Journey to Jamaa Film: Take Action!!!

There are 3 ways you can participate in becoming a part of a “bigger family” so that children like Margaret & Derek are part of your “family”!

1. Send an email to your congressman/woman by clicking on the link below to tell them you do NOT want them to cut The International Affairs Budget.
   
   The International Affairs budget (which is just 1.4 percent of the total federal budget) provides critical, life-saving assistance to combat extreme global poverty, hunger and disease. Ask Congress to protect this part of the budget from drastic cuts. There are few places in the U.S. federal budget where dollars translate so directly into lives saved.

https://secure2.convio.net/wv/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=329&s_scr=action-center

2. Learn more about and financially  support the  “Strong Women Strong World” Fund:
   
   The “Strong Women, Strong World” project is a response to the needs of women and girls living in poverty in developing nations. Over the next five years, this initiative aims to raise $15 million, some of which will go toward water, sanitation and hygiene programs.
   Info on our blog about the fund: http://nycwov.blogspot.com/p/take-action.html

To Donate: http://donate.worldvision.org/OA_HTML/xxwv2ibeCCtpItmDspRte.jsp?funnel=&item=2315354&go=item&section=&xxwvCampaign=1134180

3. Sponsor a Child -- Make a difference in a child’s life through a monthly financial commitment.
   
   You can be part of a bigger family by helping a child like Derek or Margaret from the film, “Journey to Jamaa” and others in his or her community — with life-changing basics like clean water, nutritious food, health care, education, and spiritual nurture.
   
   Contact our Child Sponsorship Chair Rhodora Soh at rhodorafsoh@yahoo.com if you’d like to sponsor a child.

http://www.worldvision.org/content.nsf/sponsor/learn-about-sponsorship?Open&lpos=lft_txt_Learn-About-Sponsorship

Journey to Jamaa: Becoming Part of a Bigger Family

At the heart of Journey to Jamaa is an award-winning short film, "Jamaa." This film is inspired by the real life story of Margaret and Derick, two orphaned children from Uganda who make the journey from Kampala to Kasangombe in a heartbreaking bid to overcome poverty and experience hope.

Jamaa (pronounced juh-MA) is Swahili for family. Journey to Jamaa uses film to tell the story of two children from Kampala, Uganda, who undergo a harrowing journey to find their family. One important theme from the film is the way in which we can follow God’s heart for the poor by extending our family to include those in need—something we can do through World Vision child sponsorship.  Child sponsors help provide vulnerable children with access to essentials like clean water, improved nutrition, basic healthcare, education, and economic development assistance.

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Join us for a discussion on the transformative impact of child sponsorship and learn how you can help create a brighter future for children in need.  

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All are welcome! Men & Women (and children who are 6th grade and older.) 

Date & Time: Monday, May 14, 7-9:30pm

Location: Central Presbyterian Church, 64th Street & Park Ave
Getting There: 6 Train to Lexington Ave & 68th Street or N/Q/R Trains to 5th Ave & 59th Street
Cost: Free Admission
RSVP Policy: RSVP to nycwov@gmail.com by Friday, May 11

Would you like to help out at this event? Volunteers are needed to help set up, sign-in guests, and distribute information. Please indicate if you would like to volunteer in your RSVP response. 

Women of Vision NYC Chapter Partner Profile

Rhodora Soh -- Rhodora, a native New Yorker, is the mother of four children: Joshua 9, Noah 7, Chloe 4, and Lucas 19 months. She lives on the Upper East side of New York City with her husband, Arvin.

Q: How long have you been a Women of Vision (WOV) partner? 
It will be one year in May 2012.

Q: Why did you choose to become a WOV partner? 
I've always had a heart for women and children. In college I was on staff at a women's homeless shelter. I was also a rape crisis counselor. After college, I was a middle school teacher. How I became a Women of Vision partner though, was God's timing. A year before the NYC chapter began, Amy Olson, our WOV NYC chapter Co-Chair asked me if I would be interested in being the chapter’s Child Sponsorship chair. She knew my husband and I had sponsored several children through World Vision. My only obstacle was that I was expecting my fourth child that fall. I prayed about it and had to decline.

Eight months later, she invited me to one of their last meetings of the year. I could barely keep up with the conversation. They were planning for a big summer event and discussing advocacy issues. It was all confusing to me— it probably had more to do with having "mommy brains" than anything else! While they were in deep decision-making mode, I prayed, "Lord, I don't know if I'm supposed to be here. The one role I felt called to (Child Sponsorship) has been taken. These women have a heart for the things I do, but if this is just my desire, and not yours, I can walk away. Lord, make it clear to me. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen." Not a minute later, Amy asked everyone to take a break to discuss some house cleaning issues. She said, "We have several positions that need to be filled. We need someone to chair Child Sponsorship." I immediately raised my hand, and almost started to cry. How quickly He answered prayer. I have been passionately serving ever since.

Q: What benefits of partnership have you realized? 
Perhaps the greatest benefit of partnership for me has been the encouragement I have received from the amazing, Godly, talented, beautiful, humble women with whom I partner. We are a diverse group of women. To see us all come together, and to observe the different gifts God has given each of us to do His work, for His Glory, is powerful, and so encouraging. It is a blessing to learn, pray and work alongside such passionate, brilliant women. Partnership has also been a humbling experience. Through the book studies, lecture series, conferences, and vision trip to Bangladesh, I've learned how much I don't know about the suffering of women and children around the world as well as in my own city. It has caused me to get on my knees a bit more, spend more time in His word, and examine where my treasure is.In addition, it has led my husband and I to be deliberate about serving in our community with our children. We are all learning more about our neighborhood, and its needs. For instance, our WOV NYC chapter cooked a meal at a women's shelter, two blocks away from our Upper East Side apartment. My family and I have passed by that brownstone many times. We never knew it was a place where lives were being restored, and women were coming to faith.

Q: What advice would you give to someone considering partnership? 
I would let them know that partnership is a great way to deepen one's faith, and serve with like-minded women. Through fellowship, book studies, lecture series, you not only increase your knowledge of issues affecting the needy and oppressed, but you can see how God is working through His people, through someone like you, to further His kingdom. However, the best and most important advice I can give to anyone interested in partnership is to pray about it.

“…and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.”
— Isaiah 58:10-11(NIV)

PRESS RELEASE: World Vision temporarily suspends services, programs in Mali

DAKAR, Senegal, 4 April 2012 -- World Vision has temporarily suspended all programming in Mali and has asked staff to work from Dakar, Senegal for the time being, as the security and political situation continues to deteriorate in the landlocked West African state. All World Vision activities are halted in Mali indefinitely, including the response to the ongoing food and nutrition crisis in the country. World Vision's National Director in Mali, Chance Briggs, said the relief organization hopes to resume relief work as soon as the security situation allows.
“Hundreds of thousands of Malian children are already at risk of severe acute malnutrition this year, and we are committed to assisting them the moment it is safe to do so. We hope to be back to work as soon as next week.”

Following a military coup nearly two weeks ago, instability has increased in the north of the country. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) recently imposed diplomatic and financial sanctions on Mali, which include closing of land borders to all but humanitarian imports, which ECOWAS says will remain in place until the current leadership hands power over to a civilian government. Without needed petroleum imports, massive fuel and power shortages are already making a major impact on the capital city, Bamako.

World Vision has been operating in Mali since 1975 and is currently active in 30 communities with more than 67,000 sponsored children. It is estimated that as many as 3.5 million people are food insecure in Mali and at least 320,000 children will require treatment for acute malnutrition in 2012. In addition, over 200,000 Malians are estimated to be displaced inside and outside the country because of the conflict in the north. World Vision declared a food emergency in the West Africa region in March 2012 and remains committed to providing emergency relief and assistance to those most in need.

www.worldvision.org/press

World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender.

NYC WOV Lobbies in Congress for TVPRA's Passage

WOV NYC Advocacy Chair Katherin Park provides an insider's take on WOV Advocacy Day:

On Tuesday, March 6th, approximately 200 women from 24 different states arrived on Capital Hill with bright orange folders that contained our appointment times with our two U.S Senators and few House of Representatives and the talking points to discuss with them. There was nervous but excited chatter as we got off the bus because we knew that we were about to lend our voice for the voiceless in our own country and those in the poorest parts of the world. Before we each left for our individual appointments, we prayed together as a group so that we'd be bold in our speech and that God would soften the legislators' hearts as they listened to us.

Six women from the NYC chapter attended Lobby Day. We met with staff members of Senator Charles Schumer, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Representative Carolyn Maloney (14th District), and Representative Jerrold Nadler (8th District). We first urged all of them to pass a bi-partisan TVPRA so that we can better fight human trafficking and protect the victims, particularly the children. We pointed out the fact that this bill has passed with bi-partisan support in the past and that they should not use the current political climate as an excuse for inaction against modern day slavery.

Second, we asked them to support a strong funding for global health and nutrition programs for 2013 within the International Affairs budget (which is less than 1% of our total federal budget). We reminded them that poverty-focused development assistance supports economic growth in a developing country, which in turn decreases the likelihood of violent conflicts arising.

Thanks to you, we left stacks of your letters advocating TVPRA's support with Senators Schumer's & Gillibrand's offices. WOV chapter members from Connecticut and New Jersey also gave your letters to the NJ senators.

After our meetings, we returned to the conference to celebrate our collective efforts on the Capital Hill. We heard back reports of positive responses from several legislators, which were received with loud cheers. Next, we were charged to continue in our efforts advocating for the voiceless, being reminded of the passage in Luke 18 of the Persistent Widow.

Amy Batson, the Deputy Assistant Administrator for Global Health at USAID, and Samantha Power, the Senior Director for Multilateral Affairs and Human Rights on the Staff of the National Security Council shared a powerful update on the progress we've made around the world through the efforts of our government working along with NGOs in various humanitarian work.

We concluded our evening by visiting the new Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. As we read each inscription of Dr. King's excerpted speeches and sermons, we received great inspiration to continue our work of advocacy.

As a result of Advocacy Day, we have 4 more co-sponsors on the TVPRA - with 100% support from Vermont, New Jersey, and Washington senators.. There is still a lot of work to be done, but letters, phone calls, and in-person meetings were heard loud and clear in 3 states! We need to continue to put pressure on Congress and take this momentum to the next level so that they act beyond just co-sponsoring this bill. This is about right and wrong issue, NOT about right & left issue!

A huge hurdle is the House of Representatives. . . . They are really stuck on this bill currently because there is no bipartisan support for the House version. Please call your House representative and tell them to pass a BIPARTISAN House bill.

Visit our Take Action page to learn how to get more involved.

Note from NYC WOV Advocacy Chair, Katherin Park

As many of you know, in just couple of days (Tues., March 6th), Women of Vision will take to Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. There are over 100 meetings scheduled, during which we will speak to Congress about:

A) Human trafficking (particularly child trafficking) - ask them to pass the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (TVPRA), which includes some new tools like the Child Protection Compact Act and let the House know that we are disappointed that they have not come to a bipartisan agreement on the bill.

B) International Affairs Budget - thank Congress for showing their commitment to effective global health programs by their strong support for International Affairs Budget 2012 by telling them just how significant foreign assistance is in the lives of the world’s poor, especially the children.

We will also ask that they keep strong numbers for International Affairs Budget in 2013, and that they oppose any further budget cuts to global health programs, which in turn affect child and maternal health (which are part of the UN Millennium Development Goals).




We understand that not everyone can attend the National Conference, but we would love if everyone could be a part of it.

We are asking that you join the Women of Vision in Washington DC on Tuesday, March 6th by calling your Senators and Representatives and sharing the Women of Vision message. We know that when Women of Vision speak, they are heard. We have the power to impact Congress in ways that will improve the lives of women, children and the vulnerable around the world.

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What can you do?

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• Make 3 Phone Calls: 2 calls to your Senators and 1 call to your House Representative.

To find your 2 Senators:
http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm
To find your House Representative:
http://www.house.gov/representatives/find/

• Use the following script below that includes additional talking points:

“Good morning/afternoon, my name is ___________, and I’m calling from (city, state).

I am calling to ask Representative/Senator ___________ to support funding for U.S. foreign assistance programs in 2013 and to support the reauthorization of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act.

Less than 1 percent of our federal budget goes to international programs that save millions of lives each year. Further cuts to humanitarian aid programs would literally put lives at stake. In the budget for fiscal year 2013, please oppose cuts to these vital programs.

The Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act has expired and Congress’ inaction will impact vulnerable children in the US and around the world. Every year, more than 1.2 million children globally are trafficked for their labor. Congress must pass a bipartisan bill in order to protect these children who are at risk.

Do you know Representative/Senator XX’s position on these issues?”

The office will likely ask if you would like a written response (or if they do not, please request one!). Written responses ensure that the issue is tracked internally within the Congressional office and will help raise the profile of your concerns.

• Call & email your friends to do the same!

• Pray!

Heavenly Father, we pray today for the Women of Vision and the World Vision team on Capitol Hill who are speaking with Congress about human trafficking and needed assistance for the world's poor. We pray that the hearts, minds and actions of the Members of Congress reflect your will to care for the poor, neglected and marginalized. Bless this work in you name, Amen.

Thank you all!

Speaker Series RECAP: Human Trafficking: From Bangladesh to New York City

On Monday, February 13, Women of Vision NYC successfully launched its first speaker series with a rousing presentation and call to action to fight human trafficking. Faith Huckel, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Restore NYC, opened the program by detailing the ways in which human trafficking occurs on an international and local level. Faith emphasized that although human trafficking takes varying forms, the issue is fundamentally rooted in the poverty and exploitation of vulnerable individuals. Focusing on Restore’s work in New York City, Faith demonstrated how her organization is combating this injustice by providing holistic after-care services to foreign-born survivors of sex trafficking and empowering them to transform their lives.

Amy Olson, NYC Co-Chair, followed with a vivid account of Women of Vision’s recent Vision Trip to Bangladesh, where the group worked with World Vision to serve local children and families. Through poignant images and stories, Amy highlighted risk factors for the trafficking of Bangladeshi women and children as well as the enormous opportunity to make an impact in the community. Additionally, Rhodora Soh, NYC Child Sponsorship Chair, passionately conveyed the benefits of sponsorship, which improves the lives of not only sponsored children, but their siblings and families as well.

Katherin Park, NYC Advocacy Chair, facilitated the final segment of the evening by demonstrating steps individuals can take to advocate for women and children at risk. With everyone in the room collectively chiming in their agreement, Katherin called a New York State senator to advocate for ratifying the national anti-trafficking bill, the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (TVPRA). Lastly, letters supporting the TVPRA were also provided for individuals to sign. Women of Vision NYC looks forward to presenting many of these letters to Congressman during the upcoming national conference in Washington D.C.

If you want to know more about how you can make a difference on this issue, please visit our TAKE ACTION page.

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We are delighted by the overwhelming interest for our first speaker event and are grateful to everyone who participated. We look forward to revisiting this topic and other issues affecting women and children at future events. To stay informed of our upcoming events, sign up to receive our monthly newsletter click here.

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