GET HOWARD OUT Hello all, Firstly, I will start by saying that if you have ANY interest whatsoever in federal politics and are as desperate as me to vote Howard Out, then read on........ Secondly, I am one of a group of people (a few solicitors and representatives from a variety of community-based and non-governmental organisations) who have decided to organise and run an awareness campaign throughout this election, which is NOT attached to any particular political party, but that is designed to keep social and human rights issues on the agenda for this election and is ultimately aimed at removing John Howard - based on what we perceive as consistent and blatant breaches of human rights standards. Now for the detail......... Idea / Purpose: to reinforce and raise greater awareness of social and human rights issues in the 2004 election. Therefore, the purpose of the strategies outlined below is to encourage people to vote against returning John Howard as Prime Minister. - ie: Australia's involvement in the War on Terror and Iraq, refugees and detention centres, Australia's refusal to sign the Kyoto protocol, amendments to the Marriage Act banning same-sex marriage, children overboard, the abolition of ATSIC, a refusal to apologise to the stolen generation..... Volunteers / Donations: we will be urgently seeking donations for our press advertisements and/or volunteers to assist in distributing the postcards (see below). A bank account will be established for the purpose of donations and will be managed by two solicitors. Any remaining money will be donated to a nominated charity. Target: $5000 Key phrase: still not decided. Suggestions have included playing on Howard's own words of 'we will decide who comes to this country' or something relating to the term 'axis of evil.' General: we intend to hold a series of fundraising events; we intend to hold a media launch in both Sydney and Melbourne; we are compiling a database of volunteers to assist in distributing the postcards in marginal electorates; and we may establish a website. How: STRATEGY A Advertisements in local press, particularly in marginal seats. GLBT press - specific focus on amendments to Marriage Act General press - general social and human rights issues STRATEGY B Postcards - to be distributed to shops/cafes, mailboxes in marginal seats, polling booths on election day, etc. Aiming to have 10,000 printed. The front would have an image and key phrase, the reverse would have more detailed information relating to our focus and encouraging people to think about the effect of these issues and to vote Howard Out by voting Labor, Green or Democrat. Where to from here ? As you can see, everything is still in its very early stages, but needs to be decided very soon. If you have any feedback, questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me ASAP to get the ball rolling. Please also pass this email onto anyone who may be interested. Regards, DAN CREASEY