Welcome to CAAT's March email bulletin.
Spring is here at last - may your days bloom with activity!
Contents:
One year after government department UKTI began promoting weapons sales, its Board is meeting to assess the performance of its new arms promotion unit, the UKTI Defence & Security Organisation. CAAT will be there to offer our own verdict on UKTI DSO's actions.
Our peaceful protest will highlight the real costs of the government's support for the arms industry. This is a fantastic opportunity to reach decision-makers, so please consider joining us in London on 30 March. Email Sarah at the CAAT officw for further information.
If you can't join us on 30 March, why not write to your MP instead. Express your concerns about UKTI's role in arms sales, and ask your MP to raise the issue with the new Minister of State for Trade & Investment, Lord Mervyn Davies.
We've suggested some key points, and provided a template for those who are short of time. Write to your MP.
Do you Want to know more about UKTI and why we say it is "armed and dangerous"? For more information see UKTI: Armed and Dangerous campaign pages.
CAAT is running workshops to better inform supporters about UKTI's role supporting the arms industry. Each session (60-90 minutes) is led by a CAAT staff member and will focus on how you can contribute and the opportunities for action in your area.
Workshops can now be booked through to 8 May. For more information and to book email Selina at the CAAT office.
Do you want to tell others about CAAT's work but feel that you lack the skills to get your message across? Or are you interested in organising action against the arms trade in your local area?
There are still places available at our Speaker and Local Campaigner Training Day where you can meet other CAAT supporters, get the facts and stats you need, and develop your campaigning or speaking skills.
CAAT's Speaker Training Day and Local Campaigners Gathering will take place on Saturday 25 April, 11am – 5.30pm, in Central Birmingham.
For more information or to book a place, email Anne-Marie at the CAAT office.
The Stop Arming Israel campaign continues. Please keep sending our SAI postcards, urging an end to weapons sales to Israel, to MPs. To order postcards, email or call Claire on 020 7281 0297 at the CAAT office.
More information on CAAT website, which links to the Stop Arming Israel site.
Student actions against university complicity in the arms trade is bringing results. Several universities, including York University, have agreed to an ethical investment policy.
Celebrate the success of CAAT's Univerities Day of Action.
Saturday 21 March
Change in Progress 2009
Join activists from eight campaigning organisations, including CAAT, for a day of training and networking to make change happen. The event is free but spaces are limited. Book online or email Anne-Marie.
Wednesday 25 March 2009
Did you know the the ExCel Centre, host of DSEi,is now owned by the Abu Dhabi government? Join East London Against the Arms Fair (ELAAF) in a musical protest outside the UAE Embassy, 48 Prince’s Gate, London SW7 1PT from 2pm. For more information email ELAAF.
Saturday 25 April
CAAT Speakers Training day - see item 4 above.
Don't forget to check our online diary for regular events by local CAAT and other groups against the arms trade.
Join the runners on the Great South Run, 10 glorious (and flat) miles around Portsmouth and Southsea, and raise money for CAAT. And it isn't until 25 October, so you have six months to get fit.
Interested? Simply visit the Great Run website and click on the Great South Run to register. CAAT will help with sponsors and support so email or call Sally on 020 7281 0297.
Peter Kennard is famous for political satire. Now you can buy his ambient DVD (a collection of his greatest works) with cover image of Tony Blair with burning Iraqi oilfields (see image on link below).
An unusual present for mothers (or any other) day, you can buy the DVD for half price, £9.99 instead of £19.99, with a £1 donation to CAAT for every unit sold. Remember to quote CAAT when you telephone on 020 7569 3039 or order online (use CAAT as the coupon code).
A big thank you to everyone who has donated to CAAT's recent appeal. Remember that 80% of CAAT’s funding comes from individuals like you who share our vision of ending the international arms trade.
Your support makes our campaigns possible. Please make a donation today .