Have you ever wanted to do something that really makes a difference? Well, this summer Oxfam Ireland is asking UH readers to join in raising awareness about how ordinary people can achieve real and lasting change for the better. There are a number of ways in which you can become one of Oxfam Ireland's valued active citizens, and better still they are creative, great fun and free.

If you would like to become part of a global movement for change, become an Oxfam campaigner. And where better to start than at this year's summer festivals, where you can meet like-minded people, buy Fair Trade food, and learn how to fight poverty and injustice? The Oxfam Ireland campaigns team will be the Dun Laoghaire Festival of World Cultures and Electric Picnic in August.

Don't just watch music – make it! Why don't you take part in Oxjam? This unique music festival takes place all over Ireland this October, giving you the chance to make music, raise money and change lives. The Oxjam toolkit can be found at www.oxfamireland.org/oxjam. Oxjam's theme is climate change, which is already having a devastating impact in the developing world; despite doing the least to cause global warming, it is the world's poorest people who are hit first and worst. By holding an Oxjam music event, you can do your bit to raise awareness and money for Oxfam Ireland's work on this issue.

Find out more about being an active citizen at www.oxfamireland.org. Fill out the 'Become A Campaigner' form on the website and automatically receive a quarterly magazine with news on what active citizens like you are achieving in Ireland and around the world.

By getting involved with Oxfam you can meet new people, have great fun and of course make an impact on issues you care about. In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, we must all "be that change we wish to see in the world".

Rebecca Emery

Campaigns Co-ordinator

Oxfam Ireland