Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Act Local, Think Global! Join the Oxfam Action Corps in Austin


Are you concerned that the people who grow the world’s food—many of whom are women—cannot afford to feed their own families? And that one in eight people goes to bed hungry every night even though the world produces enough food for everybody?

Do you want to take action in your city to achieve policies to sustainably feed a growing population and empower poor people to earn a living, feed their families and thrive?

Are you willing to reach out to others in your community to hold governments and businesses accountable for the impact of their policies and practices on the environment and global food security?

Oxfam invites you to join the Oxfam Action Corps, an exciting effort to cultivate grassroots leaders and political change.

Volunteers with the Oxfam Action Corps lead a coordinated charge to improve national legislation and business practices, and to deepen local community resources for fighting poverty and injustice.

When you volunteer with the Oxfam Action Corps, you take actions like: hold a house party or collect signatures at a concert. You can lead a delegation to a lawmaker's local office, organize a petition drive, or plan an Oxfam America Hunger Banquet. Anyone is welcome to volunteer, regardless of age or experience level—all you need is a willingness to make a difference.

Volunteers receive continuing support from Oxfam, including campaign materials, strategy tips, and advice on community organizing. Each city has two trained volunteer corps organizers who welcome and orient volunteers throughout the year.
Other responsibilities of a corps organizer:
Work with other lead organizers and volunteers on a local level
·         Help convene activities focused on Oxfam’s GROW campaign
·         Follow policy developments and messaging
·         Update blog, email announcements and social media sites with events and news
·         Create plans for local action  
·         Lead outreach at public events like concerts and conferences
·         Build relationships with like-minded organizations
·         Gather volunteers for regular planning sessions
·         Cultivate leadership in others
·         Work within budget to accomplish goals
·         Maintain strong, regular communication with Oxfam staff including tracking and reporting on activities

What volunteers have to say: “Oxfam Action Corps has really helped me professionally.  Before the training I was working as an administrative assistant and never got a chance to take charge of an event.  With Oxfam Action Corps I got to lead an event, reach out to allies.  It prepared me for a huge career change, directing a small non-profit.” - Jessica Lettween, from Minnesota.

“This is leadership in practice.  You can’t just read a book on leadership.  You have to put it into practice. You should see how I list this on my resume!” - Jill Mizell, NYC

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Join the movement for global food justice - join the Austin Oxfam Action Corps today!

Hey Everyone,

Oxfam America is currently recruiting new volunteers for 2012-2013. If you are interested in joining the Oxfam Action Corps please sign up and spread the word by February 14th at http://www.oxfamactioncorps.org/.

Join the Oxfam Action Corps to support women farmers, fight global hunger, and build a better food system! You will meet great people and work together to change laws that can save lives, defend the rights of the world’s poorest farmers, and protect communities from rising food prices and climate change. You will gain leadership skills, have fun, and change the world!

Anybody can join the local effort! All levels of experience are welcome. You can also apply for Oxfam’s free four-day leadership training in Washington D.C. May 12 – May 15.

This year, we will mobilize for the GROW campaign for global food justice. The women and men in poor countries who struggle to grow enough food to feed their families are facing competition for land and water, rising prices, and climate change. We will call for laws that support women and farmers, sustainable practices, and resilience to climate change, and ensure a better future for people in the poorest regions of the world.

This is a year-round volunteer opportunity, with a deadline of February 14 to apply for the spring training. Find out more and sign up at http://www.oxfamactioncorps.org/ .

Check out this video to see what we are all about:









































Wednesday, March 2, 2011

A Celebration of International Women’s Day


Ending Hunger Starts with Women; Feeding the Future Starts in Austin


Date: Wednesday, March 9th
Time: 7– 8:30 pm
Place: Austin Museum of Art– Downtown
823 Congress Avenue
Austin, Texas 78701

Around the world, women are leading the effort in countless communities for positive efforts to support human needs and human rights. In Austin, we are hosting an event to focus on the courage of women worldwide who are struggling to feed their families while also confronting climate change and other threats to agriculture.

The reception will include a short film called Sisters on the Planet that introduces you to 4 women as they join with their global counterparts to confront hunger, poverty, and climate change.

For more information or to R.S.V.P. please contact: austin.oxfamactioncorps@gmail.com




Monday, February 7, 2011

Oxfam America’s ‘Ending Hunger Starts Here'



Women and girls make up the majority of people living in poverty. And although women produce most of the world’s food, millions of rural women are now facing hunger. In honor of the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day in March 2011, women (and men) around the country are teaming up with Oxfam America to fight this injustice. We’re raising awareness about hunger, climate change, and other crises facing women worldwide.

And we’re calling for an investment in women farmers, so we can fight hunger and poverty now and for generations to come.

Please take a moment to be part of Oxfam America’s photobook for International Women’s Day 2011! Upload your photo to show your support for women fighting hunger. http://actfast.oxfamamerica.org/index.php/takeaction/online/photobook

If you are in the Austin area please come to our International Women’s day event. More details will be shared soon!

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Robert Randolph and the Family Band- 2/4


Oxfam volunteers will be tabling this Friday at Antone's for the Robert Randolph and the Family Band show. If you have not seen them before you are in for an amazing treat. We look forward to seeing and dancing with you at the show this friday!

Thursday, January 6, 2011

January Meeting

Hello Everyone! We have a date finalized for our January meeting.

Wednesday, January 19th
7:30 to 8:30 pm
Ruiz Library
1600 Grove Boulevard
Austin, TX 78741-3402
(512) 974-7500



We have so much to discuss, starting with SXSW and International Women's Day. We're still brainstorming and would love to hear your ideas on what you think would work best in Austin.

Hope to see you there!

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

A new year...time to make a difference.


Oxfam Haiti Cholera response: An inside look

Nearly one year ago we saw the sights from the devastating earthquake in Haiti. We witnessed an abundance of support nationally, state-wide, and throughout Austin. As we approach the one year anniversary of the Haiti earthquake let us remember to stand up and speak out for the Haitian people.

Tell US legislators to support rebuilding efforts in Haiti.

1. To speak up, call 1-646-452-9493 and enter the pin number 3804.

2. Then say "My name is [your name] and I am a(n) [your job] from [your city and state]. We need to keep our promise and stand with Haiti."

3. Your message will be added to our nationwide voice resolution, below, and will be shared with members of Congress as we call on them to help Haitians build back better.


Monthly meeting date to be announced soon. Mostly likely the week of Jan. 17. Hope to see you soon!