Social Action Roundup

Participant Media presents entertainment that inspires and compels social change. Behind these films and issues, there are thousands of people nationwide who work tirelessly on campaigns that use the films as inspiration to make a difference. As a member of the company’s Social Action team, which develops initiatives that are inspired by the films, I’m excited to announce the first posting of a weekly blog of Sarah’s Social Action Snapshot, which will offer the latest updates on our campaigns and offer specific actions and tools, from our campaigns, for people to get involved in issues in the news.

Food, Inc.
Do you want to know about rGBH dairy, issues facing small farmers or organic yogurt? If so, check out our recent online chats with some of the leading food advocacy organizations from our campaign and Stonyfield Yogurt.

We learned this week that obesity rates continue to climb with an expected 103 million Americans to be obese by 2018. Scary? Yes. Preventable? Yes. Take action by supporting menu labeling and check out our campaign’s 10 tips for healthy eating.




The Cove
Residents of Taiji, Japan were tested recently for mercury after the release of The Cove led to widespread public concern about mercury-poisoning from the consumption of dolphin meat. While the results showed high levels of mercury amongst residents, the Japanese government downplayed the results. Citizens around the world continue to keep the pressure on the Japanese government to stop the capture and slaughter of dolphins for human consumption.


The Soloist
The Soloist is the story of Nathaniel Anthony Ayers, a Juillard-trained musician who developed schizophrenia and was living on Los Angeles’ skid row. During National Homeless and Hunger-Awareness this week, the government-issued report found that 49 million people and 17 million children lacked regular access to food. Help to address this problem by donating and volunteering with Feeding America.

The New York Times is reporting on a creative Philadelphia program to help prevent more foreclosures. Despite this creative effort, the number of people losing their homes continues to climb nationwide. Learn how you can get involved to help homeless people in your community with our special Soloist-inspired Volunteer Match map.

An Inconvenient Truth
A critical important climate change summit will be occurring in Copenhagen starting December 7th. World leaders and activists will join together for two weeks to hammer out an international treaty that will hopefully reduce greenhouse gas emissions drastically. Our digital team at Takepart is powering Hopenhagen, an online community offering solutions and inspiring generations to get involved in Copenhagen and beyond.

Jimmy Carter Man From Plains
In the latest news about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the Israeli government announced plans to build homes in contested-East Jerusalem. We took a cue from international peace leader Jimmy Carter and developed conflict-resolution lesson plans for kids of all ages.

Standard Operating Procedure
The Obama Administration is trying to fulfill its pledge to close Guantanamo prison. Get involved with some of the organizations we’ve worked with on Errol Morris’ Standard Operating Procedure who are continuing to fight to close Guantanamo, stop torture and hold accountable those who’ve engaged in torture of prisoners.

The Kite Runner
President Obama is deciding whether to send more troops to Afghanistan. New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof wrote recently about the importance of investing in the country’s educational infrastructure, rather than increasing troops, as an important tool to helping to stabilize and develop this fragile country. Get involved today to support the training of teachers and building of schools with Afghan Relief Organization, whom we worked with on our Social Action campaign for The Kite Runner.