Author: Mary Pole

So- you are passionate about the alleviation of global poverty and injustice and are looking for ways to inspire a new generation, but don’t know how to go about it…

Well look no further, Oxfam has the answer! Oxfam is launching a drive to recruit volunteers across the South East of England, particularly in High Wycombe, Chelmsford, Basingstoke, Winchester, Ashford and Canterbury.

‘But what wondrous task will these volunteers carry out?’ we hear you cry.

The answer is simple: they will inspire the younger generation to campaign for change through visiting schools and youth groups in their local communities.

Oxfam Speakers play an essential role in their local communities through raising awareness about Oxfam’s key campaigning issues amongst youth. From campaigns about climate change to the Robin Hood Tax, they envision and empower young people to get involved in making a difference globally.

By presenting workshops and talks about Oxfam’s key campaigning issues to young people aged between 8 and 18 Speakers really do have an incredible opportunity to be a catalyst for change. We find this very exciting.

‘It all sounds well and good’ you are thinking, ‘But I’ve never done anything like this before’

It’s a good point. But don’t let it put you off: all Oxfam speakers will be trained and supported by Oxfam’s regional youth and schools campaigners whilst being given the opportunity to be creative and bring their own ideas and experience to the role. We would love people with campaigns experience in working with young people but we are more bothered about your commitment, passion for global issues, and ability to impact the younger generation with your enthusiasm.

These voluntary positions are for the period of a year for one day a week, with the odd bit of extra planning. So, if you’re passionate about global issues, love working with young people and enjoy using your creativity to make a difference, then get involved!!

Do you want to motivate and inspire youth in your area to campaign for change?

Just remember: We couldn’t do it without you!

 Please contact Jeri Dash on 01865 473248 or [email protected] for an informal chat about the role and the application process. Alternatively full details and an application process are available at http://www.oxfam.org.uk/get_involved/volunteer/latest.html#vos

The closing date is 31^st May 2010.

Is green your favourite colour? Do you call your friends your ‘merry men’? Do you see yourself as something of a heroic outlaw? Do you enjoy a nice bit of archery on a weekend? Are you passionate about eradicating poverty? Oxfam needs you!

Come and join our Robin Hood Tax Treasure Hunt and utilise your benevolent bandit skills to raise awareness of the Robin Hood Tax and compete to win tickets for top summer festivals.

On Sunday 2^nd May Oxfam is providing a unique opportunity to partake in a multimedia treasure hunt around East London disguised as Robin Hood. Teams of six will dress as the famous outlaw and tweet and blog their way around challenges across East London to try and collect the most points. The winning team will win tickets to either Latitude Festival, Winterwell Festival, or the Secret Garden Party (where Robin Hood dress will be optional).

The event is part of the Robin Hood Tax Campaign which aims to put a tiny tax on banks to raise billions for poverty in the UK and abroad. The campaign was launched in February and proposes an average of 0.05% to be levied on bank-to-bank transactions. The plan sees 50% of the proceeds being used to address domestic poverty, with the other 50% being divided between helping countries abroad reduce poverty and adapt to the effects of climate change.

Within the UK the money raised by Robin Hood could be used to avoid cuts to vital public services such as schools or hospitals, or to contribute to meeting the government’s target to halve child poverty.

In the rest of the world the Robin Hood Tax could help achieve the Millennium Development Goals; cutting child deaths by two-thirds, reducing the numbers of women dying in childbirth and helping countries such as Bangladesh adapt to deal with extreme flooding.

Its not just Robin Hood who is a fan of the campaign, celeb support has come from Jamie Winstone, Bill Nighy and Sienna Miller (perhaps compelled by the similarity between the ‘indie’ look she inspired a few seasons ago and the clothing worn by Robin Hood and his Merry Men).

So brush the dust from your bow and arrow, don your cape and red-rimmed hat and come and have some fun with Oxfam!

The treasure hunt will run from 1pm – 6pm, starting outside the Richmix Cultural Centre at 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, London E1 6LA. Tickets are £2.00, donations to Oxfam. Places can be booked at www.robinhoodgame.wordpress.com