The period before the next Cabinet lekgotla in mid-January 2003 will be especially important in determining the prospects for the Basic Income Grant (BIG). This is a strategic moment to promote broad public understanding and discussion of the BIG and to tell public officials what you think.

The SACC and its partners in the Basic Income Grant Coalition have called for a week of action, 9 to 16 December, to focus attention on the extent of poverty in our nation and the need for a BIG. Below is a list of suggested activities that you could undertake, either on your own or together with others in a church or community group. Although you are particularly encouraged to plan one or more activities during 9-16 December, you do not need to limit yourself to this period. If you have other opportunities to raise awareness about the BIG, either before or after this time, make use of these. Also, feel free to be creative and to come up with your own ideas for activities!

Advocacy visits: The weeks of 9-13 December 2002 and 13-17 January 2003 are Constituency Periods for Members of Parliament. MPs should be available for meetings in their constituency offices during this week. Phone your nearest constituency office (the SACC can help you identify this) and make an appointment to speak to your MPs. Tell them why you support a BIG and ask them to work for its introduction. You can also meet with provincial and local officials, particularly those involved with social development or finance, to ask for their support. Community meetings: Speak to church or community groups in your area to explain the BIG proposal to people and tell them what they can do to encourage decision-makers to support it. Or organise your own public forum or panel discussion. The SACC can provide sample presentations or help you to identify possible resource people. Petitions drives: Circulate the petition distributed with the Christmas Campaign materials. You can have it on a literature table at a church or community event, post it in your church, or go door to door in your neighbourhood to canvass support. It is a good way to help people to learn more about the BIG. Don't forget to collect and submit completed petitions so that they can contribute to the national advocacy campaign! Leafleting: Pass out the Christmas Campaign flyers in public places: train stations and taxi ranks, outside supermarkets, at sports events, etc. Or go door to door around in your community. Demonstration and vigils: Hold a demonstration, vigil or other public event to call attention to the extent of poverty in South Africa and the need for the BIG. You might also want to consider holding a symbolic fast, a special church service, or other events.
Green ribbons: Wear a green ribbon to show your support for the BIG and encourage others to do so. The ribbon is also a good conversation starter! You can also distribute the cards that explain the green ribbon campaign. You may even want to make your own ribbons to pass out with the cards.
Media: Use local and national media to inform others about the BIG. Community radio is especially important. Ask your local station to do a segment on the BIG. Volunteer to be interviewed or take part in a chat show -- or help the station to identify others who could do this. You can also write letters to the editor -- or even opinion articles -- for local, national and suburban newspapers. If you plan any public events or demonstrations, be sure to invite the media.

For further assistance

It may be helpful for you to link up with other organisations in your area that support the BIG to develop a co-ordinated plan of action and to plan future activities. If you need additional resources or information -- research reports, fact sheets, suggestions for how to conduct an advocacy visit, etc. -- contact your provincial Council of Churches, the SACC National Office (011 492 1380) or the Parliamentary Office (021 423 4261). Also, please inform the SACC of your activities so that we can assess the impact of the Christmas Campaign and share ideas with others.