Local Faith-Based Groups Act on Darfur Crisis

A compelling interview with the leader of savedarfur.org from the Washington Post--highly recommended...

Local Faith-Based Groups Act on Darfur Crisis: "David Rubenstein: A more complete answer to why our nation is not responding more aggressively and what people of faith can do:

The issue of genocide - which is what we are facing now in Darfur - should be one which calls out to the consciences of all people. However, it can be difficult to engage people when Darfur can feel so far away. One of the best ways to encourage action from your church and your pastor is to show them humanity of the people of Darfur, through testimonials, pictures, and documentaries. There are many compelling photo-essays on the internet, as well as an excellent multi-media presentation discussing why we should care about Darfur - links are available at www.SaveDarfur.org. Furthermore, protecting civilian lives against genocidal forces is a bi-partisan issue, evidenced by the collaboration of Senators Sam Brownback (R-KS) and Jon Corzine (D-NJ)."...

Washington, D.C.: I see a lot of "raise awareness" in your responses and I feel compelled to ask - what happens after awareness? Buildilng awareness while important doesn't concretely do anything to acutally assist or change that situation. So let's talk beyond raising awareness to concerte steps force action, which likely would occur at a government to government level and our government has a long history of ignoring atrocities in Africa. With all due respect we need to be holding out elected leaders feet alot closer to the fire and we as a public have not yet done that...isn't that the call to action here that should be made?

David Rubenstein: Thanks for this great question and answer rolled into one.

Please excuse my volume here:

WE HAVE TO DO MORE. INDIVIDUALS MUST TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR MOVING THE WORLD. IF YOU ARE READING THIS, YOU MUST DO MORE. TODAY.

Call the president. Call Congress. Tell your friends. Wear a green wristband. Put "Save Darfur" in your email signature. Call the president.

Your neighbor's house is burning. Take action. Today, and tomorrow. Tell people what is happening, and help them take action themselves...

David Rubenstein: Addressing the issue of legislation - as I mentioned before, the U.S. Congress has been very active in helping the people of Darfur because they understand that the American public cares about their neighbors there.

Members of the Senate and the House have proposed a number of bills calling for increased aid to Darfur, no-fly zones, sanctions, and support for the African Union. A number of these provisions have passed as attachments to other bills, and the emphasis they gave to the concern of the American public probably led to increased action by the US Administration and State Department, such as the appointment of Roger Winters as envoy to Sudan.

In addition, to keep Darfur in the news and the minds of the American people, Senators and Representatives proposed and passed S.R. 186 and H.R. 333, calling for a National Weekend of Prayer and Reflection for Darfur. Because of this, on July 15-17, 2005, churches, synagogues, mosques and other places of worship across the US prayed for Darfur, learned more about the crisis, and raised funds for awareness and humanitarian relief.

Currently in the House and Senate are H.R.3127 and S.1462, the Darfur Peace and Accountability Acts. Most importantly, these bills call for multilateral efforts to help the African Union protect the civilians of Darfur.