World Homeless Day 10-10-10

[reject]

There seems to be an international day for this or that all the time. Sometimes even an entire week or month is devoted to focusing our attention on an issue or group of people in need.

But there hasn't been an international day focusing on homelessness ... until now.

World Homeless Day, a worldwide collaborative effort that has just been announced, will henceforth be held on the 10th day of October every year. This year it happens to fall on the date 10/10/10 which is a nice little hook for the media.

So what should or could be done on this day? Seriously, We are asking you, as the day is there for you to use as you see fit to affect change and make a difference in the lives of homeless people.

To answer questions that might be springing to mind, the idea emerged during discussions amongst members of the World Homeless Forum. And don't worry that it won't catch on -- already, groups in more than 50 countries are making plans for the day, barely a month after the idea was unveiled.

We all know these international days of something or other come and go, but We've learned after talking to some of the organizers of other recognized days that, for groups that take advantage, the days can be very powerful in terms of fund-raising, awareness-raising and garnering significant political power.

There is no prescriptive call to action like everyone light a candle and hold hands or some rubbish like that. World Homeless Day is a gift to the homeless sector and everyone in it to use in any way they want locally, providing the opportunity to point to something larger internationally and draw strength from that.


If you are part of a charity, considering taking advantage of this concept to gain connections with members of the community that you don't have already. For example, World Homeless Day is the perfect excuse to contact a local school, church or service club like Rotary. Contact them, offer guest speaking opportunities and suggest partnering to raise money. Politicians can be encouraged to release new funds or proposals on the day or to acknowledge the good work already being done by people and organizations in their city or state.

In some countries, 10/10 is already being planned as a benchmark day each year to note progress. It should be noted that, to date, current and formerly homeless people have done more than anyone else housed or working in the sector to promote World Homeless Day and encourage charities to become involved.

World Homeless Day could be ... [insert your idea] ... if you make it happen.

What you can do today to prepare for 10/10/10:

If you have a website: include the supporters button found on the official site (already on 50,000 web pages).

If you are on Twitter follow us @homelessday

If you are a service provider and attend meetings with other service providers, as we all do, put discussion of World Homeless Day on the agenda.

If you need support planning the day or want to collaborate with others involved there is a section in the International Homeless Forums [b]here[/b]:

www.worldhomelessday.org

FB group: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=252124162444

So... its looking massive UK and globally any thoughts?

[reject]

World Homeless Day Newsletter

Firstly, something to warm the heart and get you inspired for World Homeless Day - a group of homeless people in London have put this music video together http://www.indiegogo.com/Heroes-Villains?i=fcbk
We have also garnered the support of several celebrities, including John Mellencamp: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7O53u42gXI
If you don't have your own public service announcements to run on 10/10/10 or during the lead-up, please contact us: info @ worldhomelessday . org
Additionally, if you have created any advertising or promotional material, please feel free to send it to us so that we may include it to share with others.


Update on World Homeless Day

World Homeless Day is spreading like the best lit campfire and the chats that go with it. To our absolute delight we are learning of new initiatives and events on a daily basis.

World Homeless Day will be marked in all 5 continents, in over 100 countries and even the virtual world http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3aHx3olvtm8 In addition, other international organizations have signalled their intent to participate!

World Homeless Day is looking more and more like the billion dollar idea we hoped it would be. Remember, this concept was only launched less than 6 months ago - and we are blown away by the positive reaction the day is receiving! And this is only the first year. From a long term perspective, we can only expect the event to expand considerably further over the coming years. Calls to action are spreading via word of mouth in local communities all over the globe, employing the profile that our international day provides.

If you don't have plans in place already for this year's inaugural World Homeless Day, you may be missing a massive opportunity to assist our homeless community...BUT it’s never too late!

If you are in need of a press release to send out the week before the actual date, 10/10/10, please contact us ASAP so that we can work together to tailor one suitable to your organization and your needs.

The media, locally and internationally, is hungry for stories about what you and/or your organization are doing to serve our homeless, as well as your comments on the issues surrounding homelessness.

It is not too late to get in touch with local schools, businesses and community groups and provide them with opportunities to support your organization and your aspirations it is not too late to get in touch with local schools, businesses and community groups and provide them with opportunities to support your organization and your aspirations for World Homeless Day.

Globally, several tent cities are involved in World Homeless Day and are putting many charities to shame in their enthusiasm and planning for the day, despite limited resources. Might you assist them on a volunteer basis?

The World Homeless Day team will continue to supply resources for you to use, but remember, the day belongs to you! Use World Homeless Day to achieve your aims. Act locally, act boldly, act as best you can to benefit our ‘street communities’ collaboratively....and enjoy the collective action such a day brings in terms of attention to the issue of homelessness to make our voice heard!



Contact us directly: info @ worldhomelessday . org

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=252124162444

International Homeless Forums official discussion space:
http://www.homelessforums.org/forumdisplay.php?f=115

www.worldhomelessday.org

[faceless]

[reject]

Sorry Guys for not updating! Been flat out and only back from London a few days ago... just recovering now!
Thankfully the day surpassed my wildest expectations... 5 continents.. the virtual world.. and even the skies!!!

Check out the FB group for some reports (link above)
or http://homelessness.change.org/blog/view/how_did_you_observe_world_homeless_day

The images from Bangladesh I found particularly moving... and the San Fran action quite funny as well as doing a section 6 (squatting law) in London on a TENT lol

Next year will be massive!