Saturday, October 04, 2008

Women of Vision for World Vision

This morning I attended Women of Vision 2008 Fall Kick-Off Event for World Vision at Sunset Presbyterian Church. I honestly did not know what I was getting myself into. I was attracted to an announcement in last Sunday's church bulletin. I'm passionate about non-profits and thought it would be fun to check it out. I also heard that some girls from my Bible Study were going so I was sold.

The first thing that caught my eye at the event was at each table setting there was a business card sized piece of paper that on the front said "Pray - Pray for at-risk youth." And on the other side it said:

"It is estimated that 2 million children, mostly girls, are enslaved in the global sex trade. These girls - and sometimes boys - may be required to service 15 to 20 customers per day."

That is up to 100 "customers" a week! That is outrageous!

I was glad to find out that World Vision has developed a targeted media campaign to deter would-be sex tourist in Cambodia, Coast Rica, Thailand, Mexico, Brazil, and the United States.
This sign says "I'm not a tourist attraction. It's a crime to make me one."

There was a really great guest speaker, named Rory Anderson, who is the Deputy Director of Advocacy and Government Relations at World Vision and works in Washington, D.C. lobby for human rights. She spoke about why it is important to advocate. One of the reasons, is because it is important to God.
"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy." - Proverbs 31:8-9
The second reason, is because it is part of World Vision actual vision (duh!) to "Our vision for every child, life in all its fullness. Our prayer for every heart, the will to make it so." Anderson also talked about the two types of change, the change of our own will, and the change of other's will. This is done through advocacy. She pointed out three ways to change policies, money, media, and masses. And the worse thing is to do nothing!

The thing that I liked most about her talk was how she encouraged everyone there to become an advocate and write letters, emails, and make phone calls to their congressmen and women. How those letters, emails and messages will help educate them on issues they might not be aware of. This is something I definitely plan on doing on Monday and I encourage you to do that same. For more information/sample writing go here.

The really cool thing about the event was "A Citizen's Guide to Advocacy" notebook given to everyone who attended. In the book it outlines ways to get involved and advocate. One of the ways to get involved was "Online Social Networking," a personal passion of mine (if you haven't noticed yet). Encouraging people to use their bloggers, MySpace, and Facebook pages to inform friends and invite them to get involved with advocating as well.

Both my mom and I signed up to be Women of Vision partners in making a change in the world.

What are you doing to make a more positive change in this world?

3 comments:

Melinda said...

I endorse and support Transitions Cambodia, a local intervention group for exactly that reason. Find out more about them on Blogspot or Facebook.

Jenna said...

Awesome! I'm def. posting their link on my blog! I'll add a shout out to you too!

Jenna said...

Thanks for the suggestion bluesky. I'll blog about them next. Just want to know who you are and how you heard of my blog! Thanks!