What’s involved?
Whaling is a complex global issue that needs to be tackled on a global scale. I know that this makes making a difference seem like a daunting and impossible task. But it’s not! There are plenty of ways that you can become involved. The best way for you as an individual to take action, is by adding your voice and support to the anti-whaling campaigns that are already being undertaken by national and international organizations and advocacy groups.
*GREENPEACE*
Greenpeace is an independent organization, campaigning to ensure a just, peaceful and sustainable environment for future generations. Greenpeace International and Greenpeace Australia are undertaking several local and global campaigns that call for the conservation of whales and an end to commercial whaling.
Get involved in the Greenpeace Save the Whales Campaign. You can access information on how to do this at;
http://www.greenpeace.org.au/oceans/save_the_whales/index.html.> or <
http://www.greenpeace.org/international/campaigns/save-our-seas-2/save-the-whales
*Sign up as a Greenpeace Ocean Defender*
Greenpeace aims to sign up one million Ocean Defenders by the end of the year, to place pressure on governments, corporations and the UN to respect our oceans and the people that depend on them.
You can sign up at; http://oceans.greenpeace.org/en/ocean-defenders
*Make a donation to the Greenpeace Whale Appeal*
You can do this at; https://www.greenpeace.org.au/appeal/whale_appeal.php
Donations go towards;
? Applying pressure whaling companies to stop the hunt
? Exposing whale hunters
? Increasing our campaigning in Japan, where whaling companies operate
? Spreading the word about saving whales with public education and information
*FUNDRAISING*
If you want to make a bigger financial contribution than you can afford on your own, organising a community fundraising event may be the best action for you. There are plenty of fun ways to get together with family and friends to raise some cash for a good cause. Some ideas include; film nights, garage sales and trivia nights. Check out the “ActNow toolkit” for more fundraising ideas and assistance.
But be careful! If you plan to raise money in the name of an organization such as Greenpeace, you must be sure to abide by their guidelines. You can access the Greenpeace Community Fundraising Guidelines “Conditions for Fundraising” at; http://www.greenpeace.org.au/get_involved/pdf/conditions.pdf
The Greenpeace fundraising application form can be accessed at; http://www.greenpeace.org.au/get_involved/pdf/application.pdf
*INTERNATIONAL FUND FOR ANIMAL WELFARE (IFAW)*
This organisation has a great website that will provide you with countless ways of giving support to the worldwide anti-whaling campaign and for getting your voice heard.
The major focus of the IFAW campaign is to put a stop to Japanese whaling. If you support the IFAW position on whaling, the IFAW website gives you the opportunity to;
? Register your objection to Japanese whaling
? Speak out by telling the Australian Government to take legal action against Japan's whaling program
? Make a donation, or
? Spread the word by sending a Whale E-card to friends or family.
Check out these options at: http://www.kintera.org/site/c.efISK1OzFoG/b.727391/k.CBA4/Home.htm
You can also subscribe to the IFAW newsletter to receive regular updates on their campaign.
*AUSTRALIAN CONSERVATION FOUNDATION (ACF)*
The ACF's marine campaign focuses on the conservation of whales, sustainable fisheries, marine protected areas and oceans policy. Check them out at: http://www.acfonline.org.au/
The ACF has a number of offices throughout Australia that you can get in touch with to find out about how you can become involved in local volunteer opportunities.
Melbourne: Ph: (03) 9345 1111 (Head office)
Sydney: Ph: (02) 8270 9900
Canberra: Ph: (02) 6247 2472
Adelaide: Ph: (08) 8232 2566
Cairns: Ph: (07) 4031 5760
You can also sign-up to the ACF website to receive monthly email newsletters on ACF activities, and regular TakeAction newsletters – which show you how to support their campaigns. Information will be sent straight to your inbox!
http://www.acfonline.org.au/members/member.asp
*WHALE AND DOLPHIN CONSERVATION SOCIETY (Australasia)*
The WDCS Australasia is part of the global WDCS. It concentrates its whale conservation efforts in the Australasian region. Their projects and campaigns are working towards reducing the threats to whales in the Indian, South Pacific and Southern Oceans. Check out their website at http://www.wdcs.org.au/projects_campaigns.php to find out how you can get involved in their campaigns to;
? Introduce Marine Mammal Protection Act in Australia
? Bring an end to Japanese whaling
? Conserve the endangered Blue Whale
*THE OCEANIA PROJECT*
Raising people’s awareness about the issue of whaling is often the first step that needs to be taken in order to make a difference. The Oceania Project does just that. The Oceania Project is a Not-for-profit, research and education organization dedicated to raising awareness about Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises and the Ocean Environment. From August to October each year they undertake a Whale Research Expedition in Hervey Bay, Queensland. Through the Oceania Project Internship and Eco-Volunteer Programs, young Australian’s are given the opportunity to jump on board the vessel the “Moon Dancer” and be a part of this Humpback whale research team! Find out more about how you can become involved at; http://www.oceania.org.au/expedition/expedition.html
*WHALES ONLINE*
Whales-online is a not-for-profit organization with a focus upon raising funds for whale protection and conservation research in the Southern Hemisphere. Visit their website at; http://www.whales-online.org/
You can help Whales-online by making an online donation. Why not become involved by signing up as a member of the Whales-online network. Members receive regular updates about whale campaigns and news items from across the globe.
*DO IT ON YOUR OWN*
Write a letter or send a petition to the Japanese, Norwegian and Icelandic Consular representatives in Australia, letting them know how you feel about their current whaling practices. Check out the “ActNow Toolkit” – for great tips on letter and petition writing.
*Consulate Postal Addresses:*
*Consulate of Iceland*
PO Box 4677, Kingston ACT 2604
*Consulate of Norway, *
South Australia – PO Box 251 Melrose Park, SA 5039
Queensland – GPO Box 2086, Brisbane Qld 4001
New South Wales – PO Box 206, St Leonards NSW 1590
Western Australia – PO Box 438, Fremantle WA 6959
Northern Territory – P.O. Box 39513, Winnellie NT 0821
*Consulate of Japan*
New South Wales – GPO Box 4125, Sydney NSW 2001
Queensland – P O Box 1493, Cairns Qld 4870
Tasmania – GPO Box 1550, Hobart Tas 7001
Western Australia – PO Box 7347, Cloisters Square, Perth WA 6850
I want to do this!
