Minnesotans Come Together for Copenhagen Event

Yesterday, millions came together at thousands of events around the globe to call on world leaders to "Sign a Real Deal" at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen. At one such event, about 150 Minnesotans gathered at the Minneapolis Central Library on December 12 for Perspectives on the Copenhagen Climate Summit. Check out some photos from the event here.

The crowd watched a video message from Arctic Explorer Will Steger recorded especially for the program and then asked questions of Youth Delegates of Expedition Copenhagen appearing by live video feed from Denmark. The event wrapped up with a rare screening of the film The Age of Stupid and a group discussion on what we learned and what our next steps must be. Many attendees signed the "Minnesota Wants a Real Deal" petition, enjoyed Peace Coffee, and visited information tables from the seven organizations who came together for the program: 1Sky, Amnesty International USA, League of Women Voters – Minneapolis, the Library Foundation of Hennepin County, Oxfam America, Rain Forest Action Network - Twin Cities, and the Will Steger Foundation.

Afterward, a group bundled up and took to Nicollet Mall with candles and signs calling for action on climate change. Their timing was perfect and the message couldn't be missed -- thousands were lining the streets and skyways for the Holidazzle parade. By the time the candlelight vigil returned to the Central Library, the group had grown, having picked up several bystanders along the way. All in all, it was an amazing afternoon of learning, activism, and camaraderie that will be built upon as we continue our campaign justice. Thanks to everyone who made it possible.

Follow Oxfam America's work at the Copenhagen Summit at the Climate Action Hub.

Tomorrow - The Global Day of Action

Critical international climate negotiations are now underway in Copenhagen, Denmark. Oxfam America is at the summit pushing for an agreement that makes substantive commitments to reducing carbon emissions and helps the world's poor cope with the effects of climate change. Check out Oxfam America's Climate Action Hub for ongoing updates.

Join with millions calling for world leaders to 'Sign a Real Deal' during the 'The World Wants a Real Deal' Global Day of Action, tomorrow Saturday, December 12. Working with partner organizations, Oxfam Action Corps - Minnesota has organized an exciting event that starts at 3 PM in Pohlad Hall at the Minneapolis Central Library (300 Nicollet Mall), called Perspectives on the Copenhagen Climate Summit.

The program is fun and free. Get live updates from Denmark. Watch the film 'The Age of Stupid.' Sign the giant Sign a Real Deal petition. Enjoy snacks and Peace Coffee. Attend all or part of the program. See our previous post for a complete schedule.

Perspectives on the Copenhagen Climate Summit : 1Sky, Amnesty International USA, League of Women Voters – Minneapolis, the Library Foundation of Hennepin County, Oxfam America, Rain Forest Action Network - Twin Cities, and the Will Steger Foundation.

After the event, join us at 5:45 PM in front of the library on Nicollet Mall for a candlelight vigil. We'll provide candles and signs calling for climate justice. Dress warmly!

Questions? Contact us at minnesota@oxfamactioncorps.org

Minnesota Wants a Real Deal

The stakes couldn't be higher as world leaders gather for the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, held from December 7 - 18. Be part of 'The World Wants a Real Deal' Global Day of Action, calling for governments to take real action on climate change in Copenhagen, at this free event that will get you informed, active, and connected to the Copenhagen negotiations.

Perspectives on the Copenhagen Climate Summit
Featuring Will Steger, Expedition Copenhagen Delegates, The Age of Stupid, and more!
Saturday, December 12
Doors open at 2:30 pm. Program begins at 3 pm.
Minneapolis Central Library's Auditorium
300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55401

3 PM: Live Update from Denmark
Get the latest from Copenhagen with a video message from polar explorer Will Steger. Then, put your questions to Midwest Youth Delegates of Expedition Copenhagen, appearing live by video from Copenhagen.

3:20 PM: Screening of The Age of Stupid
Set in 2055, this newly-released British drama-documentary looks back in history to 2008 and asks, “Why didn't we stop climate change while we had the chance?” 92 minutes. Rated for ages 12 and up.

Post-Film Discussion
Led by the League of Women Voters – Minneapolis.

Arrive early or stay late to sign the 'Sign a Real Deal' wall and learn more about the amazing organizations presenting Perspectives on the Copenhagen Climate Summit: 1Sky, Amnesty International USA, League of Women Voters – Minneapolis, the Library Foundation of Hennepin County, Oxfam America, and the Will Steger Foundation.

Can you make it? Tell your friends on Facebook!

UPDATE (November 30): Posters for Perspectives on the Copenhagen Climate Summit are now available for download! Click here to download a pdf of the main event flyer (670kb). Click here for a poster highlighting The Age of Stupid screening (1.2mb).

Seattle +10: MN Week of Action

It's been 10 years since environmental activists, union members, faith and social justice activists took to the streets of Seattle to protest the convening of the 1999 World Trade Organization.

Take part in a week of workshops, films, and action sponsored by the MN Fair Trade Coalition to celebrate a decade of action and the continued struggle for global justice and fair trade.

Sat. November 28 and Sun. November 30th:
MINNEAPOLIS: St. Joan of Arc 3rd Annual Sustainable Fair Trade Market
Monday November 30th:
MINNEAPOLIS: Art for Trade Justice
Tuesday, December 1st:
UM - Minneapolis: Who's Got You Covered? Sweatshops Clothing and the U
ROCHESTER: Trade Justice Film Screening
Wednesday December 2nd:
DULUTH: Film Screening of Battle in Seattle
MINNEAPOLIS: Cargill, Palm Oil and the Climate of Deforestation
MINNEAPOLIS: U.S. Response to the Global Food Crisis: Why We Need a New Vision for Trade
Thursday December 3rd:
ST. PAUL: Refugees of the Global Economy
Friday December 4th:
WAYZATA: Action on Cargill
MINNEAPOLIS: 10 Years Post Seattle: Taking Stock & Moving Forward
Saturday December 5th:
March and Rally for Trade Justice!

For more details on the week of action events or to learn about the MN Fair Trade Coalition, visit www.fairtrademinnesota.org.

To learn more about Oxfam's Make Trade Fair campaign, click here.