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Hi there,
I thought I'd post this in an attempt to raise some awareness for the Children affected by Chernobyl. It's long but please take the time to read it, if you can, and give it some thought ... or better still, some action.
A few years back I got involved in the Chernobyl Children's Project UK.
When a member of the local group came to give a talk at the Colchester Summer Russian language course, Essex University, (organised by my friend, Larissa Wymer. 2007 will be the last year for that course, I think, in Colchester at least) I knew I had to do something, no matter how small. So, I did.
I became an active fund and awareness raiser for the Colchester, UK, group, and arranged several fundraising BBQs, did pub and cafe charity collections, organised charity concerts, designed and put up campaign posters, got local shops involved and all sorts of things. All in all, in 6 months we raised enough cash so that at least a couple of groups of children from the Ukraine and Belorussia managed to have some good times and recouperate as best possible. Also, we were able to provide an electric wheelchair for a young chap called Pavel. Those 6 months were perhaps the most fulfilling of my entire life. Sadly, I had to leave the group to go to Russia, so at the beginning of 2002 I had to say goodbye. Other things in life took over and, well, I've had my conscience pricked again by Oksana, Victoria Seeger and Jessica. Victoria's page can be found in my top friends area.
While running the campaigns, charity collections etc, I came across some very poor attitudes from Joe Public. Sadly, there was a lot of negativity. Some people had that, 'what does this have to do with me?' attitude, or, 'this is history', or, 'this doesn't affect me'. or, 'oh no, not another charity collection ... RUN!!'. I got it all. It was hard, but I tried to accept that not everybody is kind and caring. Very difficult to come to terms with that though. I had a real problem with it at first, but there was more positivity and a lot of support, I'm happy to say. I think it 'helped' that Bradwell-On-Sea nuclear power station, Essex, is located very close to Colchester, and this played on the Colchester folk's minds quite a lot. It was easier for them to imagine being in the same, or a similar, situation.
Luckily, finding a lot of people who were supportive and aware kept my faith in humanity bouyant enough not to sink too far into a pit of depression. On the other hand, it would be nice to think that most humans have the capacity to think beyond themselves once in a while, and look at the realities and the bigger picture. Some, maybe many, people also don't realise the power they possess to make changes, even small changes. People could work wonders, but all that's missing is the decision and motivation, for whatever reason, to do so. If everyone realised their potential to make even a small change into a reality, and to get around governments and all the other things that block positive action, the world would be a totally happier, and healthier place ... though probably never perfect, of course. Anyway ... Sermon over.
I'm totally supportive of any efforts to raise the awareness of the Chernobyl disaster because the whole episode has two chiefly significant messages ... the potential danger of using nuclear power neglectfully and irresponsibly, and the outcome of that neglect as evidenced through the children and their suffering. It's a sad legacy of our times and, as much as some people try to ignore it or dismiss it, it will never go away.
If we're not more careful, it may even happen again, heaven forbid.
I guess this is the important part ... 
At the risk of making this post too long I'd like to add something about what it's possible to do, if you feel at a loss for ideas ..
1. Start your own group. Contact one of the Chernobyl charity organisations, get their support behind your group, find as many people in your area and get active. Even if it's just for collection of supplies, medicine or clothes, to be sent to the children it will all help. You can perhaps organise homestays for children too. This is an important thing, because it gives them a break from contaminated food and water, and helps to boost their immune system.
2. If you don't have time for forming a group, individually, you could even just stand on a street corner for an afternoon with a plackard, some flyers or some info sheets - even if you make them yourself - with some information about where people can make monetary and/or supply donations.
3. Get down to you local pub, bingo hall or a place that you frequest regularly and try to organise a charity collection, or raffle, or pub quiz, or other competition, where people can get a prize but contribute something at the same time.
4. If you have a band, use your gig to spread awareness for the various projects and chairities. Even offer to do a charity gig for a local group, or do one off your own back now and again. Just say a few words, add soemething to your gig posters and flyers about the Chernobyl Children (or any charity, for that matter). If you busk anywhere, make a poster that says, 'Remember the Chernobyl Children' or something like that.
5. Stick some posters on your car one day a week, or more. Your car is advertising space and could be used for raising awareness. Even if you don't feel happy about taking money collections, you can still convey information.
6.Repost this, or send it as a bulletin. 
Check out Victoria Seeger's space or get in touch with the charity organisation closest to you which deals with the plight of the Chernobyl Children.
Anyway, these are just a few ideas. Probably you can think of even more inventive ways to raise awareness, cash and supplies. Even a small thing like a flyer can prompt someone into action, so take a little time out of your day somewhen and do something positive. It really can make a difference, believe me. And it'll make you feel great!
Thanks for reading.
J
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