Nearly 1,000 Events Hosted Around the World

The People Speak (TPS) today announced that its member groups held nearly 1,000 events around the world in September – the majority led by people under the age of 21 -- and are on track to host more than 14,000 events taking place in all 50 states and in more than 50 countries around the world in before December 31st. 

Coordinated by the United Nations Foundation, The People Speak is a partnership of diverse civic organizations, including Americans for Informed Democracy, International Debate Education Association, League of Women Voters, National Forensic League, Religions for Peace, and the United Nations Association of the United States of America.  Together the organizations are hosting dialogues around the world focused on the theme, "Working together in the World: What's in it for the U.S.?"

"International issues dominate the headlines – from security issues associated with North Korea, Iran, the war in Iraq, to human rights issues in Sudan and worldwide challenges like Avian flu and global warming.  Young people have a powerful interest in these issues and deserve to be heard on them.  That is what the People Speak is all about.   All over the country, the People Speak is organizing debates, town halls and discussions about key issues on the international agenda.   The response by young people suggests they are anything but apathetic about global issues and the global future.   We're delighted so many young people are getting involved and making their views and voices heard," said Timothy E. Wirth, President of the United Nations Foundation.

"We recognize that young people get information and hold discussions differently than their parents did.   Today's young people expect and deserve dynamic online tools that allow for interactive discussions, forums, compelling videos and blogs," said Victoria Baxter, Director of the People Speak. "This year, we have completely overhauled and upgraded our website to make these tools available.   At  www.thepeoplespeak.org people are finding podcasts and forums that connect them with interesting leaders and rich discussions on the most pressing issues of our time."

Events in September focused on energy and global climate change, the Millennium Development Goals and peace, security and human rights, and the situation in Darfur. The website, www.thepeoplespeak.org, featured guest blog entries from policy makers such as former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich and UN Assistant Secretary General for Peacekeeping Operations Jane Holl Lute.  Student leaders have also contributed blog entries discussing why global issues matter for today's youth.

Upcoming events include:
• A video conference between U.S. and Asian students entitled, "A Better, Safer World: Stopping the Spread of Deadly Weapons" on October 16.
• A debate about human rights and the Millennium Development Goals held in Kigali, Rwanda on October 21.
• A discussion, entitled, "Election Speak Out: What foreign policy issues will influence your vote next Tuesday?" at Kansas State University on November 3.

About the People Speak

Launched in October 2003, The People Speak was created to raise awareness and initiate discourse about international issues and the United Nations' role in the world.  Since its inception The People Speak has sponsored more than 19,500 events reaching individuals in all 50 states and 46 countries. Working with partner organizations, the program continues to develop new ways to increase discourse and reach people of all ages in communities across the U.S. and around the World. 

With an estimated 14,000 events taking place in all 50 states and in more than 50 countries around the world, there is no shortage of ways to participate.  TPS events span from town hall meetings to movie screenings to global videocasts. Additionally, the TPS website invites people across the globe to join online discussions, take part in live Q&A sessions, post guest blogs, submit podcasts and share photos of events, contemplate the question of the week or just read what your peers have to say. The site also provides a toolkit for organizing your own TPS event, a calendar listing of events, tons of background information and offers opportunities to take part in PSA and essay contests.

For more information, please visit www.thepeoplespeak.org. 

Contact:
Alissa Maupin
Press Secretary, The People Speak
919.923.6785
alissa@thepeoplespeak.org