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February 2nd

World Wetlands Day: River basins and their management

Be More on World Wetlands Day by...

• Finding out where your storm water drain goes to
• Clean up your local water way
• Switch to environmentally friendly washing liquid and detergent

February 20th

World Day of Social Justice

"Recognizing the need to promote efforts to tackle issues such as poverty, exclusion and unemployment, the United Nations General Assembly has decided to observe 20 February annually - starting in 2009 - as the World Day of Social Justice.(UN online news centre www.un.org)

As a Be More challenger you are partnering with many organisations and peoples working towards social justice.

• Be More aware. Learn more about what Caritas Australia is doing to eliminate poverty by visiting www.caritas.org.au
• Be More just. Review your challenges and make sure they get the tick from the social justice checklist. (The most effective social justice actions include 2 or more of the following.)
• Faith Formation
  (Is it grounded in Catholic Social Teaching? Will it nurture a spirituality of justice? Will it promote justice, compassion and hope?)
• Service
  (Will it serve those most in need; the poor or marginalised?)
• Education
  (Will it raise awareness of the needs of others, or causes of injustice?)
• Advocacy
  (Will it give a voice to the voiceless? Does it target relevant decision makers?)
• Collaboration & Coordination
  (Is it part of a campaign or program of the diocesan or justice agencies of the Church? Does it fill a gap?)
• Resourcing

(Can accurate information be accessed? Are people and funds available to do the job properly? Does it enable follow through rather than simply reacting to the issue?)

Credit: Sandie Cornish

February 25th

Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday is the first day of the Christian season of Lent (the 40 days prior to Easter). Lent is a period of preparation, expectation and reflection. It is a time to reflect on what keeps us from focusing on what is important. What distracts you from the things that really matter? During Lent we are encouraged to deny ourselves of luxury items in our lives and to take on things that we find challenging and which we normally resist. Oscar Romero has this to say about self-denial;

"Giving up something frees the self from slavery to a civilisation that encourages us more and more to comfort and to consumerism without any concern for protecting our environment, the common inheritance of humanity."

We are also encouraged to be generous with what we have. During Lent Caritas Australia holds its major annual fundraising and education campaign, Project Compassion. Project Compassion is a time to reflect upon and engage with significant issues of peace, justice and development. It is also a time to recognise our interconnectedness with our global brothers and sisters and our environment. Find out how you can Be More during Project Compassion here.

March 1st

International Death Penalty Abolition Day

"Everyone has the right to life- The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 3.

International Death Penalty Abolition Day is a day to remember the victims of state sanctioned death, whether innocent or guilty, and their families. It is also a day to remember the victims of violent crimes and their survivors. March 1 is also a day of action and education on alternatives to the death penalty.

Read Pope John Paul II's statement on the death penalty in his 1995 encyclical The Gospel of Life.

1st - Clean up Australia day - www.cleanup.org.au

Clean up Australia day is an easy way to Be More clean and green. Grab your friends, an adult, a garbage bag and some gloves and start cleaning up your local area. Go to www.cleanup.org.au to register a site and find out more information.

• Make Clean up Australia day your national challenge.

March 6th

World Day of Prayer - www.worlddayofprayeraustralia.org

"The World Day of Prayer is a worldwide movement of Christian women of many traditions who come together to observe a common day of prayer each year.(www.worlddayofprayeraustralia.org.)

The focus of this year's day of prayer is the indigenous women and children of Papua New Guinea.

• Write a prayer and submit it to Be Creative - Poems, Prayers and Lyrics.

March 8th

International Women's Day

The third Millennium Development Goal is to promote gender equality and empower women. Currently:

• Women work two thirds of the world's working hours and produce one half of the world's food.
• Women earn only 5% of the world's income and own less than 1% of the world's property.
• Women make up to 70% of the 1.3 billion people living in poverty
• 55% of all children who are denied primary education worldwide are girls.

Our region of the Pacific, called Oceania, has taken a step back in reaching the primary education target for MDG 3: ensuring girls have the same access to schooling as boys by 2015. Oceania, sub-Saharan Africa and Western Asia regions have the largest gender gaps in primary school enrolment.

• Check out Caritas Australia's resources about empowering women here.
• Celebrate International Women's Day by sending a card to a girl who inspires you. Even better you can purchase the gift of maternal health for just $35 through Caritas Australia's Global Gifts program to give to a friend.

March 21st

International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

"Racist practices hurt their victims, but they also limit the promise of entire societies where they are tolerated. They prevent individuals from realizing their potential and stop them from contributing fully to national progress.- Ban Ki-Moon, United Nations Secretary-General

On 21 March 1960, during the apartheid regime in South Africa, police opened fire on a peaceful demonstration killing 69 people. This day is now marked internationally to remind us all of the consequences of racism and to call us to action.

Be More tolerant.

• Learn about the culture and religion of another country or people.
• Commit to memory Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: "All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.
• Stand Up against racial discrimination in your school, home, workplace or community. Go to www.makepovertyhistory.org.au to find out more.

World Poetry Day

Poetry is a powerful form of expression which can cross time and culture. Poetry can invoke happiness, sadness, grief, anger, joy and peace. Poetry can also inspire action for positive change. Share your poetry or be inspired by others creativity by checking out our Be More Creative pages.

World Forestry Day

World Forest Day is a celebration of the contribution which forests make to our lives and communities.

Be More Green

• Find out about Caritas Australia's Project Compassion story from Indonesia.
• Start a community forest
• Build a mini-greenhouse to grow and propagate native plants from seed
• Take a walk in a nearby forest or National Park
• Make a leaf and bark rubbing.

March 22nd

World Water Day

"Water is fundamental for life and health. The human right to water is indispensable for leading a healthy life in human dignity. It is a pre-requisite to the realization of all other human rights.- The United Nations Committee on Economic, Cultural and Social Rights

Water is the stuff of life. Think of all the times throughout the day you use water. Without water to wash, infection and disease spread rapidly. Without water for crops, our cupboards are empty. Without water to drink, our body quickly dies. One of the targets of the seventh Millennium Development Goal is to halve the proportion of people without access to safe drinking water by 2015. When we want water we turn on a tap in our house. This is not the case for many people around the world who have to walk for many hours to collect water. In fact it is not just the case for people in general but women and girls specifically. In the majority world (developing countries) water, it's collection and use, has many impacts on the lives of women. Many girls cannot go to school because they spend a large part of the day collecting water. Many girl's bodies do not develop properly because of the large amounts of water they carry on their heads or backs and this affects their health throughout their lives. Many women must walk on dangerous paths each day to collect water, often experiencing violent attacks.

Be More water aware

• Read how new water practices have impacted Teopista's family life in Uganda here.
• For $65 give the gift of water through Caritas Australia's Global Gift program.
• Take shorter showers.
• Install a water tank.
• Walk in solidarity with women and children around the world who collect water by holding a Caritas K's event. Find out how!

March 24th

Assassination of Archbishop Oscar Romero, 1980

"Aspire not to have more but to BE MORE- Archbishop Oscar Romero

"Archbishop Oscar A. Romero gave his life, in the words of Pope John Paul II. 'for the church and the people of his beloved country' of El Salvador. His death from an assassin's bullet on March 24, 1980, crowned a life of service as priest and bishop. During his three years as archbishop of San Salvador, he became known across the world as a fearless defender of the poor and suffering...Week after week for three years, Archbishop Romero's voice rang out over El Salvador, crying out against murder and torture, exhorting his people to seek peace and forgiveness and to build a more just society...Oscar Romero achieved his rare eloquence not by writing polished sermons but by speaking directly to his listeners about their lives, and especially the lives of the poor, whose sufferings, he said, 'touch the very heart of God.'(James R Brockman, S. J. in The Violence of Love a compilation of quotes.)

Oscar Romero's quote 'Aspire not to have more but to be more' inspired Caritas Australia to provide a framework for social and personal change. This website is a tool for that change.

Spend some time researching the life of Oscar Romero and be inspired to set and complete your Be More challenges; to be a force for positive change.

24th - World Tuberculosis Day

"In 2006, there were an estimated 1.7 million deaths due to tuberculosis and 14.4 million people infected with the disease, including approximately 9.2 million new cases.(The Millennium Development Goals Report 2008) The reversal and eradication of Tuberculosis is a major focus of Millennium Development Goal 6.

March 28th

Earth Hour

At 8:30pm on Saturday 28 March millions around the world will turn of their lights for an hour as a symbol of their commitment to stopping climate change.

Be More Green.

• Turn of the power in your house and have a candle lit dinner.
• Play a board game with your family instead of watching TV.
• Have a picnic where you have a good view of your town and watch the lights turn off.

April 4th

International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action - www.mineaction.org

April 7th

World Health Day - http://www.who.int/world-health-day/en/

"He who has health has hope; and he who has hope has everything.- Arabic Proverb

The World Health Organisation describes health as "a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity."

Health is directly related to 5 of the 8 Millennium Development Goals;

1. Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger

4. Reduce child mortality

5. Improve maternal health

6. Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases

7. Ensure environmental sustainability (Halve the proportion of people without access to safe drinking water by 2015)

Without proper health systems in place developing countries will continue to lag behind. People continue to die of preventable illnesses and disease. World Health Day is an opportunity to raise the awareness of health issues facing people around the world as well as a time to examine the health system in Australia.

Be More Healthy

• Exercise. Go for a walk or jog with a friend.
• Have a balanced diet. Don't forget to eat 2 serves of fruit a day and 5 serves of vegetables each day.
• For $40 give the gift of health to a child through Caritas Australia's Global Gift program.
• Get a check-up. If you haven't been to your GP recently perhaps its time for a routine check-up.
• Join the 'Close The Gap' campaign which calls on federal, state and territory governments to commit to closing the life expectancy gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians within a generation. www.closethegap.com.au
• Become a blood donor. Giving blood saves lives and is easy to do. Find out where your nearest blood bank is at www.donateblood.com.au

"Of all of the forms of inequality, injustice in health is the most shocking and the most inhumane.- Martin Luther King, Jr

April 22nd

International Earth Day - http://www.earthday.net/

The earth is a precious resource. Without a healthy planet plants, animals and humans cannot live life to the fullest. Our earth is already feeling the effects of climate change with rising sea levels, increasingly unpredictable weather patterns, species becoming extinct and natural habitats being lost. This has already had a major impact on humans, particularly in the developing world. Climate change is devastating for all however it disproportionately affects the poor. This is because of their high exposure to the effects of environmental change and/or their limited capacity to adapt to the consequences.

• For more information on environment issues visit Caritas Australia's website.
• The theme for this year's Project Compassion is An environment to grow in. Click here for educational resources and information.

April 25th

World Malaria Day - www.rbm.who.int

In 2009 there is a disease, which although preventable and curable, kills an estimated 1 million people per year, mostly children and pregnant women. 40% of the world's population is at risk of being infected. Millennium Development Goal 6 - Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases, has the target of halting and reverse the incidence of malaria and other major diseases by 2015. The World Health Organisation estimates that 350-500 million people are afflicted each year. Malaria is a disease which does not need to exist in 2009. Find out more on the website above.

May 1st

International Workers Day

Article 23 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states:

Everyone has the right to work, to free choice of employment, to just and favourable conditions of work and to protection against unemployment.

Everyone, without any discrimination, has the right to equal pay for equal work.

Everyone who works has the right to just and favourable remuneration ensuring for themselves and their families an existence worthy of human dignity, and supplemented, if necessary, by other means of social protection.

Everyone has the right to form and to join trade unions for the protection of their interests.

• Read about modern slavery in Caritas Australia's e-newsletter, OzSpirit
• Read this year's Australia Catholic Social Justice Council Pastoral Letter for International Workers Day.
• Research the companies that make the things you buy. Are their workers given a fair wage as well as just and favourable conditions of work?
• Buy fair trade goods www.fta.org.au

May 2nd

World Fair Trade Day - http://www.worldfairtradeday09.org/

You have probably heard about Fair Trade. It's pretty trendy to sit and drink Fair Trade coffee and eating Fair Trade chocolate is really yummy - but do you know what all the fuss is about?

Trade is something we all do, everyday. We trade our money for food, clothing and entertainment. When we trade our money in for goods or services we insist on paying a fair price for what we get in return. We would be pretty angry if $20 of our hard earned money only bought us 1 apple in return. The same applies for people who grow the apple. Farmers work hard to produce their crop and they have a right to receive a fair price when they sell their crop to the market. So far, so good, right? Well although it seems just and right that farmers receive a fair price, not all of them do. The United Nations estimates that unfair trade rules deny poor countries $700 billion every year. Read all about it as part of Caritas Australia's Global Issues.

Be More Fair

• Buy Fair Trade www.fta.org.au
• Ask your local supermarket to stock Fair Trade
• Ask your local café to sell Fair Trade tea, coffee and hot chocolate.
• Find out what Fair Trade has to do with Millennium Development Goal 8 by visiting the End Poverty website - http://endpoverty2015.org/

May 3rd

World Press Freedom Day

A free and independent media is crucial in promoting democracy by keeping those in power accountable.

Be More Aware

• Read about the unreported world at www.caritas.org.au
• Do some research on the news sources you rely on
• Read a publication or blog you wouldn't normally read
• Do some research on Australia's 2005 Anti-Terror legislation and report on how it affects the freedom of the press.

May 15th

UN International Day of Families

"You don't choose your family. They are God's gift to you, as you are to them.- Archbishop Desmond Tutu (of Cape Town, South Africa)

Who is in your family? International Day of Families is a great day to celebrate being a part of a family and to be thankful for all that families do.

Be More Together

• Go for a walk with your family
• Write a card or draw a picture for a family member
• Turn the TV off and have dinner together
• Spend some time with your sisters and brother
• Visit your grandparents or cousins
• Draw your family tree

May 21st

World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development

• Study a different culture. Learn about their dress, food, spirituality and history
• Celebrate the cultures of the world by holding a world food day
• Find out what cultural celebrations take place in your region and go along.
• Talk to someone who has ties to another culture. Discuss the things you have in common.

May 22nd

International Day for Biological Diversity

• Map the different ecosystems in your local area.
• Do a research project on a local ecosystem and the impact of humans and their lifestyle.
• Join a local bush care or river management group.
• Find out how you can encourage bio diversity in your own garden.

May 26th

National Sorry Day

"We plant seeds that will flower as results in our lives, so best to remove the weeds of anger, avarice, envy and doubt, that peace and abundance may manifest for all.- Dorothy Day

National Sorry Day was first celebrated one year after the Bringing them home report (1997) into the separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families was released. It is a day when Australia acknowledges the horrendous wrong which was inflicted upon the entire Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community through the separation of indigenous children from their families. It is also a day to remember the many other injustices inflicted upon the First Peoples of Australia.

• Spend some time reading the Bringing them home report and Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's apology speech on February 13 2008.
• Reflect on what Sorry Day means to you.
• Incorporate Sorry Day into your school prayer this week.

May 27th

National Reconciliation Week begins

The first day of Reconciliation Week marks the anniversary of the 1967 referendum, in which 92% of Australians voted to include Aboriginal people in the calculation of the national census. The final day of Reconciliation Week marks the anniversary of Australia's High Court judgement in the Mabo case in 1992, which recognised Native Title rights of Indigenous people to their lands. National Reconciliation Week is a celebration of the rich indigenous cultures of this land as well as a time to renew our efforts to work together to achieve justice and dignity for all Australians.

Be More Reconciled

• Find out the name of the traditional peoples of your local area.
• Find out more about the Close the Gap campaign by viewing Caritas Australia's Close the Gap powerpoint
• Develop a RAP (Reconciliation Action Plan)
• Learn more about Indigenous issues at the Caritas website
• Wear the Aboriginal flag in recognition of our Indigenous brothers and sisters
• If you are an Aboriginal or a Torres Strait Islander celebrate your rich culture and the amazing contribution you make to your community and country. Stand proud!

June 1st

International Children's Day

"There is no trust more sacred than the one the world holds with children. There is no duty more important than ensuring that their rights are respected, that their welfare is protected, that their lives are free from fear and want and that they can grow up in peace.- Kofi Annan (former United Nations Secretary-General)

• If you are a child:
• Write a poem about what your dreams are for the future
• Find out how children in other countries live
• Say a prayer for children around the world who don't have the things you have and think about what you can do to help.
• If you are an adult
• Reflect on what your hopes are for your children's future. What can you do to help this be achieved
• How are your actions affecting the generations to come? How can your life benefit your children and your children's children?
• For $40 give the gift of child health through Caritas Australia's Global Gift program.

June 4-10th

World Week for Peace in Palestine Israel

Since 1967, Palestinians in the West Bank, east Jerusalem and Gaza have lived under Israeli occupation. The conflict remains as intense and intractable as ever.

The 2005 United Development Programme's Human Development Index tells the tale of these two diverging societies, with Palestine ranked 102, while Israel is placed 23rd in the world.  Sixty-four per cent of the Palestinian population live below the poverty line, and that is rising.  Over one million are subsistence poor, and there are an estimated seven million Palestinian refugees.

The World Week for Peace in Palestine Israel calls participants to seek justice for Palestinians so that both Israelis and Palestinians can finally live in peace.

Pray with churches living under occupation.

Educate about actions that make for peace.

Advocate with political leaders using policies that promote peace with justice.

Voices for Peace is an excellent publication offering hope for a peaceful future for the people of Israel and Palestine. Produced by agencies working in the area this series of interviews illustrate the work and commitment of Israeli and Palestinian peace activists in seeking a peaceful alternative to the conflict.

June 5th

World Environment Day

This week (1 – 7 June) the Be More Community is going to go without buying any plastic drink bottles. If you want to take part, simply signup to the Be More Challenge and set it as your personal challenge. Email the number of plastic bottles you save from going to landfill to bemore@caritas.org.au At the end of the week we’ll tally up the communities efforts and display to total on this page next week.

Why are plastic drink bottles bad for the environment?

• The most commonly used material for making water bottles is polyethylene terphthalate or PET, which is derived from crude oil. In fact it takes about 200 millilitres of oil to produce just one one-litre bottle.
• Bottled liquids also have to be transported which usually requires burning fossil fuels.
• 65% of plastic drink bottles end up in landfill where they can take up to 1000 years to biodegrade.

So why not do the environment a favour and join with other challengers in saying no to plastic drink bottles this week.

Check out this resource for more ideas of how you can Be More during World Environment Day.

June 12th

World Day Against Child Labour

250 million of the world's 2 billion children don't have time to have a childhood. They have to work. They work because they can move their family from hunger to survival. Dangerous, difficult and unpleasant work is traditionally done by the poor and the powerless. Children in many parts of our world are among the least powerful and poorest. It is time to end child labour by:

• intervening in the worst cases of abuse and exploitation so as to remove children from harm.
• improving income support especially to mothers so that children are not forced to work to support the family.
• providing universal and free education for all children which is conveniently located so that children will have the chance to realise their potential through good quality schooling.
• Child labour is the flip side of the coin to universal education. Now is the time to eliminate the necessity for children to work and replace it with the necessity for children to receive an education.
• Read the rest of this article which includes ideas for how to look at child labour in the classroom.
• Find out who manufactured your soccer ball, shoes and clothes. Do they use child labour to manufacture the things you bought?
• Buy fair trade

June 20th

UN World Refugee Day

"Thus, on this World Refugee Day, let us take time to recognize and draw inspiration from these ordinary people who have shown such extraordinary courage - the world's millions of refugees and displaced.- Antonio Guterres, U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees

"Refugees are defined as persons who are outside their country and cannot return owing to a well-founded fear of persecution because of their race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership of a particular social group. (United Nations, 1951).

Asylum seekers that make it to Australia are an extremely small percentage of refugees. Most refugees are stuck in refugee camps all across the world. Many of these camps are in poor countries and in very inhospitable surrounds. These poor countries, struggling to feed and govern their own people. must, often at very short notice, host millions of people displaced by conflict or insecurity. Refugee camps are often overcrowded, lacking adequate water, sanitation, shelter and security. Many camps which were only set up for temporary use have now existed for decades, such as the camps for refugees for Burma in the north of Thailand. These camps can often host generations of refugees.

• Find out more by visiting Caritas Australia's website

June 26th

International Day in Support of Victims of Torture

"No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.- Article 5 of The Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Torture is one of the most profound human rights abuses, taking a terrible toll on millions of individuals and their families. As terrible as the physical wounds are, the psychological and emotional scars are usually the most devastating and the most difficult to repair. Many torture survivors suffer recurring nightmares and flashbacks. They withdraw from family, school and work and feel a loss of trust.

Although 141 countries have ratified the UN Convention against torture, it continues to occur, either systematically or randomly in more than half the countries of the world. Kofi Annan, former Secretary-General of the United Nations, summed up the spirit of this International Day when he said:

"This is a day on which we pay our respects to those who have endured the unimaginable. This is an occasion for the world to speak up against the unspeakable."

• Join a movement in your country which works to end torture.
• Start a group in your community to encourage letter-writing campaign and raise awareness of human rights issues.
• Read newspapers and watch media reports to stay informed.
• Pray for the victims of torture and their families. Pray for lawyers and judges to deal with torture cases. Pray for those who are part of the structures that condone or through their silence allow torture to continue. Pray for politicians and leaders, that they would uphold the dignity and rights of all. Pray for those who commit torture, who are also victims of the consequences of torture. Pray for yourself and those who you know, that you will never see anyone as less then human, less deserving of their right to dignity, safety, freedom and life.

July 4th

International Day of Cooperatives

Founded on the principles of private initiative, entrepreneurship and self-employment, underpinned by the values of democracy, equality and solidarity, the co-operative movement can help pave the way to a more just and inclusive economic order- Kofi Annan

Cooperatives are enterprises which put people and communities at the centre, rather then profits like other businesses. Cooperatives can exist in all sorts of sectors such as agriculture, housing, child-care, health, transport, eduction and production (workers' co-operatives). Coops can function in many different ways but they all exist for the benefit of communities of people. Coops have proven to be a great way lifting people and whole communities out of poverty.

Be More Cooperative

• Find out what cooperatives exist in your local area. Join!
• Start your own cooperative

July 5th

NAIDOC week commences - www.naidoc.org.au

NAIDOC is a week of celebration! Activities are held all across Australia to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. NAIDOC originally stood for 'National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee'. The NAIDOC website (above) has some great suggestions for ways to celebrate during the week.

• Have a flag raising ceremony.
• Display Indigenous posters around your class room.
• Invite local Indigenous elders to speak at your school.
• Listen to Indigenous music.
• Study a famous Indigenous Australian.
• Find out about the traditional Indigenous owners of your area.
• Study Aboriginal arts and crafts.
• Read a Dreamtime story or check out Dust Echoes, 12 animated dreamtime stories from Central Arnhem Land, made in collaboration with Djilpin Arts.
• Start your own Indigenous Hall of Fame featuring any local role models and achievers.
• Visit Caritas Australia's partner Djilpin Art's website or check out
• Visit local Indigenous sites of significance or interest.

July 27th

Arbor Day

Arbor Day is an internationally recognised day for the planting and caring of trees.

• Be More green by planting a tree.

August 7th-9th

Be More Weekend

Re-imagine life. Remind yourself of what is valuable. Change your self, community and world. The Be More weekend is a chance to reflect on life, to spend time with family and friends and take action for environmental and social justice.

August 9th

International Day of the World's Indigenous People

Indigenous people groups each have a rich culture existing over thousands of years. Their unique knowledge of the land and their harmonious relationship with creation is one of the many things which non-indigenous people can learn. Despite the amazing contributions Indigenous peoples make to society and the ancient knowledge they possess they have historically faced social exclusion and marginalisation. "They are disproportionately represented among the poor and extremely poor, their levels of access to adequate health and education services are well below national averages, and they are especially vulnerable to the consequences of environmental degradation.(UNPFII 2006) International Day of the World's Indigenous People is an opportunity to celebrate the Indigenous People of the world and renew our efforts to live in tolerance and harmony.

August 27th

Death of Dom Helder Camara, 1999

When I give food to the poor, they call me a saint. When I ask why the poor have no food, they call me a Communist.You can download Camara's short tract Spiral of Violence here

September 8th

International Literacy Day

If you are reading this you are doing something that some 774 million adults cannot do. One in five adults are not literate and two thirds of them are women. Kofi Annan, former Secretary-General of the United Nations, recognised that "literacy is at the heart of sustainable development". He said "Literacy is a bridge from misery to hope. It is a tool for daily life in modern society. It is a bulwark against poverty, and a building block of development, an essential complement to investments in roads, dams, clinics and factories. Literacy is a platform for democratization, and a vehicle for the promotion of cultural and national identity. Especially for girls and women, it is an agent of family health and nutrition. For everyone, everywhere, literacy is, along with education in general, a basic human right.... Literacy is, finally, the road to human progress and the means through which every man, woman and child can realize his or her full potential.

• If you have some spare time find out if your local school needs people to come in and read with students or check out The Smith's Family home tutor scheme which links up volunteers with migrants and refugees who have little or no English.

September 21st

UN International Day of Peace - www.internationaldayofpeace.org

"Peace is not the product of terror or fear. Peace is not the silence of cemeteries. Peace is not the silent result of violent repression. Peace is the generous, tranquil contribution of all to the good of all. Peace is dynamism. Peace is generosity. It is right and it is duty.-- Oscar Romero

Peace will not be achieved by simply laying down weapons. It will be achieved when peace is at the heart of each person and manifests in the building of understanding and tolerance between individuals, communities and societies. Martin Luther King, Jr. rightly said that "peace is not merely a distant goal that we seek, but a means by which we arrive at the goal.Peace must permeate our thoughts and actions; our very being.

Be More Peaceful

• Pray/meditate. Take 15 minutes out of your day to simply sit and be. Prayer and meditation is the perfect way to relax and put things in perspective.
• Apologise. Saying sorry takes courage. Apologising opens us to vulnerability which can lead to peace and liberation. We mend bridges and build new paths when we apologise. If you have wronged someone don't waste another moment - apologise.
• Forgive. Forgiveness brings peace to both the offender and the injured. Forgiving others releases us to live a life of peace and fullness.
• Give. Oscar Romero tells us that peace is generosity. Give of your time, resources and your life. Give the gift of peace through Caritas Australia's Global Gifts program.
• Listen. Listening brings understanding which leads to peace. It also shows respect to the dignity and value of others. Who can you listen to?
• Learn. Open your heart and mind to new ideas, experiences and people.
• Participate. We must be contribute to the good of all to foster peace. Get involved in a community group or a group working for peace.
• Build and create. War and hatred destroy but peace and love build. Build relationships, build respect, create music, create art, create something useful. Post your creation in the Be More Creative section of this website.
• Care. Peace should not only permeate our relationships with others but also our relationship with creation. Care for creation by planting a tree, composting, buying organic food or investing in solar electricity.

September 27th

Social Justice Sunday

Social Justice Sunday is marked by the publication of a Social Justice Sunday Statement, by the Australian Catholic Social Justice Commission, which reflects on a social issue of contemporary importance. The theme of the 2009 Social Justice Sunday Statement is Young People Today. To order the Social Justice Sunday Statement visit www.socialjustice.catholic.org.au

September 28th

Green Consumer Day

We are all very aware of the impact of environmentally destructive practices. We can make sure we contribute as little as possible to this destruction by being Green Consumers. Green consumers only purchase products that are environmentally friendly and sustainable. Here are some things to think about when you go shopping:

• How much packaging does this product contain?
• Are the land practices used to make this product sustainable or destructive?
• Are chemicals and pesticides used in the making or growing of this product?
• How much energy is used to create this product?
• Is this product recyclable or biodegradable?
• Where did this product come from? How much energy was used transporting it?
• Is this fruit or vegetable in season?

Being a Green Consumer requires energy and commitment. It will usually mean you spend more time in the supermarket and may also mean you have to go to more then one shop to do your shopping. You may also need to spend some time researching different products and alternatives. Don't let this turn you off. Buying green is also rewarding, responsible, peaceful and healthier.

October 11th

National Anti-Poverty Week commences

"We will spare no effort to free our fellow men, women and children from the abject and dehumanizing conditions of extreme poverty, to which more than a billion of them are currently subjected. We are committed to making the right to development a reality for everyone and to freeing the entire human race from want.- The United Nations Millennium Declaration, 2000.

In the year 2000, 189 world leaders committed to a new vision for the future. A world where less people go to bed hungry, where all children receive a primary education, where fewer mothers and children die needlessly, where women have equal rights, dignity and opportunities, where countries work together for the benefit of all. The Millennium Development Goals are the blueprint.

1. Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger

2. Achieve universal primary education

3. Promote gender equality and empower women

4. Reduce child mortality

5. Improve maternal health

6. Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases

7. Ensure environmental sustainability

8. Secure a global partnership for development

Currently no region is on track to reach all of the targets by 2015. National Anti-Poverty Week is our chance to stand in solidarity with the poor and tell our leaders that we expect change; change that will bring about justice, equity, human dignity and sustainability. It is also a chance to recommit ourselves to working for an end to poverty through the preferential option for the poor.

Be More

• Participate in a Stand Up event on the 17th.
• Log onto the Caritas Australia website and find out what is happening around the world.
• Organise an event to educate people about the causes of poverty.
• Host a Caritas Ks event.
• Support long-term community development by becoming a monthly giver with Caritas Australia.
• Commit the 8 Millennium Development Goals to memory.
• Tell a friend about the Be More Challenge.
• Write to your local politician about Australia's overseas aid budget.

October 16th

World Food Day

"There is enough for everybody's need, but not for everybody's greed.- Mohandas K. Gandhi.

Literally millions of people in our world are undernourished. In 1990 the proportion of children under five who were undernourished was 33%, in 2006 this had declined to 26%. However with worldwide increases in food prices this progress may be undone as a possible 100 million people are pushed deeper into poverty. (The United Nations Millennium Development Goals Report 2008). "Escalating prices are being driven partly by supply disruptions, but mostly by rising demand due to changing diets, economic growth, an expanding world population, urbanization, use of food crops for biofuel, and inappropriate agricultural policies, including subsidies in developed countries.(The Millennium Development Goals Report 2008). Millennium Development Goal 1 commits to halving the proportion of people who suffer from hunger by 2015. Progress so far is not sufficient to reach this target. Caritas Australia is working within communities in over 32 countries to ensure food security.

Be More

• For less then $30 give the gift of food security or sustainable agriculture through Caritas Australia's Global Gift program.
• Buy local produce
• Write a letter to your local politician asking them what their party is doing about eradicating extreme hunger in the world.

October 17th

International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

In 1987, 100,000 people gathered in Paris to remember and honour victims of poverty, hunger, violence and fear. At the Trocadéro, in Paris, where they met there is a plaque which reads:

"Wherever men and women are condemned to live in extreme poverty, human rights are violated. To come together to ensure that these rights be respected is our solemn duty."

Last year 202,186 Australians joined with 116,993,629 people around the world in a similar act of solidarity and commitment. Around the world millions of people joined together in making this pledge:

"We are standing now with millions around the world on this symbolic day, the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, to show our commitment to the fight against extreme poverty and inequality.

We are standing because we refuse to accept more excuses in a world where 50,000 people die every day as a result of extreme poverty and the gap between rich and poor is getting wider.

We are standing because we want our leaders to honour their promises to meet the Millennium Development Goals - and we ask them to exceed these goals.

We join in solidarity with people from hundreds of countries to say: To the leaders of the wealthy countries - We urge you to keep your promises on poverty - debt

cancellation, more and better aid, trade justice and gender equality. To the leaders of poorer countries - make it your first responsibility to save the lives of your poorest citizens. We ask you to tackle inequality, to be accountable to your people, to govern fairly and justly, to fight corruption and to fulfil human rights.

Today, and every day, we will STAND UP and SPEAK OUT against poverty.

We will continue the fight against poverty and inequality and to hold our leaders to their promises.

We are asking not for charity but for justice. We are millions of voices standing in solidarity to say, no more excuses - end poverty now."

Be More

• Participate in a Stand Up event
• Organise a Stand Up event with your school, church, community group or friends. Make sure you register your event at www.makepovertyhistory.org.au
• Download the Stand Up toolkit from www.makepovertyhistory.org.au
• Find out the details of a Stand Up event happening in your local area and invite your local politicians to come along.

October 18th

World Mission Day

October is World Mission Month, with the highlight on Sunday October 18 2009 World Mission Day, a global celebration of the missionary work of the Church and missionaries' tireless contribution all over the world. World Mission Day is celebrated every year in every Catholic Community around the world. www.catholicmission.org.au

November 6th

World Community Day

"We have all known the long loneliness and we have learned that the only solution is love and that love comes with community.- Dorothy Day

Celebrate our underlying unity as one human family.

Be More

• Communal. Spend quality time with your friends and family, switch off the TV for the night and share a conversation together over a meal
• Local. Start a local community project with your family and/or neighbours to clean the local park together once a month or plant a community garden
• Global. Organise a 'trip around the world' at your school/parish with information, food, pictures etc from countries where Caritas works
• Reflective. Take time for a prayer for justice and peace in our global community

We Pray for the Global Community

We pray for the Church throughout the world, that it may be a living example of a loving community which seeks to include and share, and a voice for those who are hungry for food and justice. May our Church continue to speak out against the scandal of poverty.

We pray for the world's leaders, that they may work to overcome the barriers between people and foster a spirit of a global community in a world where no one has to experience poverty or hunger. May our leaders listen to those in poverty and allow them to help shape a better future for all.

We pray for ourselves, that through our choices, action and words each day we may live out our faith, growing more compassionate and generous each day. May we have the courage to learn more, love more, and embrace the values that will create a just and peaceful global community.

Prayer credit: Linda Jones (CAFOD)

November 16th

International Day for Tolerance

"We need to promote greater tolerance and understanding among the peoples of the world. Nothing can be more dangerous to our efforts to build peace and development than a world divided along religious, ethnic or cultural lines. In each nation, and among all nations, we must work to promote unity based on our shared humanity."

- Kofi Annan (former United Nations Secretary-General)

Be More

• Do an investigation into the cultural diversity in your community or school.
• Write your own tolerance curriculum or program. What are the values of tolerance and how can we live them.
• Read through a newspaper and look for stereotyping and assumptions.
• Draw your vision of a peaceful world
• Learn about other cultures and religions. How is tolerance taught by different religions of the world, including indigenous peoples?

November 20th

Universal Children's Day

On the 20th of November 1959 the United Nations Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child. The world continues to observe this day by promoting the welfare and rights of all children and celebrating the contribution they make to society.

Be More on November 20

• Send a card to a young person celebrating their talents and achievements
• Read the Declaration of the Rights of the Child

November 21st

World Television Day

World Television Day was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 1996 to encourage global exchanges of television programmes focusing on peace, security, economic and social development and the enhancement of cultural exchange. However television today is swamped with soapies and sitcoms, rather than true cultural exchange. It has become one of the most influential forms of media in our time, with people replacing family and community life with their television set. Take up the "switch it offchallenge!

So on World Television Day why not set yourself the challenge of NO TV or if you really want a challenge switch off the box for a week! Spend the time that you usually would watching TV - being more...

• family orientated - spend the time with your family catching up on the day/week, playing board games, gardening together etc.
• community driven - spend the time getting to know your neighbours or joining a community group.

November 25th

International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

Otherwise known as white ribbon day, November 25 is a day for men to speak out against violence against women.

Kofi Annan (former United Nations Secretary-General) stated in March 1999, "Violence against women is perhaps the most shameful human rights violation. And it is perhaps the most pervasive. It knows no boundaries of geography, culture, or wealth. As long as it continues, we cannot claim to be making real progress towards equality, development and peace."

Violence against women affects us all - women, children and men - for when a woman's rights are violated the rights of the family and community are violated as well.

Be More

• Wear a white ribbon as a personal pledge that you do not condone violence against women and that you are committed to supporting community action to stop violence by men against women.
• Ask your friends, relatives, work mates and others - especially men - to show their support by wearing a white ribbon.

December 1st

World AIDS Day

With some 11,000 new infections each day in 2006, the greatest burden of the HIV/AIDS pandemic is felt in developing countries. Sub-Saharan Africa is home to 64% of all people living with HIV/AIDS, despite the fact that only one-tenth of the world's population lives there.

HIV/AIDS is a health issue but its effects are felt well beyond the health sector. In the developing world, where HIV/AIDS is most prevalent, communities have to grapple with the impact of HIV/AIDS in every area of their lives. The people who are most affected are usually of working age. Hence a generation of orphans have appeared, placing a burden on grandparents. Antiretroviral (ARV) drugs can keep people with HIV/AIDS alive but accessing the medicines in remote areas is often difficult.

Additionally for the medicines to work they must be taken regularly with food. People living with HIV/AIDS often are stigmatised. This requires community education and often counselling. The impacts of HIV/AIDS are numerous and the challenges immense.

Global facts on HIV/AIDS

39.5 million people had HIV/ AIDS in 2006.

More than 25 million people have died from HIV/AIDS since 1981.

Africa has 12 million HIV/ AIDS orphans.

At the end of 2006, women accounted for 48% of all adults living with HIV/AIDS worldwide, and for 59% in sub-Saharan Africa.

11,000 new HIV/AIDS infections occur every day.

Young people (under 25) account for half of all new HIV/AIDS infections worldwide - 6000 every day.

In developing and transitional countries, 7.1 million people are in immediate need of lifesaving HIV/AIDS drugs; of these, only 2.015 million (28%) are receiving the drugs.

• Read more about the effects of HIV/AIDS in Tanzania, Cambodia and Papua New Guinea.
• For just $50 give the gift of HIV/AIDS education, training and care as part of Caritas Australia's Global Gift program.
• Wear a red ribbon to show your support for people affected by HIV/AIDS

December 2nd

International Day for the Abolition of Slavery

"No one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and the slave trade shall be prohibited in all their forms.- The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 4

• Read about modern slavery in Caritas Australia's e-newsletter, ozspirit
• Research the companies that make the things you buy. Are their workers given a fair wage as well as just and favourable conditions of work?
• Buy fair trade goods

December 3rd

International Day of Disabled Persons

People living with a disability around the world are particularly disadvantaged and face a higher risk of living in poverty.

Find out more about poverty and disability as well as what Caritas Australia is doing in this area here.

December 10th

Human Rights Day: Adoption of United Nations Declaration of Human Rights, 1948

Article 1. All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights...and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.

Article 2. Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth...without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.

Article 3. Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person

Article 4. No one shall be held in slavery or servitude.

Article 5. No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

Article 9. No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile.

Article 14. Everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution.

Article 18. Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion...and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.

Article 19. Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression.

Article 20. Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association.

Article 25. Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services, and the right to security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond his control.

Article 26. Everyone has the right to education. Education shall be free, at least in the elementary and fundamental stages.

Article 29. Everyone has duties to the community in which alone the free and full development of his personality is possible.

Be More

• Commit 3 articles of the Declaration to memory
• Create an artwork based on the Declaration and submit to Be Creative
• What laws exist in your country to ensure that human rights are upheld?
• Are there any laws in your country which inhibit the protection of human rights?

December 20th

International Human Solidarity Day

Solidarity is not a "Feeling of vague compassion or shallow distress at the misfortunes of so many people both near and far. On the contrary, it is a firm and persevering determination to commit oneself to the common good. That is to say to the good of all and of each individual, because we are all really responsible for all.- John Paul II (Sollicitudo Rei Socialis, Encyclical Letter, 30 December 1987)