Every year a special mission project is the principal emphasis of money-raising within APW and the Methodist Women's Fellowship. The money raised is allocated to selected needs, overseas and in New Zealand. Together APW and MWF prepare information packs to help the church to understand the needs of the people in the selected areas.
The 2009/2010 special project is "Supporting youth - they're worth it”.
We trust Special Project resource material will be useful to you as you learn about the work of CEPAD in Nicaragua, and our Methodist and Presbyterian youth movements through their conferences. 70% of the money raised will go to the CEPAD project in Nicaragua, and 30% will go to our own youth work.
Contact Rae Simpson Mission Co-ordinator, for more details. I.r.simpson@xtra.co.nz
“The Joys of Spring” a selection of ideas and activities for a Spring Programme is now available from our Resource Convenor, Mrs Lois Diaper, 7 Wordsworth Place, Stoke, Nelson 7001, Ph (03) 5471456. Email elljayd@clear.net.nz. Free online, or $2 to cover printing and postage. Stamps will be very acceptable as payment.
APW has Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the United Nations body responsible for initiatives for the advancement of women. The Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) is a functional commission of ECOSOC, dedicated exclusively to gender equality and advancement of women. It is the principal global policy-making body and, as a member of CSW, APW has a responsibility to be represented at the annual CSW session in New York to evaluate progress, set standards and formulate policies to promote gender equality and the advancement of women worldwide.
APW's Consultative Status at the United Nations provides an opportunity for APW
In 2008 APW became a member of the Ecumenical Women Coalition (EW) which is made up of churches, ecumenical organisations and individuals at the United Nations who focus on religion and human rights from a gender perspective. Each of the EW members works within their own traditions to raise the status of women and focus on gender equality. Being a member of EW means that APW joins a group of other Christian voices in advocating at CSW.
If you would like to know more about the work of the United Nations Committee, please contact Mary McIntyre, Coordinator UN Committee, . 18 Hall Road, Bannockburn, RD 2. Comwell 9384. ph. 03 445 4709.
HIV/Aids brochure: HIV/AIDs brochure prepared by the APW UN Committee. This brochure has been developed to raise the awareness of HIV/AIDS with a focus on valuing and respecting life. The brochure includes information about the global epidemic, the relationship between gender inequality and HIV/AIDS, the relationship of faith and HIV/AIDS and resources for learning more about HIV/AIDS. I encourage you all to use this brochure as widely as possible among your groups, friends and family to develop a deeper understanding and awareness of this issue that affects everyone of us through our own society and the wider world. Brochures are available from Mary McIntyre: bbmacs@xtra.co.nz Phone: (03) 4445 4709
Campaign for Action on Family Violence brochure: This campaign aims to change the way that New Zealanders think and act about family violence. The Families Commission and the Ministry of Social Development are leading the four year programme. The area of focus that the APW United Nations Committee sees most relevant and effective for APW to be involved is in “Changing Attitudes and Behaviour”. A tool kit has been developed for groups to use and this gives excellent ideas and initiatives of ways people can work within their communities to increase understanding and awareness. The mass media advertising was launched on September 4, and the first TV advertisements went on air on September 9. A dedicated website www.areyouok.org.nz will go live this month. Brochures and other resources will be distributed in response to requests on Ph. 0800 456 450. The email address is: violencefree@familyservices.govt.nz.
Keeping in touch with the women of the church through newsletters, emails and the website, clear and effective communication is important. Gleanings is the monthly newsletter of current events happening in different parishes around Aotearoa, as well as messages and notices from Heather Tate (National Convenor) and the National Coordinating Group. Gleanings is free to download from the website. You will also find that the website holds a lot more information regarding the annual mission projects, Mary McIntyre’s United Nations work as well as Resources & Education. If you have any comments or feedback regarding the website please contact Lafulafu@xtra.co.nz.