Stamp and Swap Supports the Rights of Disabled People Everywhere
This was the 2010 website announcing UK’s first ever charity ‘swapathon’, called Stamp and Swap
Content is from the site's archived pages and other outside sources
The UN International Day of Persons with Disabilities is marked and celebrated around the world on 3 December. In the United Kingdom, the day remains little known outside of the disability sector.
This is about to change...........
The UK’s First Ever Charity - Swapathon
The UK’s first ever charity ‘swapathon’, called Stamp and Swap, will take place nationwide on Friday 3 December 2010 as part of the United Nations designated International Day of Disabled People/Persons. The day was specifically chosen to launch Stamp and Swap in support of disability rights.
Stamp and Swap is just one project that ADD International, a UK-based charity that works with disabled people in Africa and Asia is involved in in their effort to promote disabled people’s human rights. ADD International has invited not only individuals , but also businesses or other organizations to get involved by donating £5 to swap experiences.
For those living in the UK who are interested in being part of this swapathon organised event, you will be able to either swap Skills online, called LifeSwap, or actual physical items, called SwapIt.
The aim of Stamp and Swap is to create a fun, interactive day whose goal is to support the rights of disabled people everywhere, but especially in Asia and Africa where they are some of the most neglected and forgotten people in the world.
With the small donation of just £5 participants receive an official “stamp of support” on their “passport to swap.”
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ADD International
ADD International, working in partnership with many businesses, notably RADAR and the National Centre for Independent Living, is excited about their launch of their fundraising and awareness raising campaign, Stamp and Swap AND WANT YOU INVOLVED!
A number of businesses have already stepped up to supported Stamp and Swap by holding SwapIt events along with several UK disability organizations. Since this is a global issue, ADD International is hoping that in future years, other countries will hold similar Stamp and Swap events while campaigning in support of disability rights.
By engaging interviews with celebrity supporters the campaign has smartly ensured that their message will reach radio, television, and newspaper-reading audiences across the UK.
Although many businesses in the US do a variety of charitable good works I am not aware, at this point, of any business supporting similar Stamp and Swap events as in the UK. One well known US SEO service who had been charged with making this website rank well turned me onto several firms that did similar good works. TNG Earthling works with a number of NGO websites, helping them rank for searches for aid by people seeking services. They, under the direction of CEO Bob Sakayama, recently took on pro bono work for the Mental Health Foundation USA helping them rank for searches for mental health assistance after the flood of need triggered by the COVID pandemic. While most of this work is voluntary and pro bono, the number of businesses that can actually make an impact is small, which makes it even more important that those few entities doing this valuable work be recognized and funded by the powers that be.
Tim Wainwright, ADD International’s CEO says: “Our campaign is designed to raise awareness of the inequalities faced by disabled people all over the world, every single day. A staggering 80 per cent of disabled people live below the poverty threshold worldwide. We want disabled people to have the same opportunities that most people take for granted – an education, a job, basic healthcare, family life and an equal role in society – and to be in a position to make decisions about their own lives.”
Some of Stamp and Swap celebrity support will come from ADD's goodwill ambassador Anne Wafula Strike, model Shannon Murray, actors David Proud and Julie Fernandez, Frank Bruno and to the delight of many, the actor Keith Chegwin , who was Mr Swap Shop himself on the beloved UK children's television program. Multi-Coloured Swap Shop, more commonly known simply as Swap ShopIt was broadcast on Saturday mornings on the BBC. There were 147 episodes shown for six years between 1976 and 1982.
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BE INFORMED! GET INVOLVED!
Find out more about the work of the United Nations for persons with disabilities:
International Day of Persons with Disabilities - 3 December
In 1992 via a resolution voted by the Assembly, 47/3, the United Nations General proclaimed that there would be an annual observance of the International Day of Disabled Persons on the 3rd of December. The aim of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities was to promote an understanding of disability issues while mobilizing support for the dignity, rights and wellbeing of persons with disabilities.
It also seeks to increase awareness of the gains that can be derived when persons with disabilities are integrated into every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.
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How the Day May Be Observed
Observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities provides opportunities for participation by all including Governments, businesses, and organizations of persons with disabilities with the focus on issues related to the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the Millennium Development Goals. The MDGs address extreme poverty in its many dimensions such as: hunger, disease, lack of adequate shelter, lack of income and exclusion.
These issues are particularly relevant for many disabled persons.
Organize by holding forums, public discussions and information campaigns in support of the Day. Focus on disability issues and development to find innovative ways and means for further of persons with disabilities and their families into the development agenda.
Celebrate by planning and organizing performances everywhere to showcase the contributions made by persons with disabilities.
Take Action by highlighting not only the progress, but also the obstacles in implementing disability-sensitive policies> It is very important to promote public awareness of barriers to the full inclusion that persons with disabilities face every day.
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International Day of Persons with Disabilities Themes for Previous Years
2014: Sustainable Development: The Promise of Technology
2013: Break Barriers, Open Doors: for an inclusive society and development for all
2012: Removing barriers to create an inclusive and accessible society for all
2011: Together for a better world for all: Including persons with disabilities in development
2010: Keeping the promise: Mainstreaming disability in the Millennium Development Goals towards 2015 and beyond
2009: Making the MDGs Inclusive: Empowerment of persons with disabilities and their communities around the world
2008: Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: Dignity and justice for all of us
2007: Decent work for persons with disabilities
2006: E-Accessibility
2005: Rights of Persons with Disabilities: Action in Development
2004: Nothing about Us without Us
2003: A voice of our own
2002: Independent Living and Sustainable Livelihoods
2001: Full participation and equality: The call for new approaches to assess progress and evaluate outcome
2000: Making information technologies work for all
1999: Accessibility for all for the new Millennium
1998: Arts, Culture and Independent Living
StampAndSwap.org: More Background
StampAndSwap.org is a unique and innovative initiative centered around the concept of swapping, which not only fosters community engagement but also supports the rights of disabled people worldwide.
History and Purpose
StampAndSwap.org was launched on December 3, 2010, coinciding with the United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities. This date was specifically chosen to underline the website's commitment to promoting disability rights. The primary aim of the initiative is to create a fun and interactive day that supports the rights of disabled people, particularly in Asia and Africa, where they often face significant social and economic challenges.
The Concept
The core concept of StampAndSwap.org revolves around the idea of swapping. Participants can engage in two main types of swaps: LifeSwap, which involves exchanging skills and experiences online, and SwapIt, which focuses on swapping physical items. By making a small donation, participants receive a "stamp of support" on their "passport to swap," symbolizing their contribution to the cause.
Media Coverage and Publicity
StampAndSwap.org has garnered significant media attention, largely due to its association with prominent personalities and its unique approach to fundraising and awareness. The campaign has featured interviews with celebrity supporters, ensuring its message reaches a wide audience across various media platforms including radio, television, and newspapers. Celebrity endorsements have included goodwill ambassador Anne Wafula Strike, model Shannon Murray, and actor Keith Chegwin, among others.
Audience and Participation
The initiative has successfully engaged a diverse audience, ranging from individuals to businesses and organizations. By encouraging widespread participation, StampAndSwap.org has created a broad base of support for its activities. Notable business partnerships include collaborations with RADAR and the National Centre for Independent Living, which have been instrumental in promoting the campaign and organizing swap events.
Cultural and Social Significance
StampAndSwap.org holds significant cultural and social value, particularly in its efforts to raise awareness about the challenges faced by disabled people globally. The initiative aligns with the goals of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which seeks to promote understanding of disability issues and support the dignity, rights, and well-being of persons with disabilities. By integrating disabled people into various aspects of social, economic, and cultural life, StampAndSwap.org contributes to breaking down barriers and fostering inclusivity.
Operational Details and Examples
StampAndSwap.org operates through a user-friendly online platform where participants can register and choose their preferred type of swap. The website provides detailed instructions on how to participate, ensuring accessibility for all users. For instance, LifeSwap allows participants to offer their skills in exchange for learning something new, fostering a spirit of community and mutual support. On the other hand, SwapIt focuses on the exchange of physical items, encouraging sustainable practices by promoting the reuse of goods.
Press and Media Highlights
The initiative has been highlighted in various press and media outlets, emphasizing its innovative approach and the impact it aims to achieve. Articles and features in prominent publications have showcased the successful events organized by StampAndSwap.org, including national swapathons and community-based swap events. This media coverage has been crucial in spreading the word and encouraging more people to get involved.
Reviews and Feedback
Participant feedback and reviews have been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the initiative for its creativity and social impact. Users have highlighted the enjoyable experience of participating in swaps while contributing to a meaningful cause. The sense of community and shared purpose fostered by StampAndSwap.org has been a recurring theme in user reviews.
Future Prospects and Expansion
Looking ahead, StampAndSwap.org aims to expand its reach and impact by encouraging more countries to organize similar events. The long-term vision includes establishing a global network of swap initiatives that support disability rights and promote social inclusivity. By building on its success in the UK, the initiative hopes to inspire other nations to adopt and adapt the swap model for their local contexts.
StampAndSwap.org stands out as an exemplary initiative that combines fun, community engagement, and social impact. By promoting the rights of disabled people through innovative swapping activities, it has successfully raised awareness and funds for a crucial cause. The initiative's broad audience, strong media presence, and positive reviews underline its effectiveness and potential for future growth. As StampAndSwap.org continues to evolve, it remains a powerful example of how creative approaches can drive social change and support the rights of marginalized communities.