Pittsburgh Darfur Emergency Coalition
Since 2004, Pittsburgh Darfur Emergency Coalition (PDEC) has been leading the local advocacy movement to end genocide in Darfur. PDEC mobilizes public support of its aims and translates them to policy makers by organizing public events and generating media coverage. PDEC has proven itself to be one of the most energetic and effective local advocacy groups focusing on an international issue. Through a myriad of activities, as well as effective communications and outreach, PDEC has gained the attention of the general public, the media and policy makers. Global Solutions Pittsburgh’s participation in PDEC has provided us with innumerable networking opportunities in new communities. It has been an honor and a learning experience for Global Solutions Pittsburgh and its staff.
PDEC has had many accomplishments since it’s founding, including:
- Participating in a national postcard campaign that netted over 15,000 postcards in 2006, one-tenth of the national total
- Coordinating a petition campaign in Western Pennsylvania that led to the passage of HB 1140 divestment bill in the PA House
- Successfully lobbying for the passage of the Darfur Peace and Accountability Act in 2007
- Successfully lobbying for City of Pittsburgh divestment in 2007
- Helping to foster collaboration across Sudanese diaspora community in US and build a dialogue with the United States State Department
PDEC has also held a number of successful events within the community, working to raise awareness and push for local people to take action for the people of Darfur. Recent examples of these events include:
- January 5, 2011 – March and Rally for Peace in Sudan and a Week of Action to raise awareness about the impending South Sudan referendum
- November 17, 2010 – The Choice for War or Peace in Sudan: Beyond the January 9, 2011 Referenda presented Ambassador Jendayi Frazer presentation at Carnegie Mellon University
- March 19-21, 2010 – The Way Forward in Darfur and South Sudan diaspora conference with Maj. General Scott Gration (Ret), US Special Envoy to Sudan
- September 22-25, 2009 – Destroyed Villages Sign Exhibit constructed on Flag Staff Hill opposite of Phipps Conservatory during the G-20 reception
Be sure to watch the video from the March and Rally for Peace in Sudan:
PDEC meets every first and third Wednesday of each month in the Carnegie Library of Squirrel Hill, 5801 Forbes Ave. For more information about PDEC, please contact David Rosenberg, Coordinator at 412-992-0102 or at jumphook@gmail.com.
Be sure to Like PDEC on Facebook and also check out photos on their Picasa page.
