How to participate in the GMC

The Global Movement for Children is a call to leadership and action on behalf of children everywhere. Former South African president Nelson Mandela and his wife, Graça Machel, the former Minister of Education of Mozambique, are leading the Global Movement for Children. In order to be successful, the Movement must be based at the grass-roots level: Everyone is asked to get involved. Some options include:

· SAY YES: supporting young people and adding your voice to the thousands of others calling upon world leaders to create a world fit for children.

· BE AWARE: Every child has rights and your national and local community will not thrive unless children, who hold the very key to the future, are empowered.

· LEARN MORE: Find out how children in your corner of the world are affected by poverty, discrimination, ignorance, labour and exploitation, life-threatening diseases, the environment and other factors affecting their development. Share your outrage and hope with others.

· TAKE RESPONSIBILITY: Realize that the well-being of children is everyone's responsibility.

· BE HEARD: Voice your concerns about children's rights in your community to your local, regional and national government leaders.

· TAKE ACTION: Support projects by groups and individuals who are part of the Global Movement for Children. Stay tuned to that site for the latest from the non-governmental organizations.

· VOLUNTEER: Sign up with a local or international child rights advocacy group or spend time improving the situation of children and families in your neighbourhood.

· REACH OUT: Hold your national and local leaders accountable for the state of children's lives in your country. Extend the same mantle of responsibility to the media, non-governmental groups and religious organizations.

· KEEP CHILDREN IN MIND: Examine the impact your business decisions might have on children around the world. Protect the children of your employees and co-workers.

In these simple yet profound ways, each one of us can become an ambassador for children.

The real work of the GMC has only just begun so be sure to stay engaged with the GMC Secretariat for new developments. The GMC website will be posting stories and initiatives contributed by individuals involved in the Movement, and asks the global community to submit their own at submissions@gmfc.org. General questions and concerns can be directed to info@gmfc.org.