serving our neighbors in times of disaster Dear Disciples, In its first days in office, the administration issued Executive Order 14180 calling for an examination of the effectiveness and efficiency of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The executive order also calls for the formation of a FEMA Review Council that has recently issued a Request for Information from the public to gain a better understanding of their experiences with FEMA during disasters. These comments will help ensure that the FEMA Review Council’s findings and recommendations for potential reforms are informed by a wide range of perspectives and experiences across multiple disasters. Week of Compassion encourages all Disciples who have directly engaged with FEMA, have been involved in disaster response and recovery, or simply have concerns about the future of FEMA operations and programs, to share feedback. Public comment is due by May 15. strengthened work with partner, increased global sustainable development support The Week of Compassion Board of Stewards held its annual Fall meeting in New Orleans, LA November 14-16. The Board received the Executive Director’s report and overview of the strategic direction of the ministry in light of current global challenges. In addition, the Board passed the 2025 Budget and approved over $600,000 in sustainable development grants to global partners and multiple projects worldwide. The projects range from girls’ education to food security and disaster risk reduction, serving with partners in Vietnam, Japan, Honduras, Pakistan, and more.
While the agenda included important business sessions, the primary focus was a visit with the Pointe-au-Chien Indian Tribe, an indigenous community in the Terrebonne Basin deeply impacted by Hurricane Ida (2021) and receiving program and long-term recovery support from Week of Compassion. Preparedness Month9/10/2024 when the plan turns into action September is National Preparedness Month and a good opportunity for congregations to consider ways to build or strengthen their capacity to better serve their communities during and after an emergency. In the work of disaster response, Week of Compassion sees firsthand what a difference it makes to a church – and to the whole community – when individuals, families, and communities of faith start the conversation, and take steps to be prepared.
Creation Care resources7/24/2024 education & action in the face of climate change As a Washington Post headline today reads "Earth broke all-time heat record two days in a row", we see that reality impact communities and peoples worldwide, with more frequent and severe weather events, increased displacement due to drought, flood, and famine, and the spikes in our own household needs and utility bills. Climate change continues to impact everyone.
Earlier this year, our colleagues at Global Ministries prepared a list of Creation Care resources and recommendations for education and action. Individuals from the GM staff team suggest everything from children's books and family-friendly films, to websites, books, and webinars, plus social media challenges and 'sustainable swap' ideas to make an impact right in your own home. Climate change is a significant factor in the work of Week of Compassion, as we respond to natural disasters, refugee concerns and the needs of persons displaced from their homes, and engage global partners to address sustainable development and offer transformative hope. churches as cooling centers - the Arizona Faith Network Earlier this month, Rev. Caroline Hamilton-Arnold, Week of Compassion’s Associate Director for Domestic Disaster Response, spent a week in Arizona, visiting congregations and partners, and participating and leading at the annual meeting of National VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Assisting in Disaster). A significant focus during her visit was connecting with Rev. Katie Sexton, Disciples pastor and Executive Director of the Arizona Faith Network, “an interfaith organization building bridges across diverse Arizona communities to work for the common good.”
Willing to Respond1/24/2024 networking for disaster preparedness A few weeks into the new year and winter weather has already left its mark. Being ready for what comes (in any season!) is more important than ever, as the increasing effects of climate change impact everything around us. WILLING TO RESPOND is Week of Compassion’s way to network congregations for disaster preparedness and response.
Recently, through the Willing to Respond network, Week of Compassion connected two Disciples churches, rooted in quite different settings, about their need for and interest in a Congregational Preparedness Plan. These churches are finding new relationship and support in their common concern. helping churches think ahead for disaster readiness Week of Compassion is part of the Willing to Respond network, providing a registry of willing congregations and a library of vetted resources, to connect churches and organizations for disaster preparedness and response.
To mark National Preparedness Month (September), Week of Compassion is sharing the current issue of the Willing to Respond newsletter, sent every other month to registered Disciples congregations. WTR also provides churches with training, tips, and tools to reduce risk and be ready to assist neighbors when disaster strikes. For information and to register as a WTR congregation, go to WillingToRespond.org |
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