Apply to be an Organizer with the Oxfam Action Corps!

Volunteer opportunity: Oxfam Action Corps organizer

Apply by February 15, 2010

Stand up to poverty and climate change – Join the Oxfam Action Corps!

Oxfam America, an international relief and development organization, invites you to join the Oxfam Action Corps, an exciting effort to cultivate grassroots leaders working to enact solutions to poverty and climate change!

The Oxfam Action Corps is a group of dedicated volunteer organizers in more than a dozen US cities who campaign with Oxfam in their towns, engage their elected officials, and reach out to community members at events and concerts. Anyone can join, but those willing to make a time commitment of one-year become eligible for a free Oxfam training in advocacy and organizing in Washington DC.

This year, Oxfam Action Corps organizers will mobilize around one of the greatest challenges of our time: climate change and its impact on the world’s poorest communities.

Apply online at: http://www.oxfamactioncorps.org

The deadline to apply is Monday, February 15, 2010.

Oxfam Action Corps teams will be formed in the following cities:

Albuquerque, NM Austin, TX Boston, MA Burlington, VT Chicago, IL Columbus, OH Des Moines, IA Indianapolis, IN

Kansas City, MO Madison, WI Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN New York City, NY Philadelphia, PA San Francisco, CA Seattle, WA

As an Oxfam Action Corps organizer you will help convene activities and inspire action—from house parties and film screenings to visits with elected officials—all with ongoing training and coaching from dedicated Oxfam staff. You and your local team will gain practical skills and leadership experience. Corps organizers commit to one year of volunteer service, giving approximately 5-8 hours/week.

Oxfam Action Corps organizers are eligible for selection to attend a 4-day training and day of lobbying in Washington, DC from Saturday, April 18 to Tuesday, April 21 (spaces limited). Travel and accommodation are provided.

Here is what previous Oxfam Action Corps organizers said:

“As an activist, I had done fundraising. But the Oxfam Action Corps was about public education and raising awareness, and I found people really appreciated my work.” Khadija, Mechanical Engineer, Pennsylvania.

“My work with the Oxfam Action Corps has helped immensely in building organizing and mobilization skills. It was a great way for me to start reaching out and getting to know the people in the community.” Julie, Assistant Human Resources/Office Manager, Colorado.

To sign up go to: http://www.oxfamactioncorps.org

The deadline to apply is Monday, February 15, 2010.

Final Instructions: TOMORROW'S SLO-MO Flash Mob

Dearest VT Oxfam Action Corps members and fellow flash-mob participants!

Since we will NOT be gathering ahead of time to deliver specific instructions to flash mob participants, we are counting on you to PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING & SHARE OUT THE INFORMATION (especially to those not RSVP through facebook or evite -- our central communication mechanisms).

We've got over 100 people RSVP'ed!! All of these folks will gather to demand that world leaders SEAL A REAL DEAL: one that is FAIR, AMBITIOUS & BINDING (F.A.B.). We will be moving in SLOW MOTION throughout the Burlington Town Center Mall to draw attention to the molasses-like speed of the international climate negotiations. Please join us!

INSTRUCTIONS:

BEFORE NOON

• SET YOUR CELL PHONE ALARMS TO GO OFF AT NOON
• If you feel so moved, prepare signs sharing your take on what is needed for a real deal (find ready-made "Real Deal" & F.A.B. posters here)
  

AT NOON

• "SHOP" IN SLOW MOTION FOR FIVE (5) MINUTES
• Start making your way from wherever you happen to be in the downtown mall to Church Street -- the gathering of zombie-like people all walking in the same direction, will surely draw a crowd.

AT 12:15PM

• GATHER FOR A PHOTO ON CHURCH STREET (OUTSIDE the mall, between Starbucks & Old Navy)
• Expect media coverage and bring a camera!
  
• A small group of event organizers and volunteers will be wearing t-shirts that spell out our "ask" and gathering signatures from supporters in the crowd to be delivered to the Senators Leahy & Sanders. If you would like to help, please approach someone with a t-shirt and introduce yourself! :)

ASAP AFTER (12:30PM?)

• SEND YOUR PHOTOS TO directly to photos@tcktcktck.org (and copy Vermont@OxfamActionCorps.org, please!) -- these photos will be displayed immediately to world leaders at Copenhagen!
  
• Give yourselves a pat on the back for pulling off a powerful, fun & peaceful (read: LEGAL & NON-VIOLENT) direct action in the struggle for climate justice!
  
• Consider participating in one of the Climate Justice Vigils being organized throughout Vermont -- http://www.350.org/map

Many thanks to all for your time and support!

Happy Holidays,

the VT Oxfam Action Corps

SLOW MOTION FLASH MOB

On the weekend of December 12th, 2009, climate activists all over the world will be gathering to demand a REAL climate DEAL from their world leaders -- one that is simultaneously FAIR, AMBITIOUS & BINDING (FAB!).

In Burlington VT, at noon on the 12th (12/12 @ 12pm), join the VT Oxfam Action Corps in delivering our message by continuing your holiday shopping IN SLOW MOTION to call attention to the molasses-like speed of climate action.

WORLD LEADERS: The world wants a fair, ambitious and binding international treaty -- SEAL A REAL DEAL!

To RSVP, please visit our event links on Facebook and/or Evite. We hope to see you there! (in slow-mo!)

A few instructions:

1) set your cell phone alarm for 12pm so that we all start at the same time, regardless of where we are inside the mall
2) shop in slow-motion for 5 minutes!
3) make your way towards the Church St entrance to the mall (near Old Navy and Starbucks) to take a photo which will be displayed to world leaders at Copenhagen!

International Day of Climate Action

Written by Andy Burkhardt.

Last Saturday, October 24th I took part in the International Day of Climate Action. It was organized to send a message to world leaders that we need a strong, binding, international agreement to combat climate change.

The first activity I took part in was being a part of an aerial photo of humans spelling out "350 Vermont." It was pouring rain on us, but it didn't dampen our spirits. In fact it was pretty fun even though we got soaked. I even got interviewed by the Burlington Free Press (on page 2) when I was there.

From there we slowly ambled down along a winding route towards City Hall Park while church bells were ringing 350 times. It was pretty moving and probably got a number of people wondering what was going on. There were a lot of people marching which made it even more powerful.

Nearing the end of the night I attended a dance party at Slade Hall where the band Dubnotix performed in support of climate action. It was a great day, and even better because similar things were happening all over the world. It was nice being able to participate in something much larger than myself, and to see people all over the world organizing for a single important cause.

Burlington, VT Major 350.org action!

Fossil Fuel Free Adventures with the Outdoor Gear Exchange

Saturday October 24th is the International Day of Climate Action organized through 350.org.

350.org is a climate change campaign organization bringing together community voices in over 150 countries worldwide for a one day event.

The Outdoor Gear Exchange is hosting Fossil Fuel Free Adventures, on October 24th, to help 350.org create national and international pressure on climate change legislation. We are organizing community biking and hiking adventures, with a variety of difficulty levels. In an effort to encourage participation in these trips, the Outdoor Gear Exchange will be donating money to 350.org for every fossil fuel free adventurer. In addition we will be rewarding every participant with a free pair of Teko Eco-Merino wool socks! Please come prepared to take care of yourself and the group. The sign up for trips is in the entryway of the OGE, or email chriss@gearx.com for RSVPs. Our trips all start at the OGE, 152 Cherry Street, Burlington and details are as follows:

Organized Group Trips:

Mount Mansfield Epic:

Meet at the Outdoor Gear Exchange at 7:30 AM ready to ride, leaving by 8AM, bring everything needed for a full day (food, water, tubes, lights, etc.). Bike out Rt 15to Smugglers Notch hike up to the top of Vermont, take a group picture with a 350.org banner and then ride the loop back to Burlington via Waterbury and Rt 2. OGE donation: $20 to 350.org for each participant and a free pair of socks for each participant!

Mount Philo Adventure:

Meet at the Outdoor Gear Exchange at 10AM ready to ride, bring everything needed for a biking adventure (food, water, tubes, etc.). Bike out to Mount Philo on Spear Street, bike up to the top, take a group picture with a 350.org banner and then bike back to Burlington. OGE Donation: $10 to 350.org for each participant and a free pair of socks for each participant!

Do It Yourself Fossil Fuel Free Adventures:

We have created a selection of group and family local fossil fuel free adventures. All do it yourself adventures will start at the OGE to pick up suggested route maps and 350.org banners to take group pictures with. Do it yourself adventure groups are required to provide their own camera, so we can submit pictures to 350.org. Each participant will receive a free pair of socks and the OGE will make donations to 350.org in amounts determined by difficulty of the adventure.

Biking:

-North on the bike path to the water gap on the causeway. OGE donation: $20 to 350.org per group and a pair of socks for each participant!

-To the Ethan Allen tower in Ethan Allen Park. OGE donation: $15 to 350.org per group and a pair of socks for each participant!

-Down the paths through the Intervale Community Farms. OGE donation: $10 to 350.org per group and a pair of socks for each participant!

-North on the bike path to Bayside Park in Colchester. OGE donation: $15 to 350.org per group and a pair of socks for each participant!

-Out to Shelburne Pond. OGE donation: $20 to 350.org per group and a pair of socks for each participant!

-To Dorset Nature Park in South Burlington. OGE donation: $15 to 350.org per group and a pair of socks for each participant!

-To East Woods in South Burlington. OGE donation: $20 to 350.org per group and a pair of socks for each participant!

Hiking / Walking:

-Centennial Woods trails. OGE donation: $10 to 350.org per group and a pair of socks for each participant!

-Up the bike path to North Beach. OGE donation: $15 to 350.org per group and a pair of socks for each participant!

-Down the bike path to Oakledge Park. OGE donation: $15 to 350.org per group and a pair of socks for each participant!

-In the Intervale Community Farms. OGE donation: $15 to 350.org per group and a pair of socks for each participant!

-Out to the fishing pier by the Coast Guard station. OGE donation: $5 to 350.org per group and a pair of socks for each participant!

Joining Forces with State Radio

On Friday, October 30th (from 1-3pm at the Great Room of the Main Street Landing), the Vermont Oxfam Action Corps will be joining forces with the non-profit branch of the bands State Radio and Dispatch, to draw attention to the ways in which climate change exacerbates gender inequalities in vulnerable communities throughout the world.

After a screening of the short film, Sisters on the Planet, we will hear from Arshinder Kaur, a consultant with the Women's Earth Alliance and recipient of the Environmental Leadership Fulbright who will share some of her experiences as an environmental organizer in India.

Join us at 1pm for lunch (catered by Sugar Snap), followed by the film and discussion. State Radio will also be doing an acoustic set to round it all out!

We hope to see you there. Please spread and word and bring friends!

To RSVP and for more information, please visit callingallcrows.org or email Vermont@OxfamActionCorps.org