In 2009 you can STAND UP with millions of others around the world against extreme poverty and inequality.

World Vision is committed to the Millennium Development Goals and is working with the Stand Up campaign to help mobilise our supporters to make a stand against poverty. We find poverty intolerable and unnecessary--but for governments to act against the economic forces that entrap the poor, Kiwis need to put some political pressure on those who hold the keys of power.

In 2000, leaders from 189 countries signed up to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), a global plan to halve poverty by 2015.

The Stand Up campaign strives to remind governments and policy makers of their promises. The promise to end poverty inequality and hunger. The promise to stop children dying from preventable diseases.

The promise to ensure basic education for all children, particularly girls. The promise to stop women dying during pregnancy and childbirth. The promise to provide water and sanitation and to protect the environment.

Together participants around the world STAND UP to make governments honour their commitments on more and better aid, debt cancellation, trade justice, climate action, gender equality and public accountability.

Last year 116 million people Stood Up against global poverty and inequality, of that only 770 were from New Zealand. This year we plan to lead a stronger charge as the first country in the world to Stand Up and show its support for the MDGs. Anyone can take part in Stand Up, it is very simple and can be done almost anywhere.

Stand Up itself simply involves participants starting in a crouching or sitting position and Standing Up for approximately 1 minute. During this time they are counted and the total number of people are submitted into the national and global count. The idea is to show our leaders that there are people who support the active pursuit of the MDGs.

If you, your family or church would like to take part in this year’s Stand Up you can either join a Stand Up event that has already been organised, or you can register and organise your own. You can find out whether there are Stand Up events taking place in your area by clicking here.

You can find out how to organise an event at your home, church or workplace by clicking here

Churches have a proud tradition of supporting global causes that promote just and equitable values. The eradication of extreme poverty and injustice are values that almost all of us identify as a cause worthy of engaging. We hope that you and your church will also join the global campaign and become a Stand Up partner.

To find out more information about Stand Up, click the following links:

• www.standup.org.nz
• www.standagainstpoverty.org