On September 2nd, 5actions, a campaign connected to the new film Battle in Seattle (opening in US on September 19th) was launched. The film, which describes the 1999 World Trade Organization protest in Seattle, will be a tremendous vehicle for this international campaign.

It’s November 1999, and five days are about to rock the world as tens of thousands of demonstrators take to the streets of Seattle in protest of the World Trade Organization’s Ministerial Meeting. Among them are Django (Andre Benjamin), Sam (Jennifer Carpenter), Lou (Michelle Rodriguez) and Jay (Martin Henderson). Each has a unique story, but they’re united in a common desire to be heard and to make a difference in the world. For these four protesters, this is very personal and the stakes are higher than mere politics.

A peaceful demonstration to stop the WTO talks quickly escalates into a full-scale riot, and soon a State of Emergency is declared by the Mayor of Seattle. The streets are mayhem, and the WTO is paralyzed. Caught in the crossfire of civil liberties and keeping the peace are Seattle residents, including its beleaguered mayor (Ray Liotta), a riot cop on the streets (Woody Harrelson) and his pregnant wife (Charlize Theron). The choices they all make will change their lives forever.

Writer/Director Stuart Townsend brings together this talented ensemble to intertwine different points of view – from protesters and police to delegates and doctors — each of whom intentionally or accidentally find themselves on the streets of Seattle in those last days of the millennium. Townsend seamlessly merges footage of the real event with his fictional narrative. Ultimately, Battle in Seattle illustrates that even against incredible odds, ordinary people can change the world.

- Source: Battle in Seattle Official Website

Anyway, 5actions invites activists to participate in one (or more) actions related to environmental and social justice issues.

The Five Actions are five different but connected campaigns that progressive groups have put together for anyone to participate in. You can choose to become active in one, or two, or all of them if you wish - and we encourage it!

Source: 5actions Official Website

The ACTIONS

Virgin Forests: Greenpeace presents KLEERCUT, a campaign for preserving ancient trees and promoting the use of recycled material in disposable paper products.

Wild Oceans: Ocean Revolution presents RISE ABOVE PLASTIC, a campaign for preventing pollution and protecting the health of sea turtles and ocean wildlife.

Safe Food: Organic Consumers presents MILLIONS AGAINST MONSANTO, a campaign against corporations’ exploitation of small farms and erroneous claims to copyright ownership of forms of life.

Fair Trade: Global Exchange presents REVERSE TRICK-OR-TREATING, a campaign to bring fair wages and working conditions to cocoa farmers all over the globe by introducing Fair Trade Certified chocolate products into homes on Halloween.

Clean Energy: Rainforest Action Network presents COAL IS OVER, a campaign to end the global finance of coal production by major Wall Street banks.

I wouldn’t say that these are big actions, but small, purposeful decisions to make the world a little better.

But together, we can make it a lot better.