10 Things You Can Do
1. Write to your government leaders. 1-800-GENOCIDE connects you directly with your elected officials for free (US, Canada). Save Darfur offers an online postcard for urging leaders to act (US). For other nations and causes, inquire directly.
2. Spread the word on Facebook. Join important causes, such as Prevent Genocide and Global Grassroots. Then invite your friends, raising consciousness throughout your social network. See also GenocidePrevent on Twitter.
3. Educate yourself. Knowledge is power, so get informed. Read selections from ABA's Books of Conscience and watch films from the Genocide Prevention Project's Films of Conscience.
4. Educate your community. Share what you learn with your friends. Post flyers in appropriate public locations. Raise issues on email discussion lists, bulletin boards, and forums. Start a blog or web site devoted to raising awareness. Wear a wristband to show your commitment.
5. Demand a Books of Conscience display. Approach your local bookseller about putting up a display of titles from ABA's Books of Conscience list during the month of April.
6. Screen a Films of Conscience movie. Ask your local culture center, community center, or student union about a screening. Alternatively, bring a DVD to a club or organization to which you belong, or invite friends and neighbors to a movie party.
7. Host a fundraiser. Raise funds and awareness with bake sales, auctions, and charity drives. Have a party with a small donation as entry fee, or a fun games event: Darts for Darfur, Bowling for Burma, Sumo for Somalia, etc.
8. Donate money or time. Charities too are affected by a troubled economy, and they need your help now more than ever. Spare what you can from your pocket, give freely of your time. See our list of Worthy Charities.
9. Divest from Sudan. Capital investment in Sudan funds ongoing genocide, so boycott businesses with investments in the region, and demand a divestment plan from your state legislature. The Sudan Divestment Task Force publishes a free list of questionable companies.
10. Be a role model. Long-term prevention only comes by rooting out the prejudices and hatreds inherent in each of us, so attend to yourself. Cultivate a sense of being a world citizen, a cosmopolitan in the original sense of the word. Let your development show in daily words and actions. Finally, become aware of the next generation: children learn best by behavior-modeling, so set a good example.
For more ideas, see 30 Things You Can Do During Genocide Prevention Month.
Also see the Genocide Prevention Task Force's Summary of Recommendations for a comprehensive analysis.
image: 1-800-GENOCIDE, by D.C. Attie