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Emma Ruby-Sachs – Avaaz

Dear friends,
Our movement is under threat.
Governments worldwide are passing gag laws, prohibiting protest and closing down organisations in the biggest crackdown on civil society in a generation.
Avaaz staff have been kicked out of Egypt. And in India, the biggest democracy in the world, Avaaz has been vilified and harassed by the government.
Avaaz’s power is our voices together. If governments outlaw us or sabotage our strategies, we are done. It’s time to fight back! And we’ve got a new killer plan to protect our democracies — a global legal defense team.
The truth is, in the fight between people and power, the people rarely get a good lawyer, because it’s too expensive. That’s where we come in. Avaaz already has a tiny world-class legal team. But, if we build the biggest, baddest crowdsourced pro-democracy legal group in the world, we’ll challenge repressive laws when they are drafted, and then destroy the worst attacks in court.
Click to donate just the cost of a meal out and help Avaaz march into court across the world to protect our freedoms. Let’s meet those demonising our work with fearlessness and resolve:
In the last three years, over 60 countries have passed laws that inhibit non-governmental groups. In Spain Avaazers could be fined up to 600,000 euros just for organising a peaceful protest. In Israel a draft law threatens to label brave human rights organisations as “foreign agents”, and cut off their international funds. And in Uganda a government body could soon dissolve any group it doesn’t like!
But we already know Avaaz legal action works. When the South African government tried to censor our campaign against the lion bone trade, we took them to court and won a landmark free speech case that set a standard for the whole country. And with enough support, we can together:
- Expand the Avaaz legal team to have top class representation where Avaaz is under attack.
- Build a database of the world’s best civil rights lawyers and bring them together to form a pro-democracy law group.
- Develop legal challenges, lawsuits and campaigns to take on the rogues whenever they come after us.
These new regressive laws show politicians fear our emerging strength. We can’t let them now crush an informed and organised citizenship, it is a crucial pillar of democracy.
Click to donate to create a global people-powered legal team to complement our political might:
To donate another amount, click here.
There are moments where risking everything is necessary to preserve the very core of our democratic freedoms. That’s what we did when taking on powerful media barons in the UK and government cronies in Canada. If we raise the funds now, we can take on those that try to silence us, everywhere.
With hope and determination,
Emma, Alice, Ricken, Alex, Bert, Laila and the whole Avaaz team
P.S. If you are a lawyer who wants to be in the database of this global legal defense team click here.
SOURCES:
Human rights groups face global crackdown ‘not seen in a generation’ (Guardian)
http://www.theguardian.com/law/2015/aug/26/ngos-face-restrictions-laws-human-rights-generation
Spain gag law: protesters rally (International Business Times)
http://www.ibtimes.com/spain-gag-law-protesters-rally-against-new-public-demonstration-laws-1991816
India cracks down on Greenpeace, other environmental groups (Los Angeles Times)
http://www.latimes.com/world/asia/la-fg-india-crackdown-greenpeace-20150113-story.html
Why are threats to civil society growing around the world (IPS News Agency)
http://www.ipsnews.net/2015/06/opinion-why-are-threats-to-civil-society-growing-around-the-world/
Israel: Foreign Agents Act for NGOs (The Jewish Press)
http://www.jewishpress.com/news/breaking-news/mk-proposes-israeli-foreign-agents-registration-act-for-ngos/2015/06/23/
Avaaz takes on the lion bone trade (Wired)
http://www.wired.co.uk/news/archive/2013-06/17/lion-bone-clicktivism
Closing space. Democracy and human rights support under fire (Carnegie Endowment)
http://carnegieendowment.org/files/closing_space.pdf
Kassie Rohrbach, Greenpeace … Ban Fracking
| Keep our public land safe from pollution and destruction.
Tell Congress to protect communities and our climate by banning fracking on public land. |
Oil and gas companies already have the rights to frack on some 30 million acres of public land in the United States. Now they want even more.
More than 200 million additional acres of public lands are being targeted for fracking, including areas that surround America’s National Parks and monuments. In the last year alone, 177,000 acres of the George Washington National Forest — the country’s largest national forest and home to ten different threatened and endangered species — have been opened to fracking.
It’s insane. But now we have a chance to do something about it.
Congress is currently debating a bill that would put a stop to all future fracking on public land. It’s essential that they hear from their constituents — people like you — about how important this issue is before voting next month.
Tell Congress: save our public lands from the destruction of fracking.
Fracking is more expensive, more polluting and more dangerous than renewable energy. In a world where we can have clean, affordable energy from the wind and the sun, why would we even pursue fracking in the first place?
Not only is it wrong for the climate, but fracking has been linked to major air pollution and water contamination. Communities near some fracking sites have even reported being able to light the water coming out of their kitchen sinks on fire due to gas contamination.
This is not the energy future we need.
Make sure Congress protects communities, the environment and our climate. Sign the petition today.
Instead of investing billions of dollars in dirty, polluting energy, it’s time to keep fossil fuels in the ground. Like Arctic oil drilling or coal mining, fracking is the wrong call for our health and our climate.
We’re partnering with other progressive organizations to make sure our elected representatives get the message loud and clear. We’re using a shared site to collect signatures for a petition we’ll deliver to Congress next month.
This bill is a huge opportunity, but we know Congress won’t pass it unless they hear from people like you.
Together, we can protect our most precious natural treasures for future generations to enjoy and realize a clean energy future. In a week where Shell has announced it is ending its Arctic drilling project, Congress should take the hint. It’s time to keep all fossil fuels in the ground.
Thanks for all you do,
Kassie Rohrbach
Senior Energy Campaigner, Greenpeace USA
FDA/USDA ~ Alerts & Safety ~ September 2015
Salix Animal Health, LLC, Announces Voluntary Recall of One Lot of “Good ‘N’ Fun – Beefhide Chicken Sticks” Dog Treats Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination
Salix Animal Health, LLC today announced it has initiated a voluntary recall of one lot of “Good ‘n’ Fun – Beefhide Chicken Sticks” because it may have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella can affect animals eating the product and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated products.
Royal Frozen Food, a Los Angeles, Calif. establishment, is recalling approximately 230 pounds of frozen beef and pork products that were not produced under a fully implemented Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) plan.
Updated information is now available. A list of retail consignees has been posted for the following recalls:
- 101-2015, Aspen Foods Recalls Frozen, Raw, Stuffed & Breaded Chicken Products Due to Possible Salmonella Enteritidis Contamination (Jul 15, 2015) | List
- 123-2015, Di Stefano Cheese Co. Recalls Ham Products Produced Without Benefit Of Inspection (Sep 16, 2015) | List
OC Raw Dog of Rancho Santa Margarita, CA is voluntarily recalling 640 lbs. of Chicken, Fish & Produce Raw Frozen Canine Formulation. This is being done in an abundance of caution, as the product has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.
Western Milling announced today that it has voluntarily recalled 50 lb bags of Western Blend horse feed, LOT 5251, manufactured on September 8, 2015. This voluntary recall was initiated by Western Milling after it learned that an ingredient in the feed in question may contain monensin, an ionophore.
Murphy Farm Hay and Feed Company of Louisburg North Carolina has initiated a voluntary limited recall of alfalfa hay due to potential Blister Beetle contamination. The product was offered for sale to consumers at the following two retail locations, Murphy Farm Hay and Feed in Louisburg, NC and Jones Farm Hay and Feed in Middlesex, NC.
Lucy’s Weight Loss System is voluntarily recalling all lots distributed May 25 – June 23 2015 of Pink Bikini and Shorts on the Beach Blue and Gold Edition, 30 blue capsules (750MG per) capsules and 30 gold capsule (800MG per) capsules to the consumer level. The Pink Bikini and Shorts on the Beach have been found positive for Sibutramine and Phenolphthalein after FDA sampling and testing.
US Compounding, Inc. (“USC”) is voluntarily recalling all lots of sterile products aseptically compounded and packaged by USC and that remain within expiry due to the Food and Drug Administration’s (“FDA”)_ concern over a lack of sterility assurance. The sterile products were distributed nationwide to patients, providers, hospitals, or clinics between March 14, 2015 and September 9, 2015.
Out of an abundance of caution, Picnic Gourmet Spreads is issuing a recall on their yogurt cheese spreads. These spreads could potentially be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
NatPets LLC, d/b/a “I and love and you,” of Boulder, CO (the “Company”), is expanding its voluntary recall of cow-boom! strips – beef gullet because the product has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.
FSIS Issues Public Health Alert For Stuffed Chicken Products Due To Possible Salmonella ContaminationThe U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is alerting consumers that frozen, raw, stuffed and breaded chicken products produced by Aspen Foods, a division of Koch Poultry Company, a Chicago, Ill. establishment have been confirmed as having the same Salmonella Enteritidis outbreak strain which was part of a July 15, 2015 recall.
Updated information is now available. A list of retail consignees has been posted for the following recalls:
- 071-2015, Golden Krust Patties Recalls Beef and Chicken Products Due To Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens (Apr 29, 2015) | List
- 109-2015, Create Common Good Recalls Jambalaya Products Due To Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens (Aug 11, 2015) | List
Butala Emporium, Inc of Jackson Heights, NY, is voluntarily recalling eleven Ayurvedic (dietary) supplements (listed below) because the products were found to contain elevated lead and mercury levels which may cause health problems to consumers, particularly infants, small children, pregnant women, and those with underlying kidney disorders if consumed.The concentration of lead exceeds the recommended daily lead exposure for children less than 6 years of age and women of childbearing age and would likely be injurious to health.
Today Karoun Dairies, Inc. announced that it is voluntarily recalling a variety of cheeses it distributes due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. To date, no product has tested positive for Listeria but in view of the association with listeriosis cases Karoun Dairies Inc. is initiating a voluntary recall in the interest of protecting public health.
Di Stefano Cheese Co. Recalls Ham Products Produced Without Benefit Of Inspection Di Stefano Cheese Co., a Pomona, Calif., establishment, is recalling approximately 1,280 pounds of Parma Boneless Ham produced in Italy that were not presented at the U.S. point of entry for inspection.
Appeeling Fruit Inc. in Dauberville, Penn. has been informed by one of its customers that some of the Snack Fresh brand, 2 oz. bagged red apple slices with Best-if-Used-by date 09/21/15 and production date 310815 that was voluntarily recalled on Wednesday, September 9 due to the potential of being contaminated with listeria monocytogenes may have been distributed to schools in Florida’s Palm Beach County School District (product photo is available at www.appeelingfruit.com). Listeria monocytogenes is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.
Updated information is now available. A list of retail consignees has been posted for recall 117-2015, Ocho Rios Recalls Corned Beef Products Produced Without Benefit of Import Inspection (Apr 31, 2015).
Custom Produce Sales (“Custom Produce”) of Parlier, California is voluntarily recalling all cucumbers sold under the Fat Boy® label starting August 1, 2015 because they may be contaminated with Salmonella and are covered by an ongoing recall. No other Fat Boy® products are covered by this recall.
organicgirl Produce is voluntarily recalling a limited quantity of 5 oz. organicgirl Baby Spinach with a Use-by Date of September 13 and Product Code B030298-001B08S due to test results indicating the presence of trace levels of the naturally-occurring element cadmium. The recall includes 1,290 cases distributed primarily to Western and Midwestern states.
Custom Produce Sales (“Custom Produce”) of Parlier, California is voluntarily recalling all cucumbers sold under the Fat Boy® label starting August 1, 2015 because they may be contaminated with Salmonella and are covered by an ongoing recall. No other Fat Boy® products are covered by this recall.
Appeeling Fruit Inc. in Dauberville, Penn. is voluntarily recalling a limited number of consumer packages of fresh sliced apples with Best-if-Used-by dates of 09/14/15 and 09/21/15, due to the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is alerting health care professionals and patients of a voluntary recall of all non-expired drug products produced for sterile use and distributed nationwide by Medistat RX, LLC, in Foley, Alabama, due to possible contamination. The recalled products were distributed between November 1, 2014, and September 3, 2015.
In cooperation with the Andrew and Williamson Fresh Produce recall of cucumbers that may be contaminated with Salmonella Poona, Safeway is voluntarily recalling made-to-order deli sandwiches with cucumbers produced by Andrew and Williamson and sold in nine Safeway and Carrs stores in Alaska.
Schrader Farms Meat Market Recalls Beef Product Due To Possible Non-O157 E. Coli Contamination Schrader Farms Meat Market, a Romulus, N.Y., establishment, is recalling approximately 20 pounds of ground beef product that may be contaminated with non-O157 Shiga toxin-producing E. coli
The Kraft Heinz Company is expanding the voluntary recall of select code dates and manufacturing codes of individually-wrapped American slices due to the possibility that a thin strip of the individual packaging film may remain adhered to the slice after the wrapper has been removed. If the film sticks to the slice and is not removed, it could potentially cause a choking hazard.
Schrader Farms Meat Market, a Romulus, N.Y., establishment, is recalling approximately 20 pounds of ground beef product that may be contaminated with non-O157 Shiga toxin-producing E. coli.
Okarche Bakery of Okarche, OK is recalling ALL FROZEN COOKIE DOUGH, because it may contain undeclared Milk, Soy, Wheat and Yellow #5. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to these allergens run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product.
The Kraft Heinz Company is expanding the voluntary recall of select code dates and manufacturing codes of individually-wrapped American slices due to the possibility that a thin strip of the individual packaging film may remain adhered to the slice after the wrapper has been removed. If the film sticks to the slice and is not removed, it could potentially cause a choking hazard.
Updated information is now available. A list of retail consignees has been posted for recall 080-2015, ZYK Enterprises, Inc. Recalls Boneless Veal Trim Products Due to Possible Contamination with E. Coli O157:H7 (May 18, 2015).
Best Cash & Carry, 56-30 56 Street, Maspeth, NY 11378 is recalling ROSE BRAND CRANBERRY MIX, because it may contain undeclared sulfites. People who have severe sensitivity to sulfites run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume this product.
H-E-B Issues A Voluntary Recall On Hill Country Fare One Gallon Spring Water Due To The Possible Presence Of Undeclared Allergen 09/02/2015 10:57 PM EDT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Austin, TX H-E-B has issued a voluntary recall specifically for the Hill Country Fare One Gallon Spring Water with the Best By date of December 19, 2015, due to the possible presence of a milk allergen. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product.
Sincerely Nuts Inc. of Brooklyn, NY, is recalling packages of Sincerely Nuts Macadamia Nuts (Raw) Whole and Sincerely Nuts Macadamia Nuts (Raw) Unsalted Halves and Pieces because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.
Kenosha Beef Recalls Pork Sausage Products Due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination
Kenosha Beef International LTD, a Kenosha, Wis. establishment, is recalling approximately 89,235 pounds of pork sausage patty products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials.
Tell the USDA to ban all sales of Lion Meat … Cheryl Semcer
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I never imagined the impact I would have when I started my first petition on Change.org asking a restaurant in Kansas to stop serving lion meat. But I won with the help of other Change.org users! I still wondered if the sale of lion meat was happening in other places, and who was letting this happen. It turns out there are a lot of problems with lion meat: it’s not only bad for lions, but also humans. The origins of lion meat are nearly untraceable, with some of it coming from farms where they’re raised for circus entertainment, their hides, and slaughter. Killing lions for human consumption also falls between the cracks of federal agency responsibility, and therefore the meat is rarely inspected. Since the processing goes unregulated, lions aren’t even protected by humane slaughter laws. It’s unbelievable to me that any restaurant would be allowed to sell lion meat — especially when the meat is potentially unsafe. Thats why I started a new petition on Change.org, this time calling on the United States Department of Agriculture to ban the sale of all lion meat. Click here to sign! Lion meat isn’t regulated by the USDA or the Food and Drug Administration — even though it’s often deceitfully marketed this way. This lack of clear oversight makes it nearly impossible to trace the origin of lion meat and how it’s processed. And to make matters worse, experts say that serving lion meat at restaurants in the U.S. could further drive the dwindling wild population into extinction. Restaurants market lion meat because it’s shocking — but the government shouldn’t be allowing a gimmick like this that could decimate the lion population and make people sick. My petition asking a local restaurant to stop serving lion meat won — and was widely covered in the media. By showing popular support for a ban on all lion meat, I believe the USDA will be forced to listen. Thank you for your support. Cheryl Semcer Hoboken, New Jersey |






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