let's make it to 2000! November 6 is World Community Day and we want to celebrate by doubling the Be More community from 1000 to 2000 members. That means each of us only has to have one friend join and we'll make it. Jump on your email, phone, facebook and tell people about the Be More Challenge or use the tell a friend function on the website. We've got 31 days. Let's make it to 2000!

Become a climate monitor: keep Australia on track This December, all eyes will be on Copenhagen, where world leaders will meet to strike a deal that could prevent dangerous climate change. As Australia is one of the crucial players in these talks, a group of Australian NGOs, including Caritas, have come together to collaborate on a project to monitor the performance of the Australian Government and its negotiating team from now until Copenhagen – it’s called UN e-monitors. Read more...

Anti-Poverty Week: 11–17 October 2009 One billion people still survive on less than a dollar a day. 73 million children are not in school.  500,000 women die during pregnancy and childbirth and 30.8 million adults are currently living with HIV. National Anti-Poverty Week is our chance to stand in solidarity with the poor and tell our leaders that we expect change. It is also a chance to recommit ourselves to working for an end to poverty through the preferential option for the poor. Discover more ways to participate in Anti-Poverty Week. Stand Up in your school, university, workplace, place of worship, or community group to add your voice to the growing worldwide movement that will not remain seated in the face of poverty, 16–18 October. Read more...

Bendigo Be More Bikers make it to Kerang Last Tuesday the Bendigo Be More Bikers completed a 140km bike ride in an act of solidarity with the poor, raising more than $4000 so far. "I just had a real feel for social justice and we went to a workshop in Shepparton, the "Receive the Power concert" and that really motivated me to really do something different to try and change the world", Xavier Guthrie said. Visit the Biker's profile page to donate to their challenge. Inspired? Commit to the Caritas K's Challenge.

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