St Aldhelms | Making a difference

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	Making a difference Trade Justice The 2004 trade justice event in Brighton targeted the UK government through their annual Labour Party Conference. It was a crucial opportunity to build momentum for trade justice in the run-up to 2005, when the UK will be in a unique and powerful position on the international stage. As host to the G8 summit of industrialised countries and holder of the EU presidency (from July to December 2005), the UK government has a real chance to make a difference to world poverty � and we want to make sure they don't waste it. 2005 also marks the 20th anniversary of Live Aid and Tony Blair has already established a new commission for Africa. It's going to be a big year for the UK, and the world, and the event in Brighton is a perfect opportunity to kick-off the action. What was happening? International speakers, celebrities and a host of other activities, including a church service for inspiration and reflection. This was also the official launch of the Trade Justice Movement's major new campaign action: Vote for Trade Justice. Cast your vote online now! For more information on the Trade Justice Campaign, visit the Christian Aid website. From our own correspondents Eight members of the parish took part in the Brighton trade justice demonstration and made sure that the voting cards gathered up from the congregations and friends went into the boxes for the "Ballot on the Beach". It may have been a long day, but it was worth it to contribute to the event and to the impressive numbers of people. Highlights included a moving 2 minutes of silence as we remembered all those whose lives will be profoundly affected if the proposed "free" trade rules are imposed on the poor countries of the world. We then made a lot of noise with pots & pans, whistles, rattles, & voices - hopefully those inside the conference centre would very much be aware of our presence. The only disappointing aspect has been the lack of coverage of the demonstration in the media, but that just means that we need to make extra sure that we continue the campaign and encourage others to take part. We cannot know how many hearts were touched by the event and how they will come to serve the aims of the trade justice movement, but we have to have faith that our actions and our prayers will make a difference. It is already clear that it is a growing issue and together with debt in the developing world those in power and influence are taking note and beginning to take action too.
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