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February 2010
Gender discrimination exists in many forms. Women and girls around the world are frequently denied access to an equal education, to employment, to property rights and to financial resources. Find out what Plan is doing to stop gender discrimination, how YUGA is helping, and what you can do to help.
January 2010
A 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck Haiti shortly before 5pm January 12th. The areas most affected are the South West and Central provinces, which have a population of over 2 million people. The most affected cities are Port-au-Prince, Carrefour and Jacmel. Plan has been working in Haiti for 36 years, and since the earthquake, Plan has been working around the clock to deliver aid. Take a look at what's been going on in Haiti & find out how you can help!
December 2009
Over this past year, YUGA members have tackled issues including Because I am a Girl, fair trade, climate change, refugees, global leadership, poverty, child rights, and HIV and AIDS. YUGA camp was a meaningful experience for many; the 4th annual Dance-A-Thon was a huge success; three YUGA members presented photos for Plan International and ShootNations at the United Nations; and, for a second UN experience this year, two YUGA youth spoke on youth participation at UNICEF for UN representatives. Take a brief look back at this exciting year with us!
November 2009
YUGA: World AIDS Day
December 1st is World AIDS Day. While significant progress has been made in the fight against AIDS, over 33 million people still live with HIV. See what Plan is doing, how YUGA is helping, and what you can do.
September 2009
YUGA: Globalization and the G8
We live in a changing world. With many of the same issues affecting each and everyone of us, it is clear we need to come together to find solutions. How can this be done with so many different voices?
May 2009
YUGA: Refugees
Tens of millions of people right now have no homes to call their own: refugees, asylum seekers, stateless people, internally displaced people. And while the reasons range from political turmoil, to war, to natural disasters, the result is the same — children and families made increasingly vulnerable, living day by day without adequate shelter, food, water, healthcare, and education. Refugee camps are no place for children to grow up. What is Plan doing, and how can you make a difference?
April 2009
YUGA: Climate Change
Each one of our actions has an impact; some of our actions, whether we know it or not, negatively impact our environment each day. By becoming aware of the consequences of our actions, we can work to end climate change!. Learn more about how you make a difference for the environment.
March 2009
YUGA: Fair Trade
Nearly half the world lives on less than $2 a day and the poorest 40% of the world's population has only 5% of the global income. Some may question how we, on a daily basis, can help to decrease poverty levels throughout the world. The solution is simple — fair trade. As consumers, the buying power is in our own hands. If we buy and use fair trade products, we can ensure that farmers are getting paid properly for the work that they do. See what you can do to help . . .
February 2009
YUGA: Because I am a girl
Did you know that 62 million girls worldwide are not in primary school, just because they're girls? Or that girls in the developing world are less well-nourished than boys because their brothers are fed first? Or the disturbing fact that 60% of girls ages 15-19 in sub-Saharan Africa are married? Protecting the rights of girls promotes the health and economic growth of their communities and nations. Plan USA works to open doors for girls in developing countries — but we can't do it alone. . Read about how you can help . . .
January 2009
YUGA: Global Inequality
While our global society continues to make great strides against discrimination, many types of inequality persist. Inequality expresses itself in many ways, including gender discrimination, child exploitation, global poverty, access to medical treatment, prevention of disease, and vulnerability to natural disasters. More . . .
December 2008
YUGA: A year in review
As we reflect on the past year, we'd like to highlight what our YUGA members have accomplished and what remains to be done to promote global change through increased understanding, awareness and action on local and global issues. See some of what we accomplished in 2008.
November 2008
HIV and AIDS: Who is affected? What can we do?
There are 33.2 million people living with HIV worldwide according to the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS' 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic. Of these people, 2.1 million were children under the age of 15. Plan's HIV and AIDS Programs combat HIV and AIDS by providing education and communication to raise community awareness and reduce stigmatization; provide HIV testing and counseling; assist people living with AIDS with medical treatment and income-generating activities; provide counseling; and support, protect and care for those orphaned by AIDS. Learn more about HIV and AIDS and what you can do to make a difference.
October 2008
Election 2008: Make your voice heard!
The U.S. Presidential Election is less than a week away! Find out where the candidates and their running mates stand on the issues so you can make an informed decision in that voting booth. Where do the candidates stand?
September 2008
Hunger: Who is affected? How can we help?
Right now, over one billion people in developing countries need food. In developing countries, one in four children lives in extreme poverty. Globally, approximately 980 million people live in extreme poverty. These are households in which children are often the first to feel the effects of economic shocks, facing reduced food intake, or forced to leave school to earn income for the family. Improving household economic security is an absolute priority for those living on the margins of survival. Learn more about the food crisis, what Plan is doing, and how you can help.
August 2008
YUGA Leadership Camp
This year’s YUGA Camp, held at Camp Aldersgate in North Scituate, RI, brought together a diverse group of over forty youth from across the country — and the world — including the US, Canada, Sweden, Haiti, Ecuador, and the Dominican Republic. YUGA Camp provided a unique and fun atmosphere to educate, motivate, and provide the skills necessary for a young generation to discuss and address global problems. Youth-led workshops, ranging from poverty and globalization to climate change and the economy, equipped campers with the knowledge and tools needed to promote change in their homes and communities. Read what the campers had to say about YUGA Leadership Camp!
July 2008
Child labor
Child labor is a problem of immense global proportions. While the Asia and Pacific regions harbor the largest number of child workers in the five to 14 age group (127.3 million in total) or 19 percent of the children, 48 million children are working in Sub-saharan Africa, 17 million in Latin America and the Caribbean and more than 13 million in the Middle East and North Africa (ILO). Working children have little or no time to attend school, play sports, or hang out with friends. Instead, they spend long hours working in hazardous and unhealthy environments. According to UNICEF, an estimated 246 million children worldwide are currently employed in activities that are hazardous, excessive or exploitative. Read more about child labor, how Plan is helping, and what you can do.
June 2008
Child trafficking
Child trafficking refers to the illegal transport of children for the purpose of exploitation. Children who are victims of trafficking may be threatened, physically forced, or abducted. Trafficked children may be subject to child labor, slavery or practices similar to slavery and physical and emotional abuse. Plan USA's programs on child trafficking focus on increasing community awareness of the dangers of trafficking, rescuing victims, ensuring rehabilitation and healthcare, and providing education and life skill training. Read more about child trafficking, how Plan is helping, and what you can do.
May 2008
Refugees
According to the UN Refugee Agency, as of 2006 there were an estimated 14 million refugees in the world. The number of refugees has increased over 10% since 2002. Read more about the plight of refugees, how Plan is helping, and what you can do.
April 2008
Climate Change Campaign
What exactly is global warming and how is my daily life affecting the environment? These questions are important to ask when discussing the role of climate change on our world today. Global warming is the warming of the earth's atmosphere due to greenhouse gases. Learn more about climate change and how YUGA's Climate Change Campaign can get you involved!
March 2008
Environmental Crisis: Floods
As the globe's climate continues to change, many have been left in the wake of the weather that it has been producing. The destruction from these floods affects much more than the homes of the people; it destroys land, livestock, infrastructure, brings the education of many to a halt, and deepens the hunger crisis. Disease also continues to be a main concern as the risk of malaria and cholera rises with the recent floods. In order to ensure the safety of the displaced and the livelihood of those who have lost everything, action and relief are needed to support the area. Learn more about the effects of climate change and how you can get involved . . .
February 2008
Learn Without Fear
Across the globe, children are going to school in fear, many too afraid to go at all. The classroom and school grounds should be a safe haven for learning and creativity, but have become sources of fear, anxiety, and abuse for many. On December 14th 2007, Plan announced its "Learn Without Fear" campaign to the UN General Assembly in New York. Targeting corporal punishment, sexual violence, and bullying, the "Learn Without Fear" campaign looks to improve the lives of children by ending the violence they face everyday. Read more about the Learn Without Fear campaign and other ways you can support children's rights.
January 2008
2007: A look back
2007 was a busy year for YUGA. Not only did we raise awareness about issues affecting children and youth around the world through our campaigns, but we also helped several important pieces of legislation be co-sponsored by our nation's congresspeople, including the HIV/AIDS Prevention Act of 2007, the Foreign Affairs Appropriations Bill, and the Child Soldier Prevention Act. 2008 looks to be just as promising and busy a year for us, with many campaigns and activities planned — including YUGA's Leadership Camp this summer. Read more about the Leadership Camp and other ways you can get involved suring 2008!
December 2007
HIV and AIDS
Every minute of every day a child is infected with HIV. HIV and AIDS is a pandemic that affects everyone. The estimated number of people living with HIV in 2007 is 33.2 million. HIV affects every country in the world and it is important to raise awareness, educate our population, and empower those infected in order to stop the spread of the virus! Learn more about what you can do!
November 2007
Universal Education
Education is a human right and an important tool for a successful future. Right now, more than 100 million children are not enrolled in school. Many of the schools that children do attend are poorly funded and staffed so the students do not gain the knowledge and skills needed to function as a citizen of the World. Countries around the world are already working to achieve the Millennium Development Goal of universal education by 2015. Join us and support Education for All!
September 2007
Because I am a Girl
Gender inequality is an issue faced by all cultures in all parts of the world. Plan has launched the "Because I am a Girl" campaign as an effort to document discrimination against girls and fight gender inequality. Check out this month's enewsletter to read more about what Plan is doing and about what you can do to fight for equality.
August 2007
Yuga Leadership Camp 2007
For one week, Camp Canonicus in Exeter, Rhode Island was home to 50 youth from across the country and the world. The final goal of the camp was to provide youth with the skills and knowledge needed to start YUGA chapters in their schools and communities. YUGA chapters will be forming throughout the US, from Boston to Northern California, as this network of youth brings a global perspective to their peers around the country. Read more about YUGA Leadership Camp 2007 and more!
July 2007
The Convention on the Rights of the Child
The CRC promises children a better future. It has been signed by all but two of the world's countries, the U.S. and Somalia. All children everywhere are entitled to its protection, but most are let down by the adults who should be ensuring that all the articles of the CRC are applied to all children without exception. Many of the children who have grown up within the lifetime of the CRC know little or nothing about their rights and thus do not know that they are protected by international law. Learn more...
June 2007
The life of a child soldier
In over 20 countries around the world an estimated 200-300,000 children are serving as soldiers in national and guerilla armies.Child soldiers, both boys and girls, act not only as fighters, but are also sent to detect landmines, to act as spies and messengers, carry supplies and are forced into sexual slavery. Learn more about child soldiers and take action.
May 2007
For the price of a bike
In West Africa, large numbers of children are trafficked within countries and across borders to work under appalling conditions as farm workers, domestic workers or other work. It is estimated that 12% of children in Togo, West Africa are removed from their homes in rural areas and sent to work for little or no pay. Read more.
April 2007
What is fair trade?
What we buy affects the lives of families and communities in the U.S. and abroad. Often workers and farmers must endure back breaking work for low pay because of unfair trade rules that favor corporations and industrialized countries. These families often cannot send their children to school or provide the basic necessities. Is there a better way? We think so. Read on . . .
March 2007
We're tackling the climate crisis
Things are getting hotter, but there's still time to turn down our global thermostat. In this enewsletter we're tackling the issue of the climate crisis and ways in which we can promote sustainable development without taxing our natural resources. Read more.
February 2007
Behind the Label: Who Made Your Shirt?
What you're wearing might be hazardous to someone else's health! Global Corporations are providing us with more clothes, toys and electronics than ever before, but at what cost? Read about what Plan is doing, what youth are doing, and what you can do. So ... who made your shirt?
