Rob, be our guest at a special screening of a powerful new film

New Action:

From CARE:

Join CARE for a special screening of: Ladies First
a PBS film documentary highlighting the extraordinary efforts of
Rwandan women rebuilding their country

Monday, April 11, 2005
6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

The Rockefeller University
Caspary Auditorium
1230 York Avenue (at East 66th Street)
New York, NY 10021

Ten years after the bloody genocide that killed an estimated
800,000 people in just 100 days, Rwanda's women are leading
their country's healing process and taking their society forward
into a different future. Ladies First, a PBS documentary for the
PBS series WIDE ANGLE produced by Thirteen/WNET New York, looks
forward with these women.

One of the women profiled in the film is Epiphanie Mukashyaka, a
widow and survivor of the genocide. With some support from USAID
through the Partnerships for Enhancing Agriculture in Rwanda
through Linkages (PEARL) project, she was able to construct a
coffee wet mill in 2003 and produce coffee for the American
Specialty Coffee market last year. Her coffee was judged as the
most exceptional coffee coming from a handful of new coffee
origins.

After the film, join us for a discussion with Abby Maxman,
CARE's country director in Haiti and former program manager in
Rwanda

R.S.V.P. by April 6th, 2005
Email: WomenInitiative@ny.care.org
Phone: 212-686-3110

Share the power; Save endangered jaguar habitat

New Action:

From The Rainforest Site:

You Can Help the Endangered Jaguar

The jaguar, with its tawny coat spotted with black rosettes, has captured the imagination for centuries. The third largest feline after tigers and lions, it is one of the most majestic creatures in the world. The jaguar's elusive, solitary behavior has contributed to its legendary status, a status that might change to "extinct" if its plight is not changed.

During the 1960s, it was the prize of their unique coats that caused jaguars to be hunted to near extinction. Now an endangered species, deforestation continues to threaten the jaguar and their numbers continue to diminish...

You can help! Click here to buy a Save Jaguar Habitat package. Your purchase will allow our nonprofit partner and beneficiary, Friends of Calakmul, to secure 2.5 acres (one hectare) of jaguar habitat in the "Buffer Zone" surrounding the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve in southern Mexico.

Formed by a small group of scientists and concerned citizens, FOC works to reverse the effects of logging, illegal hunting and other destructive activities through the protection of land, education of local communities and research on jaguar ecology. They are committed to protecting the jaguar's fragile rainforest ecosystem for generations to come.

You can make a difference in the lives of jaguars and support this important work with a Save Jaguar Habitat package. Buy one for yourself, or give one as a gift for a loved one; it's a thoughtful way to honor them or any special occasion! To thank you, FOC will send you via email an e-certificate customized with your name or the name of your gift recipient.

Thank you for your ongoing efforts!

Sincerely,

Tim Kunin & Greg Hesterberg
The Rainforest Site
greg@therainforestsite.com
timkunin@therainforestsite.com
http://www.therainforestsite.com

Breast cancer myths vs. truths

New Highlight (myth vs. truth):

From The Breast Cancer Site:

Myth #1: Finding a lump in your breast means you have breast cancer.

Truth: Eight out of ten lumps are benign, or not cancerous. If you discover a persistent lump in your breast or any changes in breast tissue, it is very important that you see a physician immediately. Many times fear keeps women from aggressive health care. Sometimes women stay away from medical care because they fear what they might find. Take charge of your own health by monthly self-exams, regular visits to the doctor, and regularly scheduled mammograms.

Join Us at the Women of Color & Allies Summit

New Event:

From NOW:

In only two weeks, hundreds of activists and leaders from across the country will gather in Arlington, Va., to "Empower, Enfranchise and Energize" women of color. The Women of Color and Allies (WOCA) Summit, April 1 through 3, will feature dynamic speakers, music, forums, comedy and workshops.

At the first WOCA Summit in 1998, activists addressed issues facing women of color in the U.S. This year the summit will focus on our achievements since then, and concentrate on developing strategies and a plan of action that will encourage growth and empowerment for women of color.

Azar Nafisi, the New York Times bestselling author of "Reading Lolita in Tehran," headlines a group of dynamic speakers including: Aileen Hernandez, second president of NOW; the Honorable Doris Ling-Cohan, author of the recent same-sex marriage opinion and first female Asian-American Supreme Court Judge in New York;

domestic violence activist Tillie Black Bear; and comic/humorist Karen Williams. More speakers are listed at www.nowfoundation.org/woca.

Come and explore key issues as they relate to women of color communities: Economic Justice; Religion, Spirituality, and Values; Women in the Criminal Justice System, Immigrant Women; Work-School-Family Balance; HIV/AIDS; Women's Health and Reproductive Justice; LGBT issues; Uniting and Diversifying the Women of Color Movement; Social Security; Violence Against Women; plus much more.

For more information about this exciting event, please contact the National NOW Action Center at (202) 628-8669 or visit www.nowfoundation.org/woca. Spots are still available—be sure to reserve yours today!

For equality,

Kim Gandy,
President, NOW Foundation

P.S. We have a sliding fee scale, and we're offering a special $25 weekend rate to students. Please come!

Join CARE in Washington, D.C., this May

New Event:

From CARE:

Take Part in Building a Better World
Connect with your members of Congress in Washington, D.C., this
May!

CARE National Advocacy Conference
May 4 & 5, 2005
Click below to learn more and register online now:
http://my.care.org/ct/gpLIF8Y1OqdS/register

Don't miss this special opportunity to join other CARE
supporters this May in our nation's capital to learn more about
CARE's advocacy efforts.

Meet face to face with YOUR senators and representatives to
discuss important issues affecting vulnerable people around the
world.

Then join us May 6 for CARE's 59th Anniversary Celebration and
Ball, where you'll have a chance to interact with diplomats and
policymakers while celebrating CARE's successes.

Click below to learn more and register online:
http://my.care.org/ct/gpLIF8Y1OqdS/register

We look forward to seeing you there!

Space is limited, so be sure to R.S.V.P. by Friday, April 8

Visit the Web address below to tell your friends about this.
http://my.care.org/care/join-forward.html?domain=care&r=2dLIF8Y1qP4l

You can sign up for CARE's Online Community at:
http://my.care.org/ct/b1LIF8Y1OqdL/tellafriend

Darfur Weekly News Update

New News Items:

From Save Darfur Coalition:

Thank you for making your voice heard. In conjunction with organizations and congregations across North America, our 100 Hours of Conscience - Voices to End the Violence campaign resulted in many, many thousands of letters written to President Bush and other public officials expressing the will of the people that we put an end to the genocide in Darfur.

The next few days should see a new U.N. Security Council resolution, and we hope it will be strong enough to protect innocent civilians in Darfur.

Additionally, legislation has been introduced in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives to drive stronger U.S. action to end the genocide and hold the perpetrators accountable. We'll keep you posted on its progress and opportunities for you to make your opinion known.

Save Darfur Coalition

News Summary

U.N.'s Darfur Death Estimate Soars

March 14, 2005

At least 180,000 people may have died in Sudan's Darfur region over the past 18 months, according to the United Nations' top emergency relief official. Jan Egeland said the figure refers to victims of illness and malnutrition and excludes those who have been killed by violence. The UN previously gave an estimate of 70,000 non-conflict deaths. "It could be just as well more than 200,000 [over 18 months] but I think 10,000 a month... is a reasonable figure," Mr. Egeland told AFP news agency.

Read the BBC News article: http://urlcut.com/1atnk

UN Agencies Withdraw Under Threats in Sudan

March 16, 2005

The United Nations has withdrawn all international staff in part of western Sudan to the state capital after Janjaweed militias said they would target foreigners and U.N. convoys in the area, the top U.N. envoy in Sudan said on Wednesday. Jan Pronk also told Reuters in an interview, "The Janjaweed militia have said that they will now target all foreigners and all U.N. humanitarian convoys," he said.

Read the Reuters article: http://urlcut.com/1atnl

Brian Steidle: In Darfur, My Camera Was Not Nearly Enough

March 20, 2005

Brian Steidle, a former Marine, arrived in Sudan's Darfur region in September 2004 as one of three U.S. military observers for the African Union, armed only with a pen, pad and camera. In this powerful article, he describes the atrocities he witnessed and calls for a more effective international response.

Read the article in the Washington Post: http://urlcut.com/1atnj

Sudan Leader: World Must Pressure Darfur Rebels

March 22, 2005

In a two-hour interview with The Washington Post, Sudan's first vice president said foreign nations must put more political pressure on Sudanese rebel groups to lay down their guns before lasting peace can be achieved in the war-shattered western region of Darfur.

Read the article in the Washington Post: http://urlcut.com/1atnm

Nigeria Urges African Darfur Crimes Court

March 17, 2005

Nigeria has proposed an African-run tribunal to hear cases of alleged war crimes in Sudan's Darfur region. The proposal was put forward in an apparent attempt to end deadlock in the United Nations Security Council over a new resolution on Sudan.

Read the BBC News article: http://urlcut.com/1atnn

State Pension Funds Urged to Pressure Sudan

March 17, 2005

California's giant retirement funds for public employees and teachers would be urged to avoid investing in global companies doing business with Sudan under a resolution that cleared a key state Assembly committee Wednesday. The New Jersey Assembly has already approved such a resolution, while similar legislation has been introduced in Arizona, Texas and Illinois. The moves are part of a campaign to pressure public pension funds to divest Sudan holdings.

Read the article in the LA Times: http://urlcut.com/1atno

African Union to Double Troops Protecting Darfur Civilians

March 22, 2005

The African Union is drafting plans to double the number of peacekeeping troops in Sudan's Darfur region to 6,000, an official said yesterday, responding to United Nations' calls for more security in the region.

Read the article in The Scotsman: http://urlcut.com/1atnp

Relief Alliance Urges Bush to Appoint Envoy to Sudan

March 12, 2005

InterAction, an alliance of relief and development nongovernmental organizations working overseas, urged U.S. President George W. Bush to appoint a special envoy to Sudan to lead U.S. efforts to help resolve issues leading to violence in the Darfur region. A senior administration official, on condition of anonymity, said no decision has been made to appoint a new envoy for Sudan to replace Danforth. He noted Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and other officials placed a high emphasis on Sudan.

Read the Reuters article: http://urlcut.com/1atnq

Hector Palacios, Cuban Rights Defender, Still Needs Your Help

Editor's Note: Sorry for the lack of update last week, as I was out of town. Regular updates will be commencing weekly again.

New Action:

From Defender Alert Network:

Hector Palacios Still Needs Your Help: Imprisoned Cuban Rights Defender Dangerously Ill

Hector Palacios, the subject of past Defender Alerts, needs your help now more than ever. For over a month, Hector Palacios, age 62, has suffered from serious heart problems and is not responding to medical treatment. His health problems have only been aggravated by harsh prison conditions.

Two years ago this week, Hector Palacios became one of 75 human rights advocates, independent journalists and librarians who were arrested, tried, and sentenced to up to 28 years in prison. Human Rights First believes that these people have been wrongfully imprisoned solely for openly exercising basic rights guaranteed to them in both international and Cuban law.

Currently serving a 25 year sentence, Hector Palacios has advocated for human rights reforms in Cuba since 1980, and is an independent librarian. Independent librarians in Cuba provide access to books that are banned by the authorities. These include literature written by authors such as George Orwell, Vaclav Havel, and Dr. Martin Luther King, who have penned many books considered to be among the classics of anti-totalitarian literature.

Join us today in calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Hector Palacios and all others who have been imprisoned solely for exercising basic human rights in Cuba. To date, fourteen of the original 75 dissidents have been released following international pressure. Your letters could mean the difference between life and death for Mr. Palacios.

Click Here to Take Action: http://action.humanrightsfirst.org/campaign/PalaciosII/ii86xu64z7btb38

Click here for more information on human rights defenders in Cuba.