GlobalAware e-Cards - Global
The Canada-based, non-profit organisation GlobalAware Independent Media Organisation has designed a series of free "anti-corporate" e-cards. The purpose of the project is to advocate for human rights and social justice, using the internet and photography to communicate with citizens worldwide - and to urge them to communicate with each other.
Communication Strategies
This initiative uses the Internet - and stark, impactive photography - to reach citizens concerned about various social issues. That is, visitors to the GlobalAware website may send free electronic postcards to likeminded citizens. The cards feature images such as a severely malnourished baby with the words "How many carats does this baby weigh?" (referring to what organisers view as one example of the impact of a civil war in Sierra Leone to control diamonds). By clicking on each of the 60 links associated with the postcard series, visitors to the site may learn more about the issue being communicated by the photography and words in the e-cards - as well as access further online resources. The tone here is one of advocacy for a specific cause, with the provision of background information to educate the reader. The idea is that, by sending along a free e-card, this information will be shared with others in a personalised form.
The GlobalAware website also includes social, environmental, developing world, and human rights images.
The GlobalAware website also includes social, environmental, developing world, and human rights images.
Development Issues
Free Trade.
Key Points
The 5 series of 12 postcards are also available for purchase in printed format. The price per pack is US$19, which includes shipping, handling, and taxes. Series 6 is in development.
Here is an excerpt from the Global Aware website, which describes the organisation's aims: "After nearly 60 years of 'development,' we live in a world of growing inequality and misery; a world in which the more aid flows south, the more debt grows and the more hard cold cash flows north; a world in which 840 million people go hungry everyday despite unprecedented levels of agricultural productivity; a world in which 'Free Trade' actually means prohibitive tariff barriers against southern products; a world, in short, that is not fair. At Global Fair Trade, we are trying to address this inequality by reversing the flow of money and products so that southern producers earn a fair price for their wares and northern consumers are able to enjoy hand-made, one of a kind goods at reasonable prices."
Here is an excerpt from the Global Aware website, which describes the organisation's aims: "After nearly 60 years of 'development,' we live in a world of growing inequality and misery; a world in which the more aid flows south, the more debt grows and the more hard cold cash flows north; a world in which 840 million people go hungry everyday despite unprecedented levels of agricultural productivity; a world in which 'Free Trade' actually means prohibitive tariff barriers against southern products; a world, in short, that is not fair. At Global Fair Trade, we are trying to address this inequality by reversing the flow of money and products so that southern producers earn a fair price for their wares and northern consumers are able to enjoy hand-made, one of a kind goods at reasonable prices."
Sources
OneWorld International Partner Newsletter, March 2004; GlobalAware site: e-cards; and email from Clive Shirley of GlobalAware to The Communication Initiative on September 15 2005.
Comments
- Log in to post comments