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So if you don't know whats going on in Sudan right now, please read the following blip. If you know, skip down to the segment after the dashes

In the west in Darfur the Janjaweed Militia (which is pro-government) is killing the African civilians along racial lines. The U.S. government has called this a genocide, although the U.N. will not yet use that term.

So what does all this mean?

400,000 people are dead.

over 2 million people have been displaced

more are dying every day

The weekend before last, the U.N. had to cut its aid spending for food and water IN HALF because people just aren't sending money. It's what they call 'doner fatigue' and it means that even more people are on the brink of starvation, or are starving.

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Students are taking action to raise awareness and call for aid. Every day at my high school, students lie down in white shirts to represent the victims, while a few members hand out informative pamphlets.

This is Down4Darfur and it is causing a stir. Already the Human Rights Watch has recognized the effort, and more schools are joining each week.

Our plans are to start lie downs in public places where students literally drop down for Darfur and show that they care, that they demand action. It looks like there will be one in Central Park (NYC) as well as in Seattle in the near future. We will also be collecting donations soon.

At this time, I'm asking you all to at least educate yourself. Do as much as you can. Educate someone else, donate to a cause if you find one, or if you're really motivated, and you really want to make a difference, reply here or send me a note.

One last thing. On our website there is a link to the H.O.P.E campaign. It will probably take you 35 seconds to fill out your information and tell the world you care on a worldwide petition.

Is anyone interested? Does anyone have questions, comments, problems or suggestions?

Yours as always,

Ellen