ACTIVITY SHEET 1a FOUR KEY REASONS TO SUPPORT INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Note: This can be used in conjunction with a short Powerpoint presentation (available from www.unionaid.org.nz ).
Conference/Large Meeting Interactive Panel Discussion 1. Put this question to all the workers at the meeting: Why should we support international development? 2. This question is put at large to the meeting for everyone to think about but at the larger meetings a panel of 4 people is nominated from the floor. This may be pre‐organised to ensure that a mix of age, ethnicity and gender is achieved. 3. The panel is then given the 4 “key reasons” (right). 4. The panel is given a few minutes to consider each “reason” and prioritise them. They are told that they will have to briefly justify their prioritization of the reasons. 5. During the panel’s deliberation the presenter gives a brief 5 ‐10 minute presentation on what UnionAID is and what we do. 6. The panel is then asked to briefly present their prioritization and the reasons for their decision. 7. The panel’s views are then opened to discussion from the floor.
Solidarity ‐ International worker solidarity is a key union value. Union movements in other countries have long‐established programmes (eg APHEDA in Australia for 25 years) Struggling families like us ‐ Workers and families in developing countries are real people like us struggling in a much tougher environment. Similar aspirations such as education for their children. As neighbours in a relatively prosperous country don’t we have a responsibility to help? Globalisation ‐ In a globalised world reducing exploitation of labour in developing countries is a key factor in fairer trade and competition between countries. Protects jobs in New Zealand and reduces potential conflict. Human rights ‐ Helping workers exercise basic human rights guaranteed by international law. International Labour Organisation minimum labour standard protections against exploitation.