Canadian Landmine Action Week 2009

Clearing the Path – Removing Lethal Barriers

The work of Canadians and concerned civil society groups, as well as supportive governments around the world, have resulted in the Ottawa Treaty banning landmines and the newly created Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM). Together, these international treaties outline government obligations on these indiscriminate weapons, and affirm the global community’s commitment to end the suffering they create. From words to concrete action, the fulfillment of these goals is becoming a reality. To celebrate and commemorate the achievements made both by Canadiana and the global community in achieving these comprehensive bans, Mines Action Canada will launch the tenth annual Canadian Landmine Action Week (CLAW) from February 23rd - March 1st, 2009.

Explosives: it’s a problem that can’t stay hidden

Despite our success in clearing the path of victim-activated weapons many barriers persist. Landmines and cluster munitions continue to menace communities and their presence makes simple everyday tasks like pursuing a livelihood or going to school extremely dangerous. Both of these explosive remnants of war pose significant, dangerous risks to civilian communities with predictable, preventable consequences. The remaining legal, political, and financial barriers that inhibit the full realization of a world free of victim-activated weapons are complicit in creating this situation. Enough is enough! The good news is we have the solution to both of these problems and we can solve them within our lifetimes – but only with the support and help of people like you.

Canadian Landmine Action Week is the opportunity to reinforce Canadian commitment to the human security of people everywhere through events educating our communities, mobilizing people to let their MPs know that this issue is important to us, and raising funds for mine action.

Mines Action Canada: Take steps today, so we can all walk freely tomorrow

Typically, there are over 100 CLAW activities and events held in approximately 20 cities across Canada.  We are asking all Canadian supporters of MAC to get informed and stay involved. Sign up here if you would like to receive automatic updates on CLAW 2009 or click here to see the calendar of events!

The end of conflict brings peace. Help us bring peace of mind.

There are lots of easy and creative ways that you can get involved in CLAW:

1. Organize an awareness raising event - let people know that landmines still harm thousands each year. Events could be:

   • information table in a public space (shopping center, community center), schools and universities
   • roundtable discussion, speakers panel, and presentations
   • display of drawings and paintings in a public space
   • a movie screening in school, work, or at home

2. Organize a fundraiser event to support mine action – event ideas include:

   • a silent auction
   • a dinner party
   • dedicate one of your school dances to “Dance Without Fear”
   • a basketball or other sports tournament to “Play Without Fear”
   • a loonie drive
   • snow shoveling for donations
   • a bake sale

   => Download an Organizer Toolkit and find your resources here.

3. Write a letter to your MP or to the Prime Minister about CLAW asking Canada to sustain its efforts in mine action around the world and finish the job!
   • Organize a “Write–athon” at your school or university, engage as many participants as possible
   • check our Action Toolkit for the How-To-Guide for engaging the government
   • Use our convenient online Write now! E-tool to contact your MP now

4. Get your local media involved

   • spread the word about your event to newspapers, radio, TV …
   • check out our How-to-Guide for getting media attention

5. Join our NEW electronic campaign!

   • join us on the Mines Action Canada Facebook page, invite your friends, and share event listings!
   • donate your email signature, networking utilities status and photo to help get the word out about CLAW!
   • donate your e-mail signature to CLAW and the People’s Treaty
   
   

   All funds raised during the week of CLAW will directly support the campaign against landmines and cluster bombs.
   
   Please make cheques out to: Mines Action Canada
   Note: CLAW 2008 funds
   Mailing address:

   Mines Action Canada
   1502 – 1 Nicholas Street,
   Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 7B7

   Or send us your funds online with your credit card by clicking here.

Find out what YOU can do. Take action today!