cultivating peace  
classroom connections
 
 



Are you an educator or student who wants more background information and teaching ideas related to peace education? Check out our great links to sites that offer background information, campaigns, actions, resources and educational materials that promote peace! All of the sites are categorized to make your search easy.

1. Conflict and War
2. Culture of Peace
3. Human Rights / Children’s Rights
4. Women for Peace
5. Economic Justice
6. Environmental Issues/ Stewardship
7. Global Issues
8. Equality/Anti-Discrimination (gender, race, sexuality, ability, religion, culture, etc.)
9. Youth /Action

1. CONFLICT AND WAR


Bombs Away: www.bombsaway.ca
Bombs Away is a campaign for Canadians to take action and speak out against nuclear weapons. Join the campaign to promote awareness of this "huge and reversible" threat to human life.

Canadian Network to Abolish Nuclear Weapons: watserv1.uwaterloo.ca/~plough/cnanw/cnanw.html
This organization is looking for people to help support their mission to abolish all nuclear weapons. There is a section titled "What you can do" that lists clear ways people can help out in their fight. There is also a lot of information about other organizations that have similar missions.

Coalition to Oppose Arms Trade: www.ncf.carleton.ca/coat/
This network is set up for people to learn how to help oppose Canada's role in the international arms trade. The network magazine details their initiatives and gives further information about taking action.

Global Security Institute: www.gsinstitute.org
The Global Security Institute targets influential businesses to promote the global elimination of nuclear weapons. Go to the "Action Center" to participate in a peace initiative.

International Action Network on Small Arms: www.iansa.org
This global network of organizations is looking to end the proliferation and misuse of small arms and light weapons. Download activist toolkits and fact sheets and join a campaign.

International Atomic Energy Agency: www.iaea.org
Find out how this centre for nuclear cooperation is working towards safe and peaceful use of nuclear technologies. Click on publications, news or data centre to conduct research on this topic.

International Campaign to Ban Landmines: www.icbl.org
An international network of over 1,200 non-governmental organizations in 60 countries is spearheading a global ban on landmines. Visit the youth action forum to find out how youth have played a leading role in this movement.

Landmine Survivors Network: www.landminesurvivors.org
This website was created by and for landmine survivors, featuring personal stories of survival.

Mines Action Canada: www.minesactioncanada.org
This site includes information on landmine treaties, a photo gallery and a youth forum. Check out the Youth Mine Action Ambassador Program, co-founded by Mines Action Canada.

Waging Peace /Nuclear Age Peace Foundation: www.wagingpeace.org
This website addresses the issues of Nuclear Weapons, Peace and War, International Law and Security, and Nuclear Energy and Waste. Click on take action for campaigns, urgent actions and tools.

War-Affected Children: www.waraffectedchildren.gc.ca/
This Government of Canada website aims to educate Canadian youth about the international affects of war on children. The site includes information on Canada’s role in helping war-affected children worldwide and features personal stories from children and a photo gallery. Teachers: see the resource section for classroom ideas.

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2. CULTURE OF PEACE


Canadian Centres for Teaching Peace: www.peace.ca
This Canadian organization could inform you on everything you’d ever need to know about peace! There is great information everywhere on the site. Check out the section on annual peace education conferences, the great books and resources, “Who’s Who” and the Upcoming Events area of the website.

Canadian Commission for UNESCO:
www.unesco.ca
UNESCO aims to mobilize the participation of Canadian organizations and committed individuals in the areas of education, natural and social sciences, culture and communication, and information. They have a great “Culture of Peace” and Youth force section on their website.

Canadian Peace Alliance
: www.acp-cpa.ca
The Canadian Peace Alliance organizes peace campaigns across Canada, arranges political lobbying sessions, develops strategies for the peace movement, and produces a variety of peace related educational materials. Check out their site to find out how you can get involved.

Canadian Peacebuilding Coordinating Committee: www.peacebuild.ca
The CPCC is a network of Canadian organizations engaged in a wide range of activities related to addressing the cause and consequences of violent conflict. They have a great Resources page that deals with the development of peace in the modern world, including powerful interviews with modern peacemakers.

Children’s International Summer Villages: www.cisv.org or www.cisv.ca
CISV focuses on building the leaders of tomorrow through cross-cultural interaction, leadership training and peace education. They run hundreds of camps each year that take youth from various countries and teach them about peace through simulation activities and experiential learning. Find out more about the organization and programs at the international website (.org link).

Compassionate Listening Projects: www.compassionatelistening.org
This initiative is dedicated to building bridges between people, communities and nations in conflict, with projects focusing on Israel/Palestine, German/Jewish community and Turkey. Check out the articles, photo exhibits and participant reflections to understand how this unique process works.

Fellowship of Reconciliation: www.forusa.org
Check out this multi-faith organization for peace and justice’s website for great links and peace quotes. Enroll for the World Peace Student Essay Contest.

Global Movement for a Culture of Peace: www.culture-of-peace.info/
This site features interesting analysis of the psychology of peace, featuring research that counteracts the notion that human beings are naturally predisposed to violence and war.

Hague Appeal for Peace: www.haguepeace.org
The Hague Appeal for Peace is an international network of peace and justice organizations dedicated to the abolition of war. This network offers various ways for people to help out through campaigning projects.

International Peace Bureau: www.ipb.org
This world-renowned international peace federation brings together people from across the globe working for peace. Find out how to become a member and get involved in their programs.

Mahatma Gandhi Canadian Foundation for World Peace: www.gandhi.ca
This Edmonton-based organization adopts Gandhi's principles and applies them in order to promote world peace. The Foundation promotes youth conferences and runs activities/workshops in the local area, and the website has lots of great information about Gandhi’s life, work and philosophy. Check out the Quote of the Day for inspiring ideas.

MoveOn: www.moveon.org
This US-based organization works to bring ordinary people back into politics. Sign up for action updates or share your ideas with others using the Action Forum software.

Nonviolent Peaceforce Canada: www.npcanada.org
The main goal of this organization is to contribute toward international efforts to create a global nonviolent peace force to dispatch to troubled areas worldwide. There are over 18 different suggestions listed of simple things people can do to promote peace in their communities.

Peace Brigades International: www.peacebrigades.org
Peace Brigades sends volunteer witnesses into areas of repression and conflict. Learn about PBI’s projects in Columbia, Guatemala, Indonesia and Mexico.

Peace Protest: www.pax.protest.net
Check out this global calendar of pro-peace actions and conferences, searchable by region. Sign an online petition, download peace posters and look for event listings and organizations in your community.

PeaceVox: www.peacevox.com
This site accepts and profiles submissions of peace art. Join artists around the world in writing, painting, and photographing for peace.

Right Livelihood Awards: www.rightlivelihood.org
The Right Livelihood Award, sometimes known as the "Alternative Nobel Peace Prize," was established to honour organizations and individuals around the world who are working for positive social change. Get inspired by reading biographies and stories about the amazing award recipients from around the world!

Science for Peace
: scienceforpeace.sa.utoronto.ca
Science for Peace is a Canadian organization of scientists and scholars that brings together professors and graduate students who are concerned about peace, justice and environmental sustainability.

Seeds of Peace: www.seedsofpeace.org
This US-based organization, focusing on Arab and Israeli youth, is dedicated to empowering children in war-affected countries to break the cycle of violence and learn to peacefully coexist. Check out the Olive Branch online youth magazine.

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3. HUMAN RIGHTS / CHILDREN’S RIGHTS


Amnesty International: www.amnesty.ca, www.amnesty.org
Amnesty International is a worldwide movement of human rights activists who work together to prevent the violation of people's rights. Visit their site to learn more about leading human rights issues, sign onto an urgent action, join a campaign or become a member or volunteer.

Canadian Coalition for the Rights of Children: www.rightsofchildren.ca
This coalition acts as a collective voice for Canadian organizations and youth concerned with the rights of children as outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and the World Summit for Children Declaration.

Canadian Heritage – Human Rights Project: www.pch.gc.ca/progs/pdp-hrp/inter/index_e.cfm
This site features information and documents related to human rights in Canada and internationally. Check out the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, learn about Canada/UN cooperation and more.

Canadian Human Rights Foundation: www.chrf.ca
The Canadian Human Rights Foundation is dedicated to the defense and promotion of human rights in Canada and around the world. They offer educational programs that focus on human rights law and public education programs, including their annual International Human Rights Training Program.

Children’s Rights Information Network: www.crin.org
This global network of organizations works to protect children’s rights. The site features great links (see member list, by country) and information about children’s rights globally.

Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers: www.child-soldiers.org
This global coalition conducts research and monitoring, advocacy and education, networking and capacity building. Visit their website for information and resources on the phenomenon of child soldiers.

Human Rights Research and Education Centre at the University of Ottawa: www.cdp-hrc.uottawa.ca/index_e.html
This is an excellent site for research, featuring an extensive virtual human rights library with national and international links.

Human Rights Watch: www.hrw.org
This organization works to defend human rights worldwide. Its website includes a women’s rights and a children’s rights division. Click onto campaigns to sign onto a range of urgent actions.

Save the Children Canada: www.savethechildren.ca
Save the Children Canada is an organization that works both overseas and in Canada to improve the quality of children's lives through the realization of their rights. Look under the "Get Involved" link to explore their volunteer opportunities and events.

United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) - Canada: www.unicef.ca, www.unicef.org
UNICEF Canada is a worldwide organization that strives to help ensure the survival, growth and the long-term development of the world's underprivileged children. Check out their site for existing opportunities to help advocate for these children.

UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights: www.unhchr.ch
This site is home to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other leading international treaties. Issues in focus include: democracy, terrorism, indigenous people, minorities, disabilities, and more.

Warchild Canada: www.warchild.ca
With the help of prominent musicians and artists, Warchild is dedicated to alleviating the suffering of children caused by war. This website profiles great campaigns taking place in Canadian schools. Visit the Student Centre, sign your school up for Keep the Beat and connect with youth across the world in the No War Zone online forum.

WITNESS: www.witness.org
Founded by musician, Peter Gabriel, WITNESS supplies activists throughout the world with video cameras and training for protection and to document human rights abuses. Visit the website to view footage, sign urgent actions and learn more about how video can be used for change.

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4. WOMEN FOR PEACE


Association for Women’s Rights in Development (AWID): www.awid.org
Click on Young Women and Leadership (YWL) for mentorship programs, profiles of women leaders around the world, and other great resources or sign up for the YWL listserv.

United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM): www.unifem.org
This UN division works exclusively toward women’s empowerment and gender equality. Click on resources to download reports, training manuals, indicators, etc. Learn about a range of topics including human rights, HIV/AIDS, trade, economic security, etc. and read personal stories and voices from the field.

Women In Black International: www.womeninblack.org
A worldwide network of women actively opposed to war, militarism and other forms of violence. Local chapters regularly hold public silent vigils protesting war and violence in communities around the world. Click on Canada for events and contacts in your community.

Women's International League for Peace and Freedom
: www.wilpf.org
Join a committee and/or campaign to help participate in this league's mission to connect women and work for peace all over the world. All members receive a free subscription to their Peace and Freedom magazine, which further outlines ways to get involved.

Women Waging Peace: www.womenwagingpeace.net/content/voices.asp
Women from conflict zones around the world speak in their own voices about their non-violent struggle to build peace in their countries. Their stories inspire and inform!

Women’s World Organization for Rights, Literature and Development: www.wworld.org
This international free speech network for feminist writers features women’s personal stories of struggle and conflict (see Programs and Publication Archives).

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5. ECONOMIC JUSTICE


Adbusters: www.adbusters.org
This website features the online version of the popular bimonthly magazine, along with engaging consumer action campaigns, including annual Buy Nothing Day. Peruse the gallery of spoof ads and culture jams, enter your own creative contest submissions and download hilarious stickers and banner ads.

Anti-Apathy: www.antiapathy.org
Visit the SwAAp and Shop section and barter your belongings through a coordinated cooperative exchange. Find out how to shop with a conscience along with other important consumption tips.

Behind the Label: www.behindthelabel.org
This multi-media magazine and online community features extensive information on labour conditions in the garment industry. The site includes in-depth profiles of international sweatshop struggles, mini-documentaries and photos, facts about sweatshop retailers and opinion pages.

Bridgehead: www.bridgehead.ca
As a Canadian supplier of fair trade products (coffee, tea, cocoa), Bridgehead promotes global exchange that puts people before profit.

The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives: www.policyalternatives.ca
This national organization conducts research and produces reports, books, opinion pieces, fact sheets and a monthly digest on issues of social and economic justice.

The Canadian Council for Social Development: www.ccsd.ca
This social policy and research organization focuses on leading social issues in Canada including poverty, disability, and diversity. The website features excellent reports and statistics for research.

CleanClothes campaign: www.cleanclothes.org
Join a campaign dedicated to improving working conditions for garment workers worldwide. Sign onto urgent appeals, investigate working conditions for leading clothing companies, and check out campaign updates.

Equiterre: www.equiterre.org
This website is an excellent source of information on fair trade, ecological agriculture, sustainable transportation and energy efficiency. Check out the helpful guidelines for responsible consumerism and event listings in your community.

Fairtrade Labeling Organization International: www.fairtrade.net
FLO is the leading worldwide labeling organization for Fair Trade products. Visit this site to learn about products, standards and certification procedures.

Global Exchange: www.globalexchange.org
The website for this US-based organization features great research and campaigns on a range of human rights and economic rights issues. Check out their educational “reality tours” across the US and Mexico.

International Labour Organization: www.ilo.org
This UN Agency focuses on human and labour rights. Check out the International Programme on Child Labour and find out which countries have ratified the convention against child labour.

Jubilee Research: www.jubilee2000uk.org; Jubilee Debt Campaign: www.jubileedebtcampaign.org.uk
These are two UK-based sites focusing on the global debt cancellation campaign. Visit Jubilee Research for data and information. Then visit the campaign site for updates, resources and actions.

KAIROS: Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives: www.kairoscanada.org
This church based social and economic justice organization addresses a range of global topics, as well as local Canadian issues such as aboriginal rights, poverty, refugees and migrants and more. Check out the latest campaigns including Cultivating a Just Peace.

Maquila Solidarity Network: www.maquilasolidarity.org
This Canadian network of individuals and organizations is committed to improving the labour conditions of retail workers. Visit the online resource centre to learn more about the garment industry and child labour. Check out the excellent action tools for research, education and campaigning.

New Dream Action Network: www.newdream.org
This site promotes the choice to buy, live and consume responsibly, presenting many practical ideas and achievable goals. Check out Turn the Tide: Nine Actions for the Planet and start making simple yet effective personal changes.

PovNet: www.povnet.org
This site features information on poverty issues in Canada, providing links to organizations and websites addressing poverty, homelessness, seniors, youth, First Nations issues and more.

Project Love: www.codecan.org/english/canadian/index.html
Project Love gets kids to fundraise and send educational supplies to Third World countries. In addition, they educate these youth about the international situation. Check out the resource materials page on their website for great resources.

Street Kids International: www.streetkids.org
Street Kids International works to help the international poverty crisis and get kids off the street. Check out the IMPRINT programs in the Global Education section for some great ideas.

TransFair: www.transfair.ca
Learn about Canada's independent certification organization for fair trade coffee, tea, cocoa and sugar. Click on each product to find out who the importers and suppliers are in your community.

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6. ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES / STEWARDSHIP


Canadian Geographic: www.canadiangeographic.ca/cea2004/en/default.asp
Check out past winners of the CG annual Environment Awards and nominate your own candidates for this year’s awards. Or get personally involved by enrolling your school for the Youth Green Team Challenge.

Canadian Environmental Network: www.cen-rce.org
The Canadian Environmental Network tries to promote sustainable living and protect the Earth. The Network is a large umbrella organization that works to connect and support smaller environmental groups across Canada. Information is available on a wide variety of environmental issues, and the site has links to affiliated provincial organizations. Find out what’s going on nationally and in your own community!

Canadian Institute for Environmental Law and Policy: www.cielap.org
CIELAP is a non-profit environmental research organization that examines the environmental, social and economic impacts of current policies, laws and practices in Canada, and then researches, formulates and communicates more sustainable alternatives. They also aim to educate Canadians on these issues through programs such as their Citizens’ Guides, poster maps of Canada and the website, which help people to understand environmental issues and to take actions to create healthier communities. Issues include green power, food and biotechnology, air and water, and hazardous waste. This site will teach you a whole lot about issues that affect you and what you can do about them!

Climate Change – Government of Canada: www.climatechange.gc.ca
This government website contains national and global information about climate change and the measures being taken to address it.

David Suzuki Foundation: www.davidsuzuki.org
Founded by leading Canadian environmentalist, this site features information and action for environmental stewardship, with lots of practical ideas and ways to participate on an individual, school or community level. Take the nature challenge to find out the 10 most effective ways to conserve natural resources.

Earth Charter Initiative: www.earthcharter.org
The Earth Charter is an international declaration of the fundamental principles for building a just, sustainable, and peaceful global society in the 21st century. Add your signature to this important international document and put its principles into action in your community.

Environment Canada: Youth and the Environment: www.ec.gc.ca/youth/
Connect to youth and organizations in environmental fields to get involved, expand your knowledge, learn about related careers and be inspired!

Environmental Youth Alliance: www.eya.ca
EYA is a community development organization dedicated to improving our physical and social environment through hands-on community projects that involve, train and employ young people. The Free Resources page offers guides to action and a publications section that includes a downloadable youth magazine.

The Ecologist: www.theecologist.org
This UK-based publication is the world's longest running environmental magazine, addressing many global issues. Check out eco-buys, resources, campaigns and archived articles indexed by topic.

Evergreen: www.evergreen.ca
This site offers great tips and resources on how to create greener, healthier schools, communities and homes. Visit the tool shed of resources for “how to” guidebooks, videos and reports to get you started.

Friends of the Earth International: www.foei.org; www.amisdelaterre.org
This site features information and campaigns related to a wide variety of global environmental issues, presenting great ideas for action and cyber campaigns to get involved in.

Greenpeace: www.greenpeace.ca; www.greenpeace.org
Renowned for its high profile, creative, and bold campaigns on topics ranging from genetically modified food, to nuclear power, to climate change and more, these sites feature great action ideas and tools, online petitions and campaigns you can join.

Planet Friendly: www.planetfriendly.net
Planet Friendly focuses on peace, the environment and sustainable living in Canada and beyond. Be sure to scroll down and check out the amazing Events and Activities, the Portals and Guides section and the News and Information area for great ideas and information.

Sierra Club: www.sierraclub.ca; www.sierraclub.org
Active in Canada since 1969, this grassroots coalition works on matters of public policy and environmental awareness. Program areas include atmosphere and energy, health and environment, biodiversity and sustainable economy. Visit the international site for online actions and join the Sierra Youth Coalition.

Sustainability Network: sustain.web.ca
The Sustainability Network runs environmental workshops and works with small green NGOs to make them more efficient. Check out the Special Projects as well as the Workshops and Events sections for some great links.

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change: www.unfccc.int
Visit this site to find out the latest updates on the Kyoto Protocol using the progress measuring thermometer and list of signatories. Check out the Beginners Guide to the Convention and the Climate Change Information Kit for background research on this issue.

WaterCan: www.watercan.com
WaterCan is a registered Canadian charity that is dedicated to providing clean drinking water to the world's poorest people. The site features great fact sheets and videos about the water situation in Canada and globally. Resources for teachers are available in both English and French. Young people: check out the Kids section for fun and informative activities and great ideas for taking action!

The World Conservation Union: www.iucn.org
Click on the IUCN Red List of threatened species for updates on rates of extinction for plants and wildlife.

WWF – The Conservation Organization: www.panda.org
Formerly known as the World Wildlife Foundation, this organization has expanded its focus to include other leading conservation issues, including forests, climate change, toxins and more. Click on Passport to support WWF campaigns and check out the Activist Toolkit for action tips.

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7. GLOBAL ISSUES


Canadian Council for International Cooperation: www.ccic.ca
Check out how this coalition of prominent Canadian NGOs is collaborating to end global poverty. Click on Take Action for tips about fair trade and campaigns taking place across the country.

Canadian International Development Agency: www.acdi-cida.gc.ca
This website features information on CIDA’s overseas projects and related international issues. Topics include: AIDS, education, gender equality, capacity development, and more. Click on Youth Zone to find out how young Canadians are making a difference overseas.

Canadian Red Cross: www.redcross.ca
Learn about the work of the Red Cross in disaster relief, first aid, humanitarian issues, violence and abuse prevention, and more. The In Your Community section outlines issues and initiatives in communities across Canada. Get involved!

CARE Canada: www.care.ca
Care Canada is part of an international network that brings emergency relief to people living in poor conditions. They support and implement development projects and relief efforts around the world in hopes to overcome poverty. There are a number of projects for volunteers to work on.

CorpWatch: www.corpwatch.org
CorpWatch is dedicated to holding corporations accountable on a global scale. Search the site for information on a company you are researching and check out the hands-on Corporate Research Guide for further tips. While you’re there peruse the latest campaigns and actions.

Doctors Without Borders/ Médecins Sans Frontières: www.msf.ca; www.msf.org
Learn how doctors all over the world are volunteering their services in emergency aid to victims of armed conflict, epidemics, and disasters. Read stories from the field and learn about MSF’s latest campaigns.

Global Citizens for Change: www.citizens4change.org
The Global Citizens for Change website aims to better inform, educate and prepare educators, their students and prospective volunteers, through virtual means, about global education issues and volunteering in developing countries. Check out the Web links and resources on a variety of topics, including human rights, the environment, peace and volunteering overseas.

Habitat for Humanity: www.habitat.org
Habitat for Humanity International is a nonprofit, nondenominational Christian housing organization. They welcome all people to join them to build simple, decent and affordable houses in partnership with those in need of adequate shelter. To get involved, search their site to find a local habitat affiliate near you.

International Institute for Sustainable Development: www.iisd.org
This policy research website is a great place to access information about a range of sustainability issues. Check out the SD-Cite Research Library or Publications Centre to conduct research on the environment, security, trade, natural resources and more.

New Internationalist: www.newint.org
Read the latest NI magazine online and peruse back issues through an extensive topic index. Click onto country profiles for further information and be sure to check out NI actions to find out how you can help.

OneWorldNetwork: www.oneworld.ca
Connect with an online network of individuals and organizations from around the world consolidating information, campaigns and solidarity.

Oxfam: www.oxfam.ca; www.oxfam.org; www.maketradefair.org
Oxfam is an international development agency committed to social and economic justice. These excellent websites feature information and campaigns about food security, sweatshops, education and much more, accompanied by ready-to-use workshop kits, pamphlets and campaigners. Check out the Make Trade Fair site and join the Big Noise.

Planet Vote: www.planetvote.net
This website focuses on peace, social change and the environment in the context of democracy and voting. The Portal section has some neat information. Learn to participate in democracy to order to keep it working!

South Asia Partnership Canada: www.sapcanada.org
SAP Canada works for sustainable human development in South Asia. Learn more about issues and solutions at this information site.

United Nations Scientific, Educational, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO): www.unesco.org
The main goal of UNESCO is to contribute to peace and security in the world by promoting collaboration among nations through education, science, culture and communication. One way to help out is by becoming a member of a UNESCO club in Canada or joining a UNESCO project.

United Nations Association Canada (UNAC): www.unac.org
Visit the Canadian arm of the UN and sign up for the youth and UNA-Canada listserv. Click on Youth for Diversity to learn about national youth forums against racism and download The Kit – a manual by youth to combat racism through education.

United Nations: Cyberschoolbus: cyberschoolbus.un.org
The Cyberschoolbus is the online education component of the Global Teaching and Learning Project. The website educates youth on the various concerns and activities of the United Nations. There are fantastic sections on peace education, poverty, human rights and other global issues.

United Nations Homepage: www.un.org
Visit the main UN homepage for background information on this global institution and UN Millennium Development Goals. Click on Peace and Security to learn about the UN’s important contributions to a culture of peace and hop on the CyberSchoolbus for educational resources on global issues.

United Nations Development Programme: www.undp.org
This site is an excellent resource for research on global issues. Check out the latest Human Development Report for statistical indicators indexed by country on life expectancy, health, education, and more (listed at the end of each report). Compare your findings to other countries and earlier reports.

World Health Organization: www.who.int/en
This information hub for global health-related issues is an excellent source of research. This site features an extensive index of issues organized under health topics and country profiles. Check out the World Report on Violence and Health to explore the connection between these domains.

World Vision: www.worldvision.ca
Visit the Canadian chapter of this global faith-based humanitarian organization. Check out Youth Action Network News and 30 Hour Famine to get involved.

Worldwatch Institute: www.worldwatch.org/about
Home to State of the World publications and leading research on global issues, this site provides volumes of well-researched, practical, up-to-date information related to an environmentally sustainable and socially just society. Topics include: sustainable economies, health, urbanization, water, biodiversity, consumption, security, alternative energy sources, transportation and much more.

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8. EQUALITY / ANTI-DISCRIMINATION (GENDER, RACE, SEXUALITY, ABILITY, RELIGION, CULTURE, ETC.)


Artists Against Racism: www.vrx.net/aar
Join leading musicians, actors, authors and artists from around the world in an ambitious public education campaign, largely targeting youth, to combat racism. Check out how youth can get involved through school concerts, videos and other artistic actions and learn from the experiences of other youth.

Association for the Elimination of Hate: www.londonagainsthate.org
This organization, based in London, Ontario, focuses locally on making that city prejudice-free (offers support lines, educates, etc). There is a fantastic Links section. Don’t miss it!

Bully B’ware: www.bullybeware.com
Visit this site for information, stories and action plans on bullying and strategies for safer schools.

Canadian Race Relations Foundation: www.crr.ca
This organization is dedicated to fighting racism in Canadian society and promoting equity, harmony and social justice. Fact sheets and reports are great for research. Make sure to click on CRR’s website for youth, E-Race IT.

Disabled Peoples' International: www.dpi.org
DPI is an international organization working to promote the human rights and full participation of people with disabilities. Click on resources to research by subject or by region.

Egale Canada: www.egale.ca
Egale is committed to advancing equality for Canadian lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people and their families. Visit this site for information and legal cases on issues such as same-sex marriage, homophobia, hate crimes, youth and education and more.

Kick it Out “Let’s Kick Racism Out of Football”/Football Against Racism in Europe:
www.kickitout.org; www.farenet.org
Visit these two leading anti-racist sites organized within the European football community.

Office for Disability Issues: www.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca/sdd-dds/odi/content/goc.shtml
Learn about the government of Canada’s agenda to remove barriers and to improve the social and economic inclusion of Canadians with disabilities.

Tolerance.org: www.tolerance.org
This American organization is dedicated to fighting hate and promoting tolerance. The site features sections for kids, teens, parents, and teachers. Click on For Teens to learn 10 Ways to Fight Hate and order a free Mix It Up Handbook to start a dialogue on the social climate in your school.

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9. YOUTH / ACTION


Activist Learning: www.yp3.org
This US-based organization focuses on instigating social change by educating youth about how to take action. The site is very youth-focused, actively encouraging self-direction and self-education through community activism. Visit the Community section for inspiring stories of youth making change.

Butterfly 208: One flap, Global Impact
: www.bp208.ca
Join CIDA’s national contest for youth on global issues. See contest details and criteria, read background information on 5 global issues: child protection, basic education, HIV/AIDS, health and nutrition and the environment. See previous winning submissions and enter individually or as a group.

Aboriginal Youth Network: www.ayn.ca
This is a space for aboriginal youth to connect online and share news, rants and information.

Activists for Animals: www.animalactivist.vview.org
Click on Teens for Animals for online actions, tips, youth profiles and links to clubs you can join. Topics include animal cruelty and experimentation, dissection, vegetarianism, hunting and fur and more.

Canadian International Development Agency: Youth Zone: www.acdi-cida.gc.ca/youthzone.htm
This organization is an extension of the Canadian International Development Agency. Educators: check out the Teacher Zone Web page for fantastic resources. Youth: find out about amazing projects young people are doing across Canada and the world. You can even become a Global Youth Ambassador!

Changemakers: www.changemakers.org.uk
Changemakers is a non-profit organization, which works closely with schools, local youth organizations and other bodies. They offer support and training for teachers, young people and community workers to realize the community projects of young people themselves.

Check Your Head: www.checkyourhead.org/links.html
CYH is a youth-driven organization located in Vancouver. It educates young people about global issues by looking at the connection between global events/issues and local realities. CYH provides education, resources, training and support for youth, who can then facilitate workshops, organize events and coordinate their own projects.

eActivist: www.eactivist.org
This site features a collection of simple, easy-to-use progressive electronic actions and tools for the eActivist. Issues include: animal rights, anti-racism, corporate accountability and much more. Check out tips for eActivists to get you started and change the world without leaving your computer.

EarthYouth.NET: www.earthyouth.net
EarthYouth.NET is a network of young people that are taking action for a more sustainable planet. Learn about the International Youth Summit and how you can get involved with projects that make a difference. There are also many links to other great youth organizations and events where you can help out!

Freechild Project: www.freechild.org
This site features information by and for youth related to rights, citizenship and other issues affecting young people. Check out the Freechild newsletter, library and directory of social change.

Free the Children: www.freethechildren.org
This site features excellent tools and actions, all designed for youth. Download the Youth in Action Toolkit, click on Youth for Peace Ambassadors and check out the latest campaigns, such as Take a Stand for Peace and Shoes for Souls. Sign up for a leadership academy or an overseas international development project.

Girl Guides of Canada: www.girlguides.ca
Girl Guides of Canada focuses on nurturing and educating girls by encouraging them to reach their potential; to be independent, confident and caring; to develop leadership, decision-making and life skills; and to connect with their community and with the wider world.

I Buy Different: www.ibuydifferent.org
This campaign challenges youth to live and buy differently to create positive change. The site has lots of tools, resources, information, and ideas on how youth can take action.

Just Youth, Development and Peace: youth.devp.org/
Development and Peace is the official international development agency of the Canadian Catholic Church. Visit Just Youth for information on global issues and to join a chapter of other like-minded youth in your community.

Leaders Today: www.leaderstoday.com
The Leaders Today website opens with the statement: “Young people are not only the leaders of tomorrow; they are also the leaders of today!” The organization is an extension of the Save the Children Foundation, organized by Craig and Marc Kielburger. The Teacher Resources and Student Resources sections on the website (under School Boards) has great documents. Best of all, they offer training in leadership and provide workshops/activities on the global situation. Get involved!

Leave Out Violence/ Le projet LOVE: www.leaveoutviolence.com
LOVE is a leading Canadian youth-led violence prevention organization, reaching out to at-risk youth. LOVE offers teens the opportunity to speak out and channel their emotions positively through written/artistic expression, rather than violence. Its quarterly newspaper and publications feature these creative contributions.

No War Zone: www.nowarzone.org
Join a network of youth from around the world working together for peace and human rights. Click on resources to learn new facts and skills. Read country profiles and peruse the online studio to view artistic contributions from youth across the world. Speak out using the online discussion board and chat groups.

Operation SICK – Stop Inciting Children to Kill: www.operationsick.com
This independent network of students actively opposes the exploitation of children for armed conflict. Visit this site to get educated and get active. See Action for Justice for downloadable flyers and materials.

Scouts Canada: www.scouts.ca
Scouts Canada focuses on nurturing youth and supporting their development as self-reliant, supportive, responsible and committed persons. A variety of youth groups range from the ages of 5 to 24. The site offers games sections for the various youth programs, and they try to incorporate peace education into their lessons.

Sierra Club, Youth Coalition: www.syc-cjs.org
The youth arm of Sierra Club of Canada is dedicated to engaging youth in environmental issues. This online forum connects and informs local youth chapters across the country.

TakingITGlobal: www.takingitglobal.org
Sign up as a member of this online global community for youth, create a profile or online journal and connect with like-minded people from all over the world. Download useful resources such as the Workshop Kit and Guide to Action, view other youth-led projects by region or topic and visit the global gallery where you can present your own exhibit.

TUNZA, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP): www.unep.org/children_youth/tunza/
In its efforts to provide environmental leadership to countries around the world, UNEP developed TUNZA, an initiative to engage youth in environmental conservation and sustainable development. Learn about international youth conferences, read the TUNZA magazine and be sure to download A Time for Action.

UNICEF Voices of Youth: www.unicef.org/voy
This site is a forum for youth to learn, speak out, connect with other youth and take action. Join an online discussion forum and review some important tips and strategies for action. Key topics include youth rights, sustainable development, HIV/AIDS, the girl child and more.

Unesco Youth Co-ordination Unit: www.unesco.org/youth
The Youth Coordination Unit at UNESCO works for and with youth, through a wide network of associations and NGO's.

UN Youth Unit: www.un.org/esa/socdev/unyin
The Youth Unit of the United Nations monitors situations facing youth worldwide. Subscribe to the UN Youth Flash, find out how to become a youth delegate to the UN and check out exciting internship postings.

Volunteer Now! Leaders Today: www.volunteernow.ca/about/about_us.htm
Follow the simple advice posted on this website and you’ll be well on your way towards making a difference. Click on Take Action for background information on issues that need your help and tools and resources to assist you. Follow the 7 Steps to Social Action and find inspiration from the actions of other young leaders profiled.

Youth Action Net: www.youthactionnet.org
Visit this virtual gathering space for youth looking to connect and make a difference. Build your own website, track your actions online and discuss with others in an online forum. Other useful resources include listings of volunteer opportunities and an action toolkit with tips for fundraising, proposal writing, etc.

Youth Action Network: www.youthactionnetwork.org
Acquaint yourselves with this Canadian non-profit organization driven by and for youth. Read the tri-annual Youth Action Forum magazine, download the youth action manual, Fire it Up! and click on International Youth Week to find out what events are happening in your community.

Youth Canada Association (YOUCAN): www.youcan.ca
YOUCAN is a youth-on-youth organization that is working to build a culture of peace through education to youth. It focuses on youth-led initiatives in non-violent conflict resolution and violence prevention, both nationally and internationally. Check out the What’s Happening, Events and Ongoing Programs sections for some cool peace education opportunities.

Youth in Action: www.youthlink.org/us
Visit the Youth in Action site to connect, speak out and take action. While you’re there, download the Youth in Action Guide or nominate a friend for the Youth in Action Awards.

Youth Environmental Network Online Community: www.yen-rej.org
This website connects environmentally conscious youth across the country through an online discussion forum, event postings and updates. Resources include downloadable tips, templates and manuals for organizers.

Youth Mine Action Ambassador Program (YMAAP): www.dangermines.ca
Educate yourself with the latest facts and figures about landmines, connect with a featured campaign or action such as Night of 100 Dinners and join one of Canada’s leading global causes where you can truly make a difference.

Youth Resource: www.youthresource.com
By and for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning (GLBTQ) youth, Youth Resource features stories, autobiographies and articles on a range of sexual health issues. Got specific questions you need answered? Post them on the message board or consult online peer educators.

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