As MPs debated whether to ban Donald Trump from UK shores after a petition signed by around 575,000 people, nearly six times the 100,000 benchmark needed for a Commons debate, I think it’s time we took a look at other ways we can crush Trump’s spew of hateful and ignorant rhetoric.
Here are a couple of Trump’s most offensive quotes and information on a variety of different ways that you can get involved in some of the issues raised:
I will build a great wall – and nobody builds walls better than me, believe me – and I’ll build them very inexpensively. I will build a great, great wall on our southern border, and I will make Mexico pay for that wall. Mark my words.
Trump seems to have a psychological fixation on Mexicans ‘invading’ America and is well known for a range of racial slurs, but it’s good to know he has come up with a credible solution to remedy the situation. The issue of borders is especially relevant in the current climate of mass movements of people fleeing from war zones, so maybe it’s time to start looking at ways in which we can embrace refugees instead of merely constructing barricades Les Mis style. Here are some of the ways you can get involved;
People to People Solidarity (Taunton)
A voluntary organisation that was initially set up out of someone’s garage, and takes in donations of clothes, tents, hot water bottles, wheelchairs and a whole range of other items, and brings the aid directly to a refugee camp named ‘Jungle’ in Calais. If you want to get involved have a look at their Facebook page where they have an extensive list of items they are looking for, or you can volunteer to help sort through donations.
Good Chance Calais
A theatre in the refugee camp in Calais has packed daytime and evening schedules to combat the monotony and dehumanisation of camp life, providing a space for writing workshops, music lessons, dance, acting and performance to bring the camp’s many nationalities together. Take a look at their website to see the different ways you can help and to see some of the artwork produced at their latest workshops.
Deport Racism 2016
This group released a highly controversial video about Trump’s comments that Mexican’s were “rapists” and “paedophiles,” as well as his assertion that children of Mexican immigrants who were born in the USA are not real Americams. The video features some Mexican children’s scathing reactions and tries to combat the racist messages embedded within Trump’s campaign.
It has not been easy for me… I started off in Brooklyn, my father gave me a small loan of $1 million.
Hhhmmm I’m not sure Trump understands the definition of the word ‘small.’ To overcome the dominance of the extremely wealthy in politics there needs to be an investment in education so that policies reflect how ordinary citizens live, here are a couple of different campaigns and opportunities to get involved in:
#UCAN
A campaign be run by UCAS in support of Unicef through raising awareness regarding the importance of education with a special focus on schools as a place of safety and hope for children from war torn communities. Unicef has launched a petition aimed at making protection from violence a priority at the World Humanitarian Summit in May through getting David Cameron to commit the government to protecting children from extreme violence.
Mentoring for Success and Inspiring Futures
Two projects run by Exeter Student Volunteers, the former focuses on supported secondary school pupils through their GCSEs whether that is exploring options for the future, advice on applications or help with studying. Inspiring Futures operates through workshops which aim to show young carers that pursing is a viable option. For more information regarding the projects and contact information visit their Facebook pages:
- https://www.facebook.com/exeterstudentvolunteermeaproject/?fref=ts
- https://www.facebook.com/exeterstudentvolunteersprojectreach/?fref=ts
Welcome Team
Apply to become part of the welcome team for September 2016 to put all of the new Exeter students at ease, move then in and answer any questions they have during the first daunting week of term. This is a really great way to make a huge impact on someone’s start at the University plus you get paid for it!
Featured image: Flickr.com