Some stuff I’m interested in / reading / thinking about / acting on at the minute:

The Still Small Voices blog is sharing stories of asylum in the UK, well worth checking out. This is a big thing in university at the minute too, as asylum seekers are being forced to pay international student fees if they want to study.

Awaiting the release of Black Gold, the film adaptation of a book (of the same name) I read last summer. Starbucks are getting some pretty bad press because of how they are treating their Ethopian coffee farmers. Oxfam have a campaign to make Starbucks pay fairer happening now.

Also awaiting the release of Amazing Grace, a film telling the story of William Wilberforce and the abolition of slavery. This year marks the 200th anniversary of the abolition of slavery… but there are still so many people in slavery…

600,000-800,000 men, women and children trafficked across international borders each year. Approximately 80 per cent are women and girls. Up to 50% are minors.
[US Department of State Trafficking in Persons Report 2005]

Stop The Traffik are campaigning against this, check them out.

 The Truth Isn't Sexy

I have some friends involed in the “The Truth Isn’t Sexy” campaign, which is attempting to raise awareness of sex trafficking. They designed and printed a load of beermats which are going into as many pubs, clubs and bars as they can get them into. I heard recently that the NUS has agreed to put them into 100 university students unions, which is great. If you want to get involved, for example, get some beermats to take to your local, get in touch with me (leave a comment is probably easiest!) and I’ll forward your info to the appropriate people!