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ID Card Free ZoneAbout OWOS
Identity
Our World Our Say is a non-party political organisation with no specific religious affiliation.
Our Mission
Our World Our Say works to give people a voice when politicians circumvent them, particularly over world changing issues. Through re-connecting ordinary citizens with their elected representatives and giving them a voice, we aim to give people power over their own future and invigorate the democratic process.
How We Aim to Meet Our Mission
- Providing ways and opportunities for people to influence key decisions
- Keeping people informed about issues that affect them, presenting this information in a clear, relevant format
- Developing citizenship
- Reaching as many people as possible
Aims and Objectives
At the root of Our World Our Say's approach is this observation: Western governments seem to be increasingly making decisions that fundamentally affect the lives of their citizens without listening to or consulting them. These decisions have implications not just for those individual countries but for the whole planet.
The aim of Our World Our Say is simple: to try and give people the opportunity to express their opposition in a simple and direct way so as to put pressure to the Government and key decision makers. The Internet provides the power to communicate with millions of people instantaneously and to ask them to take action.
The organisation aims to use modern means of communication to best effect in order to allow UK citizens' voices to be heard. Through a combination of national, regional and local press adverts; direct marketing techniques; a dynamic and interactive website; an in-depth database of elected officials and their voting patterns on crucial issues; media testimonies by high-profile personalities; and the use of innovative devices such as virtual lobbies of Parliament and regular electronic mailings to MPs and to our supporter base, we hope to galvanise as many people as possible to pursue simple and practical activities in order to reinvigorate democratic processes in this country. An active and vocal civil society from all ages and walks of life is crucial to the health of the nation.
Campaign Criteria
- World-changing significance (people-centred, is life-threatening and is of long-lasting significance)
- An issue that the public haven't had a chance to influence
- A lack of accurate information on the subject
- Vulnerable people are affected
- A number of people are directly and immediately affected
- Potential to effect change
- Potential for practical action
- Potential for marketing & fundraising
- Level of involvement of other organisations
Who Runs Our World Our Say?
The current directors of Our World Our Say consists of:
Tim Walker
Tim Walker is Chairman of Our World Our Say. His background is in the voluntary sector where he has worked in fundraising and campaigning for organisations such as the Anti Apartheid Movement and John Grooms Association for Disabled People.
Simone La Corbiniere
Simone La Corbiniere was born in St Lucia, West Indies and received her education there, as well as in Jamaica, Canada and England. The principle of service to the community was first instilled in her by her grandparents. Her grandfather, Karl La Corbiniere CBE, was one of the co-founders of the St Lucia Labour party and was the Deputy Prime Minister of the short-lived West Indies Federation.
Simone herself became politically active at an early age, taking part in the Anti- Apartheid Movement from the age of fourteen and also being involved in CND. She is an expert on marketing and fundraising, currently working exclusively in the voluntary sector.
Michael Ketchum
Michael Ketchum has a background in financial administration for organisations like Greenpeace and the Anti-Apartheid Movement.
Alastair Irons
Alastair Irons is a fundraising professional of 20 years standing; a principal of charity marketing agency TW CAT Ltd and Chairman of Trustees of International Primate Rescue UK.
Staff at Our World Our Say:
Rob Whitehead
Rob Whitehead has many years experience of working with charities and voluntary sector organisations, and worked at such organisations as Liberty, CAB and Law Centres.
Rob was brought up at the end of a runway of a USAF base, and subsequently has been politically active from an early age, working with human rights & civil liberties groups; as well as being active in community development, he has set up and participated in Housing Co-ops, Bookshop Co-ops and community newsletters.
Emily Humphries
Emily Humphries has worked as an administrator and/or bookkeeper for community, voluntary sector and educational organisations and has volunteered for many more. Being part-time at OWOS, she also teaches democracy and philosophical inquiry part-time at the local university, and is researching the relationship between gender identity and political engagement.
Ros Cook
Ros Cook - entry to be updated
Our World Our Say is also supported by volunteers who advise on political and peace issues, web design, administrative support, marketing support and research.
How is Our World Our Say Funded?
Our World Our Say is entirely funded by voluntary donations.
What Will the Money Raised be Used for?
The money raised will go into enabling people to target their political representatives over issues of key importance for humanity. The war on Iraq is one example, but state surveillance and environmental destruction are others. By drawing attention to issues and then giving people the opportunity to contract their elected representatives we are ensuring that politicians remain democratically accountable for their decisions.
How is the Money Being Accounted for?
Accounts will be audited on an annual basis. Costs are kept to the very minimum by using as much voluntary help as possible.
No Directors of OWOS receive any remuneration from Our World Our Say, as enshrined in our Articles of Association.
Is Our World Our Say Affiliated to Any Other Organisations?
Our World Our Say is not affiliated to any organisation. As such we do not have a particular political axe to grind. We believe this to be a strength.
What is the Legal Status of Our World Our Say?
Because we are a campaigning organisation Our World Our Say is not eligible for charitable status. Our World Our Say is registered as a company limited by guarantee. Registration no. 04660630. Our World Our Say is registered under the Data Protection Act 1998.
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