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 Sting is using his talent and passion for healthy communities and environments to help others live a brand new day. His strong convictions for the well-being of fellow human beings and where they live has led him to become involved with Amnesty International and start the Rainforest Foundation.
Sting started helping others by getting involved with Amnesty International. In 1986 he performed at the Conspiracy of Hope concert in support of the organization. Then, in 1988 went on the Human Rights Now tour with Tracy Chapman, Peter Gabriel and Bruce Springsteen. Amnesty International's mission to end the abuse of human rights around the world matched Sting's concern for others.
"I don’t belong to a church or political party or a group of any kind," he says. "I feel that Amnesty International is the most civilized organization in history. Its currency is the written word. Its weapon is the letter; that’s why I am a member. I believe in its non-violence; I believe in its effectiveness. Its dignity and its sense of commitment. Its focus on individuals and the concentration and tenacity with which they defend those imprisoned for their ideas has earned it the cautious respect of repressive governments throughout the world."
Sting went on to establish his own organization that shares Amnesty International's goal of protecting human life. In 1989, Sting and his wife, Trudie Styler, founded the Rainforest Foundation in response to the abuse of indigenous peoples and the rapid destruction of their habitat, the rainforests.
The Rainforest Foundation's first project was focused on protecting the Kayapo Indians in Brazilian Amazonia, but since then its influence has expanded to many more areas around the world.
From the beginning, the foundation's mission has been about more than the land; it is about improving people's quality life. It does this by educating the people about their environment, improving health conditions and developing ways for these people to use their resources effectively and safely.
Every spring at New York's Carnegie Hall, a benefit concert is held to raise funds for the Rainforest Foundation. Musicians like Elton John, James Taylor and Billy Joel have helped Sting bring in millions of dollars for the foundation.
Sting has gone beyond composing and performing music to inspire others. He has taken an active role in reaching out to those in need of protection and support.
The central goal of the Rainforest Foundation is to protect the environment and the communities that depend on the environment. To do this, it assists indigenous people in preserving their natural resources by teaching them how to use the resources responsibly. When the rainforest is destroyed or damaged intentionally by outsiders or unintentionally by residents, the livelihood of locals is jeopardized.
The foundation also works to protect the rights of the individuals and communities dependent on the rainforests by increasing their control of the basic services provided by the state.
Documents and other publications about the state of rainforests are provided by the foundation to help educate and inspire others to help. The foundation also seeks to uncover the underlying causes of the destruction of tropical rainforests.
The Rainforest Foundation is currently working in Cameroon, Republic of Congo, Gabon, Guyana, Indonesia, Madagascar, Peru and Venezuela.
Visit The Rainforest Foundation to donate or learn more about its efforts.
Visit Amnesty International to learn more about its programs and ways to help.
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