Why I’m Excited #3: Clare Short
In a continuing series on the blog, we're going to be hearing about parts of the Lineup for 2010 that people are particularly looking forward to. (For all Why I'm Excited posts, click here.)
In this post, Linda Ramsden of ICAHD, lets us know why she's excited about Clare Short...
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I am excited that for the first time Greenbelt will hear from Clare Short, someone of international stature who has worked with agencies such as the UN and the EU and who has rubbed shoulders with heroes such as Nelson Mandela, Jimmy Carter and Bishop Desmond Tutu. As she speaks to us from her 27 years of experience as a parliamentarian, we will learn about ways that we can be more effective in our campaigning and lobbying to help influence governance in the UK so that in the future it is more accountable to its people.
I am excited because Clare will help us to understand the role of civil society in calling for the implementation of international law and universal human rights and how we can put pressure on our government and the EU to be more effective so that they regain respect from its citizens.
I am excited because we will be hearing from a courageous individual who chose to resign from positions of power rather than compromise her beliefs. This is a plain-speaking, caring individual who continues to ‘live on the edge’ and her more recent actions have included going on a boat from Cyprus to Gaza, to help break the siege of Gaza and then speaking to Hamas because she believes in engaging in dialogue with people even if they are considered the ‘enemy’ by some.
I am excited because Clare Short will give us tools to help us in our campaigns to change history as we strive for justice for all.
And I am certain that Clare will leave Greenbelt overwhelmed and inspired by the inclusive vibrant, passionate, colourful mixture of people that make up the festival who will fill her with hope that a better world can be created.
Linda Ramsden
Director, ICAHD UK
