What Can We Do To Change The World From Walthamstow: Free Coffee Morning 11 December 2008

Event With Douglas Alexander MP, Secretary of State for International Development,Thursday 11 December 10.30am-12.30pm

Vestry House Museum, Vestry Road, Walthamstow Village

 We all know that there are difficult economic choices facing countries across the world. Some would argue it's at times like these that we should as a nation turn inwards and only look after ourselves. I take a different view. When we see a drought in Australia cause the price of bread to rise here in the UK or  that one in five children die before the age of five in the Democratic Republic of Congo we know we need to work together as a world community to survive these challenges. 

International development is vital to securing a better future not just for those who live in developing nations but for all our sakes. I know from the emails and conversations I've had with many local residents that you too share a concern for the fate of those less fortunate who often bear the brunt of a global economy. In recent months I've had many discussions with you on issues such as climate change, supporting the campaign to Make Poverty History, or raising awareness about the needs of people in Zimbabwe, Pakistan, Darfur and Burma. So as an activist here in Walthamstow I know how many of us care passionately about the injustices that still damage the lives of too many people in our world.

That's why I've organised a special public coffee morning on Thursday 11 December at Vestry House Museum from 10.30am until 12.30pm. Douglas Alexander MP, the International Development Secretary, will be joining us to talk with local residents about what we can all do to end world poverty and fight injustice along with our local MP Neil Gerrard, Amnesty International, local faith communities and international development campaigners.

The event will be informal and free - with refreshments kindly provided by the Waltham Forest Fairtrade Campaign Group - so you can drop in anytime for a coffee and have your say. This is your opportunity not only to discuss directly with the Cabinet minister responsible for international development but also to look at what we can do in our everyday lives to help - whether through buying Fairtrade goods, sponsoring development charities or supporting the campaigning work of Amnesty International or ACTSA. Children will also be very welcome and catered for in activities!

If you would like to have a stall to publicise your local campaign group please do get in touch. I hope many of you will join me for what should be an inspiring and engaging morning.