16
Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
“Conflict, insecurity, weak institutions and limited access to justice remain a great threat to sustainable development.” As individuals, we don’t have much power to directly change laws and stop wars, but we do have the power to start a positive chain of events that will get things done! Make local institutions more aware of these issues and support their resolutions. Write to your local MPs back home and in Bournemouth to address issues that mean a lot to you. If enough people bring up issues to their MPs, they’ll bring those issues to parliament. Support organisations that advocate this goal such as Extinction Rebellion, Black Lives Matter, Greenpeace, Oxfam, Refugee Action. Just like our university societies and networks, these organisations are communities that are filled with like-minded people! There are countless ways to support helpful organisations, you can donate your time, money, artistic talents, social media knowledge, the list goes on!
Written and illustrated by Phoebe Coleman
We can’t allow ourselves to have a defeatist attitude, as difficult as that may be when there are so many overwhelming things going on in the world. You can make a difference, even if it’s a small one or one that only benefits a few people. If you can pay kindness forward, you’ll start a chain of good people doing good things – which in turn becomes a big development! If everyone plants a seed, we’ll soon enough have a meadow!
What can you do? • Write to your local MPs (at home and in Bournemouth) about issues you’re passionate about. • Attend or support a protest or movement • Join a society or network at AUB. • Talk about these issues with your friends and family.
You can join a society or network at AUB. They’re not just societies, they’re communities. You can meet like-minded people who could become friends for life. You’ll be able to share your ideas and create events to promote peace and justice. Examples include the Green Team, Raising and Giving, Volunteering – DM @AUBSU on Instagram to find out more about the groups you can join!
33 Green Zine 2021
Sustainable Development Goals