SI MONTHLY NEWS NOVEMBER 2005 Comments
From SI Exco News
Comments
Phone Ideas
Dear Servas key people,
Everyone likes to save money, so here are some tips about low phone rates. These work in most of Canada, and likely apply in other countries but with different details. Ask around and you might save a lot. Exco already uses Skype and Servas Canada saves a lot on conference calls with "linking".
Good luck AC S. Pacific
Michael Johnson
Skype:
Downloadable free software, to allow you to use the computer [with a microphone and speakers] to talk to anyone who has Skype. Also you can use it to PHONE people via THEIR phone, for a low price. But the computer-to-computer talking is free. Usually the quality is better than phone lines, but not always. But hey, it's free. What's the catch? You must have Windows 2000, XP, etc., it won't work on Win 98. http://www.skype.com/
Phone Cards:
Some are as low as 2c to some countries. I like Gold, Goldline and Ci-Ci, which allows calls for about 5c a minute to many countries and have no hidden fees. In some stores, especially Toronto's Chinatown, they sell for 85% of listed price. Watch out for others that may have monthly fees, connection fees [$2/call or more], higher rates than stated, etc. Most cards cost much more to call cell phones, or if you USE a pay phone.
Conference Phone Call:
One inexpensive way to make long conference calls without using special Bell reserved phone lines, is to LINK people. This works for Bell customers in Ontario, it may be available to you also.
Let's assume 5 persons want to talk. A calls B, asks B to wait, then A clicks "flash" or "link" on his phone.
If your phone doesn't have this, depress the receiver for a half second. A gets a dial tone. Then A dials * 71, gets another dial tone, and A dials C. When C answers, A says "Wait" and clicks "flash" again. Now A, B and C talk together. Now B and C each repeat the steps to call D and E respectively, using the same "flash", * 71, dial, "flash" routine.
Now 5 persons are talking and all you pay are any long distance. charges. Plus there is about $1 charge PER USE of * 71.
Cheap Bell Plan
Bell Canada won't tell you about this PLAN: First Rate Worldwide, which gives you 5c/minute calls to USA and Canada 24/7. Call 310-BELL and insist on it. There is a $3 monthly network charge, but most other plans have ADDITIONAL charges.
from Michael Johnson: unexpected[at]sympatico.ca
58th Annual DPI/NGO Conference
Our challenge: Voices for Peace,
Partnership and Renewal
New York, UN Headquarter
The 58th Annual DPI/NGO Conference, entitled Our
Challenge: Voices for Peace, Partnerships, Renewal,
provided the forum for a dynamic and diverse gathering
of civil society representatives one week before the
Sept Summit of World Leaders. More than 2,000 NGO
representatives and other civil society partners came to
New York on 7– 9 September 2005 to underscore their
support for the work of the Organization in its 60th year,
especially its efforts to eradicate poverty, promote
human rights and enhance collective human security
through deeper partnerships with civil society.
The agenda revolves around three inextricable goals: promotion of peace and security, development human rights. The agenda calls for action through renewal and reforms.
At the Millennium Summit in September 2000, the largest gathering of World Leaders in history adopted the UN Millennium Declaration, committing their nations to a global partnership to reduce poverty, improve health, promote peace, human rights, gender equality and environmental sustainability.
The Millennium Development Goals are:
1. Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger
2. Achieve universal primary education
3. Promote gender equality and empower women
4. Reduce child mortality
5. Improve maternal health
6. Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases
7. Ensure environmental sustainability
8. Develop a global partnership for development
There are also basic human rights – the rights of each person to health, education, shelter and security as pledged in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Throughout the three-day Conference, participants had multiple opportunities to dialogue, to voice their views, expand their networks and interact with Member States. In addition to seven plenary sessions there were 30 Midday NGO Interactive Workshops.
During the conference "US Servas" and "Servas International" members active participated in all Plenary sessions and workshops, like: "Peace building and Community Well-Being: The Importance of Media Collaboration and strategies"; "Dialogue on Human Rights Council"; "Voices for Peace: Violence against Women – A Violation of Human Rights and Dignity".
Mary Jane Mikuriya, Noema Chaplin, Patrice Samara and Gary Sealey discussed how our positive experience and practices of "Peace through crosscultural understanding" provides opportunities among people of diverse cultures in the cause of world peace, goodwill and understanding. Together we create effective partnerships for development best values of humanity and promote the triumph of the human spirit today and tomorrow for the future generations.
Noema Chaplin, Member of the Planning Committee
inserted by Amelia
