Do you fancy representing Mumsnet at the G8 Summit in June?

[RowanMumsnet]

Hello,

We have an opportunity to send an MNer to the G8 Summit in Enniskillen, Northern Ireland. The G8 meeting forms part of the UK's current Presidency of the G8, and is an opportunity for leading heads of government to get together to discuss major international issues.

The trip would be part of a project associated with the IF Campaign, and they're looking particularly for someone with an interest in world hunger. You'd be asked to report back as events unfold via a thread on Active Conversations, and also possibly speak to the press while you're there.

You would need to be available between June 16 and June 18, and willing to travel and stay overnight (unless you're very local); travel and accommodation expenses will be covered.

So if you're interested in international issues, and particularly the objectives of the IF campaign, do please post here to indicate your interest. We need to have a name by lunchtime on Tuesday May 21, so time is of the essence!

Thanks,
MNHQ

[Bogeyface]

I would like to throw my name in too. My main interest is in Aid and not only how it is used but how the countries giving Aid are sure that it is going to the places it is needed and not to corrupt governments or officials. Also, I have been part of the Nestle boycott for years, I feel that what Nestle do is just the tip of the iceberg of large companies exploiting the developing nations for profit.

[AnyFucker]

Ooh, some more worthy peeps.

Competition, McMoon !

[mcmooncup]

I'd wear Boden.
I'd bring a biscuit tin to ask all the vair importants about their biscuit choice.
I boycott Greggs sausage rolls that's not true
I'm sure there are lots of worthies. grrrrr

I am amazing at hustling though. I don't care if that is awful. I'd get us some good stories possibly not the ones Rowan necessarily wants

[Pleaseandthankyou]

This sounds like a very worthwhile way to spend a few days. I have been very interested in the debate over biofuels and have been following Action Aid's campaign. I was also shocked at the tax avoidance of multi national companies in third world countries. They are all part of the same big picture. I would love to be considered. I have been following a low carb thread on mumsnet and I'm just think sitting here thinking how ironic that is. Life is a lottery and where you are born determines how tough it is. While I have too much to eat and am struggling to reduce my intake someone else is starving and wondering how to feed their children

[MiniTheMinx]

Excellent post Bogeyface although I agree with Parenti on this, the Western Governments have historically not worried if the money found it's way into the back pockets of corrupt officials and puppet dictators. In fact a certain Western country has waged political, violent and economic war upon any nation that fails to open up their economy to foreign investment. Advanced capitalism with it's unequal development across the globe, the debt slavery of poorer countries and the insistence that neo-liberal free market reforms be embraced have caused the crisis. Where subsistence farming and pre-capitalist forms of exchange have existed the corporations have called upon government interventions to open these countries up to capitalist exploitation of cheap labour and new markets.

The third world is not underdeveloped (not in the way we are led to believe) but over exploited. Those countries richest in natural resources of often those in debt peonage to the world bank and IMF.

I would love the opportunity to represent MN at the G8.

We have been sponsoring a child in Bolivia for some time. I am passionate about ordinary working people being given the educational opportunities, access to direct funding, access to capital/tools and believe that where pre-capitalist means of exchange have in the past fed families, what is needed is something other than free market reform.

The neo-liberal free market model is failing to feed the world. It isn't the best way of ensuring a fair distribution.

[EleanorHandbasket]

I have no idea about anything but I'll go. Is there free grog?

[nononsensemumof2]

I would love to represent mumsnet, and speak up for all women hungry for food and equality, world wide. I have a vast experience of public speaking, community politics and womens issues in particular. Please dont hesitate to get in touch for more details.

[AnyFucker]

arf

[EleanorHandbasket]

hahahahaha

Just don't ask you about DNA though, eh, Nononsense?

[AnyFucker]

that was to Eleanor, not you, nono

you are very serious'n'stuff

[MiniTheMinx]

What's this about DNA?

[nononsensemumof2]

On the contrary , Elenorhandbasket, its one of my favourite subjects, as I'm sure you are alluding to. If we dont all wish to go to Hell in a hand basket, that is.!

[nononsensemumof2]

AF Thanks. You are so right!

[SacreBlue]

I'd be interested too. I have experience of lobbying at local, national and European levels and am very familiar with working with the media. I am not totally local to Enniskillen but Belfast so close enough if follow up interviews by local media were required.

Do we need to send CV/details of our experience or is it a 'lucky dip' type affair?

[Bogeyface]

Is swearing off limits?

Bugger, thats me fucked then.... :o

Only joking, I can keep my mouth sweet when needed!

[MiniTheMinx]

Monsanto, excellent subject.

[GetOrfMoiLand]

Bloody hell you lot make me feel like a complete inadequate.

[EleanorHandbasket]

Sorry about that GetOrf.

You can share my grog.

[GetOrfMoiLand]

No, I am lumping you in as one of the 'nice, but useless' crowd along with me.

[EleanorHandbasket]

I'm basking in all this greatness-by-association. So many proper grown ups here.

Lump away.

[reelingintheyears]

Do we get to vote on who goes?
I'll vote for Eleanor.

[MrsGeologist]

I vote Eleanor too, if she promises to share the free booze she acquires.

[MrsGeologist]

Or TSC, because she probably would swear and I think the G8 summit needs a bit of swearing.