Action Plan: Advent Lutheran Church
The following article, written by Suzanne Campise, outlines the Action Plan created by a Fistula Stories pilot group at Advent Lutheran Church. Read more and be inspired about what your own community could to do end fistula in this generation!
Inspired by the Fistula Curriculum, our group has decided to expand to include more members around the broader issue of Maternal Health. Beginning in April 2010, our group will launch a multi-month campaign at Advent Lutheran Church on 93rd and Broadway, NYC, advocating for maternal health as a national and international priority. Actions of this campaign will include:
1) Education – Hosting a screening of A Walk To Beautiful and have a forum with a panel of experts in the field of maternal health and obstetric fistula. We want to invite churches throughout New York City to this event in order to spread awareness and the importance of maternal health here and abroad.
2) Actions – Raising money for healthy birth kits. We will assemble the kits as a congregation, along with a letter writing campaign (specifics TBD)
3) Fundraising – for mobile hospital units in rural areas in Africa and for fistula repair surgeries.
Throughout, we will connect with ELCA Global Missions to determine where the need is most. We will also research the ELCA hospitals that are underfunded and what they are doing about obstetric fistula.
Our group is very excited and optimistic about this timely campaign for maternal health generally and obstetric fistula specifically.
December 21st, 2009 at 11:29 am
As a member of Advent Lutheran Church I am excited about this plan and look forward to hearing more about how I can participate.
January 4th, 2010 at 7:36 pm
Great plan. Covers the many aspects of obstetric fistula including education, fundraising and hands-on with the birthing kits. One area of interest would be exploring how to increase opportunities for girls and young women and reduce child marriage where possible. Many blessings for your work ahead.