In the UK, Independents Day 08 is raising money for two charities as well as fundraising for a variety of Independent Music Initiatives:
The Campaign Against Living Miserably (C.A.L.M)
Suicide is the second biggest killer of men aged 15-35. CALM, campaign against living miserably, is a charity aimed at encouraging young men to seek help when they are down. Their free and confidential helpline operates in the evenings offering support and practical help and is operated by trained professionals. Anyone, regardless of age, gender or geographic location can call the helpline.
C.A.L.M. addresses the fact that there is pressure on men to deal with problems on their own. This can lead to depression and suicidal feelings. Music is often the soundtrack to young men’s lives which is why the Independents Day Campaign supports this charity.
www.thecalmzone.net
The Musicians Benevolent Fund (MBF)
The Musicians Benevolent Fund is the music business’ own charity funded entirely by donations and bequests from music lovers and musicians. The MBF provides help and support to musicians and their dependants and those in related occupations when illness, accident or old age brings stress or financial burdens. The MBF provides advice and financial support in times of need to British and Irish musicians and people in allied music professions of all ages and from all areas of music. We also nurture the next generation of musicians through grants to individuals and organisations.
www.mbf.org.uk
Independent Music - AIM & WIN
AIM - Association of Independent Music (www.musicindie.com)
50 bursary-sponsored places for artists to attend Midem, SXSW or Sonar or Womex
100 free AIM association memberships to DIY labels and artists
3 initiatives to connect local music companies with schools and colleges in their area to help facilitate partnerships and workshops
WIN - The Worldwide Independent Network (www.worldwideindependentnetwork.com)
To introduce an Emerging Markets Fund to provide support networks for independent artists and labels in poorer countries so that they can collectively promote and protect themselves
