[stop-imf] Jubilee USA: Call in Day Weds; Let's Build On Our Victories

[robert weissman]

From: Neil Watkins <neil@jubileeusa.org>


"..The money saved from debt relief will be used to provide free AIDS drugs.
We want to raise the number of people receiving free drugs to 100,000 by the
end of the year."
-- Ng'andu Magande, Zambian Finance Minister, June 20, 2005


Dear friend of Jubilee USA,

This month, we are celebrating a step forward for our movement. When the G-8
meet next week in Scotland, they will likely approve a deal struck by G-8
Finance Ministers to provide 100% debt cancellation from the IMF, World
Bank, and African Development Bank to Zambia and 17 other impoverished
nations.

Our campaigns and work together helped create the political will to make
this life-saving debt cancellation happen! Thank you for your support. But
while we celebrate this important step forward, we know MUCH REMAINS TO
BE DONE, and that this deal is but a
first step on a long journey. And we need your help to join with us to take
the next steps. Please consider taking 2 steps with us now:

FIRST, tomorrow, Wednesday, June 29, please call the White House at
202-456-1111. Please thank President Bush for his support for cancellation
for 18 nations, but call on him to EXPAND THE LIST of countries, and CUT THE
CONDITIONS.
See
http://www.jubileeusa.org/jubilee.cgi?path=/take_action&page=j29postcard.html

for call-in details and suggested talking points.

SECOND, We hope you will consider giving to Jubilee USA today - a gift of
$25, $50, $100, or $200 - or whatever you are able - will help us to build
our movement for the work ahead. You can securely donate online now at:
http://www.jubileeusa.org (click on Donate Now on the top right) or mail
a check
(see address below). Please consider becoming a monthly sustainer so that we
can count on your regular support.

There is much more to do.

* Only 18 countries will receive cancellation right away, while more than 60
need 100% cancellation just to meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)
and even more need cancellation of odious and illegitimate debts. The deal
only cancels 10% of the debt needed for nations to meet the MDGs.

* In order for nations to qualify for 100% debt cancellation they must
submit their economies to harmful economic reforms that have not increased
incomes and exacerbated poverty and environmental destruction. Why must
Cameroon privatize its water to see its debt cancelled?

* 4 of the 18 countries slated to receive cancellation - Guyana, Bolivia,
Honduras, and Nicaragua - still owe billions to the InterAmerican
Development Bank.

Read Jubilee USA's new report, "First Step on A Long Journey" to get more
details on what the G-8 deal on debt means, and the challenge ahead of us.
See http://www.jubileeusa.org  to download the report or a 2 page summary.

We are already planning to build on our achievements and broaden our
movement.

We will more clearly support and link to related campaigns for global
justice and right economic relationships -- clearly, canceling debt is only
one part of a much broader movement for economic justice and right relations
between nations.

We are planning another inspiring speaking tour this fall - to 7 U.S. cities
- building on the success of our spring 2005 Global Connections tour - to
build our movement at the local level. We are hiring a national coordinator
for our Jubilee Congregations program - so that we can expand our outreach
in congregations and churches across the US.

But to do all of this we need your continued support. Please consider
donating today - you can make a secure online gift (a one time gift or
pledge a monthly donation) at http://www.jubileeusa.org  (click on
Donate Now on the
top right) or you can mail us a check at Jubilee USA, 222 E. Capitol St.,
NE, Washington, DC, 20003

And as we plan our next steps, we want your input - we have some ideas and
plans underway for how to build on the momentum, but we need your views and
ideas as we formulate our 3-year strategic plan. Please fill out an online
survey today!

Fill out the survey at:
http://www.jubileeusa.org/jubilee.cgi?path=/take_action&page=questionnaire.html


Thanks again for your ongoing support for and commitment to Jubilee USA.
Without you, our successes would not be possible. I look forward to working
with you to build our movement for freedom from debt in the months and years
ahead.

Sincerely,

Neil

Neil Watkins
National Coordinator
Jubilee USA Network
(202) 783-0129
http://www.jubileeusa.org