Last Spring Equinox, as part of the Haiku Project,
thousands of people sent gifts to Minoru Makihara, the
President of Mitsubishi Corporation, in the form of warm,
positive haikus, letters, and drawings about the forest.
This project started as something new, something
completely different; an appeal to Mitsubishi with a
Japanese essence. The project gave activists, young and old
alike, a chance to express why they love the forests and
what it means to them in a non-confrontational manner.
And, it was very successfulIit seems Mitsubishi was quite
touched by the outpouring of positive energy, particularly
from the children, and has been motivated to take several
important steps towards increased environmental
responsibility.
This year, the Haiku Project is gearing up for an even
bigger and better participation for the Spring Equinox 1995.
Once again we are asking everyone to create positive
poems, letters, and artwork that express the reasons why
we fight so hard to protect the forests. This year we have
also added something new: origami. We want at least
10,000 origami cranes (or other animals) folded so they can
be hung as an installation in Tokyo. Cranes have a special
symbolic significance to the Japanese as a good wish.
In order to make this year's project a success, we need help
from all the RAGs, not only in participation, but in getting
the word out to your local schools, community groups,
scout troops, and anyone else you think may be interested
in taking part. We need to have all artwork, poems and
origami in our offices by February 15, 1995 so they can be
forwarded to Japan in time for the Spring Equinox. For
more information, flyers and printed crane folding
instructions, contact Judi at RAN at (415)398-4404.
>From RAG Rag December 1994-January 1995
The newsletter of the Rainforest Action Groups, a
network of over 125 grassroots activists groups
working nationally and internationally to protect
the world's dwindling rainforests and support the
rights of those who live there.
Published by:
Rainforest Action Network
450 Sansome St., Suite 700
San Francisco, CA, 94111, U.S.A.
E-mail: rainforest@igc.apc.org
Automatic info: ran-info@igc.apc.org
Tel: (415) 398-4404
Fax: (415) 398-2732
Rainforest Action Network is a non-profit
activist organization working to save the world's
rainforests and support the rights of indigenous
peoples. Begun in 1985, RAN works internationally
in cooperation with other environmental and
human-rights organizations on major campaigns to
protect rainforests.