FW: EDM (mostly for a UK audience)

[Guest guest]

Hi Everyone,

 

I am forwarding this email mainly for the people on the list that live in the UK

that may be interested, but please feel free to add any comments.

 

I'll quickly introduce myself; my name is Daz Millan. I'm 22 years old studying

a Degree in Accounting and Finance. Obviously like many of you on here, I am

passionate about raising public profile for people with dwarfism. I have worked

along side many charities in the UK with those specific aims, such as the

Restricted Growth Association (RGA) and more recently Short Stature Scotland

(SSS).  Please find the email below. I'm un-sure of the exact equivalents in

USA, I know our political systems are quite different, but, basically I have

lobbied my elected representative and ask them to raise the profile a little for

people of short stature/dwarfism. I am unsure if the exact equivalent would be

house of representatives or Congress, so please excuse my ignorance. Anyway like

I said it's mainly aimed at people on the list from the UK but please feel free

to share any concerns or comments.......  

 

 At a time of spending cuts, higher utility bills, and the ever worrying rising

prices at the pump, I know what I'm about to say may be inappropriately timed or

you might not even interest you but it might just give you something to hope

for.

Recently along with other representatives of Short Stature Scotland (SSS), I

attended my local MP's surgery in order thank her for a letter she had recently

sent us. We also went along to raise awareness of the challenges little

people/dwarves face in every day life - just to raise the profile a bit.

Now to cut a long story short, I asked shortlist a while ago what ever happened

to the Early Day Motion (EDM) that Patsy Calton introduced a few years back

when number of members from the DAA (DSA) and RGA went down and lobbied

parliament? I know Patsy sadly passed away, but I always wondered what ever

became of her work.

Well after the surgery with the MP I am glad to announce my MP took out another

EDM to follow on from the work of Patsy -to raise public awareness of what is

acceptable and what isn't, already there is another MP signatory on it. I know

this probably isn't even a fraction of the number of MPs that signed the last

one or a fractions that is needed, but its a start.  

Now the thing with the EDMs  as I am sure some of you may be aware of, is that

they get scrapped if not enough MP's sign it. I have a vague recollection that

there were some MPs that mocked this last time, but if we dont keep trying to

get our voices heard then we will always get mocked. We have to remember MPswork

for us! - Although even they sometimes forget this.

Here is a link to the EDM - <http://www.parliament.uk/edm/2010-11/1719>

 In order to raise public awareness and get the public respect you, your partner

and/or your child(ren) deserve please get your MP to sign this! I know you are

probably thinking " oh get off your high horse, its never gonna happen they

didn't even listen to the students " . We can only try!! 

Plus, there is going to be a documentary show soon on channel 4 from the

creators of Big Fat Gyspy Wedding, about a group of dwarf actors that are in

panto. Apparantly it tries to show the difficulties they face as small people

and adds an air of humour too about it. Also there is going to be a show on BBC2

staring Warwick , an observation comedy which follows stories from his

day-to-day life.

Personally I think the shows will either exacerbate or help challenge negative

stereotypes and perceptions - only time will tell.

However on the up side, atleast it gets people talking, and now or very soon

might be the time to strike whilst the iron is hot. So I will beg if need be -

please can we all work together and get this ball rolling again and get your MP

to sign the EDM.

Now I am not sure how long the period is for EDM to get signed. So can I please

ask that you take some time this week - 5 mintues is all I ask! To write, email,

call  or even tweet (if that can be done, never used twitter) your MP to get

them to sign Early Day Motion number 1719.

Regards,

Daz

ps I have exams soon, so apologies if I dont reply to any respones for a few

days it was just to make you all aware of the EDM is out there and ready to be

signed. Please also if anyone knows what became of Patsy's work please let me

know. By sending this email I don't mean to cause any offense I just want to get

the ball rolling again from my point of view.