Get Involved

Priorities, Choices and Investments in 2007

As both houses of Congress make decisions about the nation’s 2007 budget, Bread for the World members are reminding legislators of the concerns of hungry and poor people around the world. During our June 13 Lobby Day for the 2006 Offering of Letters, One Spirit. One Will. Zero Poverty., Rep. Betty McCollum (D-MN) spoke with advocates about the urgent need for additional poverty-focused development assistance.  

McCollum described her November 2005 visit to Malawi: "The people I met were warm, hard working, but poor and desperate. AIDS has created a country in which orphans live in almost every house and in many mud huts there are only orphans – children raising children…. I raise my experience in Malawi because here is a small, poor nation not asking for hundreds of millions of dollars for fighter aircraft or weapons systems. They are asking for help, for a partner to join their fight against poverty, hunger, and disease."

The United States can provide that help. Last year, President Bush made a commitment to double assistance to developing countries by 2010. The additional resources will help our country do its part to enable families in the developing world to earn a living, get health care, and feed and educate their children. But first, Congress needs to approve these funds.

On June 29, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved its State Department/foreign operations bill. According to Bread for the World's preliminary analysis, the bill includes approximately $11 billion in poverty-focused development assistance -- roughly $1 billion more than in 2006. Much of this additional funding is for global health programs. 

On June 9, the House passed its appropriations bill for foreign operations. It also contains approximately $11 billion for poverty-focused development assistance. The increase of less than $1 billion passed by the Senate Appropriations Committee and the House of Representatives is a step in the right direction, but far short of what is needed to fight hunger, poverty and disease.

In her presentation, Rep. McCollum reminded Bread for the World activists that we have the power to improve public policy. "Everything we do here in Congress is about setting priorities, making choices and investing in the future," she said. "It is our duty, as citizens, to work to ensure that the priorities, choices and investments Congress makes reflect the values that our faith teaches us."

These investments should include funds for poverty-focused development assistance that will enable the United States to keep its promises to the developing world.

 back to top

Beckmann Featured at Conference of Hispanic Journalists

David Beckmann spoke at the annual National Association of Hispanic Journalists Convention in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, on June 16.  He participated in the Newsmakers Luncheon panel, the "Great American Immigration Debate." Ray Suarez, senior correspondent of the "NewsHour with Jim Lehrer," moderated the panel which included Lou Dobbs from CNN's "Lou Dobbs Tonight," Governor Bill Richardson (D-NM) and Jorge Castañeda, Mexico's former secretary of foreign affairs.  

The panelists discussed the much debated issue of immigration in the United States and the roles that our government, businesses, journalists, American citizens and the Mexican government alike all play.  Beckmann spoke about the poverty and hunger that often lead to immigration and the need to reach beyond borders and fences to help those most in need.

Bread for the World continues to increase outreach to Latino communities in the United States. Watch for more information on these efforts in a future issue of Bread.

back to top

'God Created One World'

by Archbishop Medardo Mazombwe

Recently several Bread for the World staff members had the opportunity to meet with Archbishop Medardo Mazombwe of the Catholic Diocese of Lusaka, Zambia. He spoke at length about the importance of the Millennium Development Goals and poverty reduction in his country. The following reflection includes excerpts from that conversation.

I think we should, as much as possible, motivate dialogue with governments. This is very, very important: to look at poverty reduction as everybody's responsibility. And political leaders should be involved in this program. The possibility is here now. If the opportunity is offered us—if we are serious about development and liberating people—we should be able to persuade political leaders to come forward.

When Jesus Christ was feeding the hungry, he was not doing it just as a social worker. Yes, as a social worker, but especially as a shepherd. The church has the responsibility to emulate Jesus Christ as a shepherd who felt sorry. [For Jesus], the process was not, "These people are hungry, send them home to look for something to eat." He says, "No, give them to eat yourselves."

So we Christians emulate Christ to feed the hungry. We should not feel that it is something that we may or may not do. We have the obligation as Christians, as followers of Jesus Christ, look after those people who are not well off, who are not fed, who are dying of hunger. This is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. So we Christians, I think, can even help the politicians to see [hunger and poverty] in a more serious way if they see us taking this part of human responsibility seriously and with a sense of urgency.

I have heard very many times about the First World and the Second World and the Third World. And I’m supposed to come from the Third World. Yet, God created one world. Why don’t we convince ourselves that we are one world? And if we convince ourselves that we are one world, then we shall feel an obligation for one another. I don’t feel that I am just doing a favor and I throw leftovers to that person. No, we are mutually obligated to help each other.

back to top

Gaining Momentum in Denver

Claudia Svarstad is a woman with a fire in her heart. In just the 18 months since she joined Bread for the World in Denver, CO, Claudia has organized Offering of Letters workshops and other events, spoken at many local churches, attended the July 2005 G-8 summit in Scotland as a member of the BFW delegation, participated in Lobby Day this June and become a board member of the Alliance to End Hunger.

Most recently, BFW members in Denver organized a program on National Hunger Awareness Day (June 6) that featured presentations by a rabbi and ministers from several Christian denominations. “Our goal is to get 10 local churches to hold Offerings of Letters,” said Svarstad. “Last year there was only one that we know about. We’ve had four so far this year, and there are active discussions underway in four more.” Later this summer, the activists will participate in Colorado Decides, a downtown event aimed at young working people. Along with Svarstad, other local BFW members are active in the ONE Campaign. For example, Matthew McCallister, who’s 17, persuaded his town to become a ONE city and then helped convince the state legislature to declare Colorado a ONE state.

Svarstad's experience at Lobby Day confirms for her the importance of writing to Congress. "Our church held an Offering of Letters during a service, and nearly everyone wrote a letter. I was able to bring 60 letters to our senators' offices in Washington, and I could tell they were carrying more weight. I was representing more than just myself."

Alliance to End Hunger Director Max Finberg said that Svarstad "is already making significant contributions as a board member, especially in membership and outreach." ONE Campaign Faith Outreach Organizer Holly Hight added, "I really appreciate how Claudia recognizes the importance of involving all partners – for-profit, nonprofit and government – in the fight against hunger."

“I find it totally amazing that you can go from having a cup of coffee with one person to speaking at dozens of local events,” said Svarstad. “And audiences are just so receptive. Of course it takes time and energy, but this really is a good time for all of us to get the word out about hunger and poverty.” Thank you to Claudia Svarstad and activists in Denver for your outstanding work!

back to top