The Methodist Relief and Development Fund (MRDF) is to host a series of conferences this summer aimed at helping people do their part to change the world.

'Make your mark' is MRDF's first ever series of development conferences, being held throughout May and June and featuring presentations on critical development issues such as trade justice and climate change.

Simeon Mitchell, MRDF Campaigns Director, said: "It is easy to be overwhelmed by the magnitude of the world’s problems, and feel helpless in the face of poverty and justice.

"We want people to understand that they can make a real difference to the world’s poorest communities, often by taking very simple actions."

He said the conferences would help people find their role in bringing an end to policies and structures that are unfair to developing countries.

"Many developing countries are paying back unfair debts – money that could be invested in health or education. Unfair international trade rules have also left countries unable to generate the wealth that could lift many of their citizens out of poverty," he said.

"Our conferences will give very specific suggestions of what people can do to fight against the policies and structures that keep others poor."

Presentations will be given by organisations working in the field of development, including the Jubilee Debt Campaign, Stop Climate Chaos and Trade Justice Movement will give presentations.

Representatives of MRDF will also highlight some of the ministry's development work.


On the web: www.mrdf.org.uk/makeyourmark