The Millennium Development Goals (MDG) were created by the United Nations as a way of explaining in simple fashion the progress needed, particularly in third-world countries, to end poverty.  The UN is aspiring to realize the MDG by 2015.  Many social justice groups (including faith communities) recognize and embrace the MDG as a universal standard.

Often MDG campaigns focus on collecting cash for third-world countries.  In many cases, people simply give cash, and figure that takes care of their obligation.  “Out of sight, out of mind.”  There is no pressure to change their lifestyle.

For an event last summer, we created a “taking the MDG local” display.  We wanted to underline how communities who believe in bringing the MDG to reality have plenty of work to do at home.

The lifestyles we call “normal” are a huge part of what perpetuates the poverty cycle and makes the MDGs necessary.

Plus, given the realities we face within the decade (peak oil, climate change, economic contraction), it is imperative that we bring to life certain aspects of the MDGs within our home communities, to prepare them and grow resilience to adapt to our future.

With the link below you can download the tabletop cards we used in the display.  Each card was surrounded by a display of local resources about that topic.  We hope sharing this information helps you in creating positive change within your local community.

• The Millennium Development Goals, localized (Word doc) note: the display was for a church community, so does include some Christian terminology; however it could easily be modified for virtually any faith tradition.
• More resources we have created for use with faith communities:
  http://envirochangemakers.org/ECM.resources.htm scroll to “Resources for Groups”
• How our group has worked with people from a wide diversity of faith communities:  http://www.transitionus.org/blog/diversity