Rainbow in Coffee Area in Colombia 2008 by Ben Bowes www.flickr.com
According to their website, Give Us Names “is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization seeking to improve the lives of displaced Colombians. Our goal is to tell their stories in such a way that those who hear them will not rest until displacement ends, justice is brought to the perpetrators, and the rights of the displaced are recognized and protected.” I completely agree with them that this is the way to touch people and to get people to help–you have to tell personal stories. It’s the same principal the authors in Half the Sky used to draw attention to the atrocities that are STILL happening to women and girls around the world. Give Us Names is making a series of films about these displaced Colombians, and they plan to distribute their films everywhere to get the word out about what is going on. Part of the problem for so many victims is that people aren’t aware that these issues are even a problem. Education, as I’ve said before, is one of the first keys to stopping the violence and crime around the world.
You can watch a heartbreaking, 3-minute video that Give Us Names has created here. The video introduces you to what Give Us Names is trying to do–tell each person’s story, give these people a name and a voice, and draw attention to a problem, so that people can work together to solve a problem in Colombia. Fiinally, if this touches you, Give Us Names has a donation spot on their website, and you can also buy t-shirts.
I also have a couple of announcements today. . .
1. On Friday, I will be reviewing and providing activities/discussion ideas for Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins. And even better yet. . .I will be holding a comment contest for a chance to win this popular book! So, check back on Friday–even if you’ve already read it, you can win it for a library or classroom donation!
2. At the National Writing For Children Center, Suzanne Lieurance has so many creative and affordable ways to promote you and your book (if you are a published author). She is a genius, really! Click on the banner below for more information. Get the word out about your children’s book, so teachers, parents, and kids can start reading it and using it!
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