Britain's New Government
Paul Hilder - Avaaz.org
Remarkably, impressed by our momentum, Miliband has asked Avaaz to co-host his first major speech this Thursday -- and agreed to take questions and comments from all of us as Avaaz members. He promises "A New Diplomacy", and wants to get off on the right foot by engaging with our community - and global public opinion. Do you have a question for the new British foreign affairs chief? A statement, piece of advice, warning or encouragement? We'll put members' questions to him after his speech, and compile your words of advice into a book that he will keep in his office and consult when looking for the views of people around the world. Click below now to contribute a question or comment:
http://www.avaaz.org/en/ask_miliband
Miliband is asking himself some questions too: what Britain's foreign priorities should be, how to be more multilateral. It's fine to be challenging (you might want to ask what he'll do about one of our campaigns!) but please keep it appropriate and respectful. We're also hoping that some Avaaz members will submit their questions via video - it would be particularly powerful for our members from the Middle East, Asia or Africa to ask questions by video. (Just email comments@avaaz.org for help if you need it.) And a webcast of the whole event will be on the site after Thursday.
The best time to influence a government is in its first few days in power. We'll judge David Miliband by his actions -- and take nothing for granted. But if we are to make the views and values of the world's people shape global decisions, we need to engage openly and honestly with the people who decide. This is a great opportunity for our community to do just that.
So let's test the waters -- and give this Foreign Secretary some food for thought:
http://www.avaaz.org/en/ask_miliband
In hope,
Paul, Iain, Ricken, Graziela, Galit, Ben, Lee-Sean and the whole Avaaz team
For more information on Miliband, check out the links below:
http://commentisfree.guardian.co.uk/julian_borger/2007/06/the_appointment_of_david_milib.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Miliband
PS If you want to post a video question, YouTube is the best way - you can just use your computer's webcam at this link: http://www.youtube.com/video_response_upload?v=yCRePHUVoiU
Email comments@avaaz.org if you want help uploading video!
And to watch the webcast of the event at any time, just visit the same link after Thursday: http://www.avaaz.org/en/ask_miliband