Hold Governments Accountable for Natural Resource Corruption

Sponsor: Oxfam America
Natural resources shouldn't be a burden on the poor. Yet in many countries around the world, revenues from natural resources are propping up dictators, fueling conflict, and deepening poverty. But you can help change that today. There's a bill in the Senate that would help poor communities hold their governments accountable. The Extractive Industries Transparency Disclosure (EITD) Act would require payments made between oil, gas, and mining companies and their host governments to be publicized. Too often profits from natural resources are secretly diverted to accounts of corrupt leaders or used to fund conflict and repression. More than 60 percent of the world's poorest people live in countries rich in natural resources, but they rarely share in that wealth. Natural resources should help lift people out of poverty, but for many developing countries that window is closing fast. Ask your Senators to co-sponsor the EITD Act.
More about this petition » (Signatures needed: 10,000 - Current signatures: 523)

Help Show the Faces of Hunger

The first Freedom from Hunger Day was celebrated on April 28, 2006 with the goal of raising awareness of global hunger and promoting Freedom from Hunger's empowerment of women around the world. But this year, it takes on new meaning as the world witnesses the devestation of the Global Hunger Crisis. A crisis that is about women -- mothers who want nothing more than to be able to feed their families.

For today's Daily Action, help raise awareness of Freedom from Hunger Day and the meaningful ways that everyday people can help women in the fight against hunger. Send an e-card and let the world see the faces of hunger.

i'm taking action

People Who Took Action: 1,039

Help The Gulf Coast Recover From Hurricane Gustav! - A Message From The Oxafam President

This blog will not be updated very often this month and possibly a bit of next month. Tara is in the process of preparing her boyfriend for driving school, moving, and getting her cats adjusted to their new home at her mothers house in anticipation of being more permanently on the road as a truck driver. Please stay tuned and thank you for the support!

Dear Readers,

Hurricane Gustav struck the Gulf Coast yesterday, damaging fragile communities still recovering from Hurricane Katrina.

Over 2 million people have evacuated the region. Effective government efforts helped save lives, and the damage was less intense in some major metropolitan areas than many feared—but at-risk, low-lying communities are flooded, roofs are torn off, crops are destroyed, and residents face major challenges in rebuilding their lives.

Our staff is already on the ground. We have been there since Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, working closely with 25 organizations in Mississippi and Louisiana, and we will continue to help our local partners provide relief supplies, volunteer labor, and rebuilding assistance. The need is great.

Please donate now and help Gulf Coast residents recover from this disaster.

Gustav took a direct path through vulnerable communities that Oxfam has supported since Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and where rebuilding efforts are still not even halfway finished.

Homes, businesses, community centers, and churches have been damaged in coastal communities, both by high winds and flooding. Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal has called Gustav "a serious storm that has caused major damage."

We just got word from Peg Case, director of TRAC, Oxfam's partner organization in Houma, LA. Houma was directly in the path of the storm, and TRAC is focusing on coordinating the efforts of 30-40 relief organizations—a critical role to ensure an effective response.

Peg is still waiting to hear whether her house is safe, and she expressed concern for bayou communities hit by the storm surge. "We know there's water in there," she told us. "How high, we don't know."

Hurricanes Katrina and Rita have left people significantly more vulnerable to this hurricane. Many are still living in trailers or mobile homes. Their homes are halfway rebuilt, their savings exhausted, and most are unable to purchase insurance. Seniors, poor people, people who are disabled, and immigrants are particularly vulnerable.

Your donation will help more people return to their homes and their lives more quickly.

We will be monitoring the situation as it progresses in the coming days and ensuring your support goes directly to where it's most needed. Stay tuned to www.oxfamamerica.org for the latest updates.

Thank you so much for your generous support at this critical time.

Sincerely,


Raymond C. Offenheiser
President
Oxfam America