Q: Is “Mothering Across Continents” a
non-profit 501(c)3?
A: No. “Mothering Across Continents: Care and Compassion for AIDS Orphans in South Africa” is an initiative begun in Charlotte, NC, by professional women who have first-hand experience with and commitments to supporting orphans and vulnerable children affected by HIV/AIDS. Our initial focus is on successfully completing awareness, education and fundraising events and activities . The fundraising aspect of these events will benefit select programs for AIDS orphans and vulnerable children in South Africa that are supported by the non-profit organizations Save the Children and the South Africa Development Fund. The proceeds from any funds contributed will be equally divided between the two organizations.
A: No. “Mothering Across Continents: Care and Compassion for AIDS Orphans in South Africa” is an initiative begun in Charlotte, NC, by professional women who have first-hand experience with and commitments to supporting orphans and vulnerable children affected by HIV/AIDS. Our initial focus is on successfully completing awareness, education and fundraising events and activities . The fundraising aspect of these events will benefit select programs for AIDS orphans and vulnerable children in South Africa that are supported by the non-profit organizations Save the Children and the South Africa Development Fund. The proceeds from any funds contributed will be equally divided between the two organizations.
Q: Why have you chosen to
focus your initiative on South Africa?
A: We recognize that HIV/AIDS is a global health issue, and it has a global impact on children. At the same time, we think it important to focus our efforts. The world’s greatest concentration of orphans and vulnerable children affected by HIV/AIDS is in sub-Sahara Africa. There is an awareness of South Africa in Charlotte; the need to support orphans and vulnerable children in South Africa is great, and both Save the Children and South Africa Development Fund support child-focused programs in South Africa. Also, the founders of this initiative are either from South African or have been to South Africa and learned first-hand of HIV/AIDS prevention and programs there.
A: We recognize that HIV/AIDS is a global health issue, and it has a global impact on children. At the same time, we think it important to focus our efforts. The world’s greatest concentration of orphans and vulnerable children affected by HIV/AIDS is in sub-Sahara Africa. There is an awareness of South Africa in Charlotte; the need to support orphans and vulnerable children in South Africa is great, and both Save the Children and South Africa Development Fund support child-focused programs in South Africa. Also, the founders of this initiative are either from South African or have been to South Africa and learned first-hand of HIV/AIDS prevention and programs there.
Q: Isn't
HIV/AIDS an adult issue - not a children's issue?
A: HIV/AIDS is very much a children's issue. An estimated 15
million children have lost one or both parents to AIDS, and that number
is expected to climb to 25 million by the end of the
decade. Already there are one million orphans in South Africa. It
also is not true that most children orphaned by AIDS
live in orphanages. Only a small minority of these
children live in orphanages, and orphanages cannot solve the rapidly
growing problem. For instance, most of the children orphaned by
AIDS in Africa remain in their villages. But these children often
are discriminated against and have to fend for themselves. As
parents get sick and die of AIDS, family burdens shift to
children. By working with communities, local governments and
non-governmental
organizations, we can support these children by helping them stay in
school and learn income-earning skills. We also can
ensure they get adequate protection, food, health care and support to
cope with the grief and trauma of losing one or both parents to AIDS.
Q: Why did you choose to
focus on programs supported by Save the Children and
the South Africa Development Fund?
A: This is a broad awareness, education and fundraising initiative that will help Charlotte, and particularly the women of Charlotte, better understand the scope of the issue in Africa, and South Africa, in particular. Information and insights shared will not be focused solely on these two organizations. Any fundraising contributions will be. The reasons are that we want to communicate to the women of Charlotte that they can make a difference, and we can help be a guide. The two co-founders are intimately familiar with Save the Children and the South Africa Development Fund. Dr. Lyndall Hare of CPCC is on the board of the SADF, and Patricia Shafer of Compel Ltd. is on the HIV/AIDS Leadership Council of Save the Children USA. Both organizations have established track records and receive consistently high ratings – for example, both have received a 4-Star rating from Charity
Navigator. In addition, because of Dr. Hare’s and Ms. Shafer’s involvement with these organizations, we have been able to identify programs where funds raised in Charlotte will be focused. We believe all of these factors will matter greatly to women who want to make a difference but don’t know where or how to begin.
the South Africa Development Fund?
A: This is a broad awareness, education and fundraising initiative that will help Charlotte, and particularly the women of Charlotte, better understand the scope of the issue in Africa, and South Africa, in particular. Information and insights shared will not be focused solely on these two organizations. Any fundraising contributions will be. The reasons are that we want to communicate to the women of Charlotte that they can make a difference, and we can help be a guide. The two co-founders are intimately familiar with Save the Children and the South Africa Development Fund. Dr. Lyndall Hare of CPCC is on the board of the SADF, and Patricia Shafer of Compel Ltd. is on the HIV/AIDS Leadership Council of Save the Children USA. Both organizations have established track records and receive consistently high ratings – for example, both have received a 4-Star rating from Charity
Navigator. In addition, because of Dr. Hare’s and Ms. Shafer’s involvement with these organizations, we have been able to identify programs where funds raised in Charlotte will be focused. We believe all of these factors will matter greatly to women who want to make a difference but don’t know where or how to begin.
Q.
Why does Charlotte need to
do this; doesn’t charity begin at home?
A. Actually, we can be proud that Charlotte is considered a very “giving city.” For instance, a study by Intuit Inc., reviewed data from the 2004 tax year for the 50 largest cities in the U.S. Charlotte was identified as one of the “most giving cities.” And in the realm of showing concern for children in Africa, Charlotte’s churches have been quite active. At the same time, we wanted to be the first to do two things: 1) link the idea of Charlotte becoming a “world-class city” with a focus on making a difference to the worldwide issue of HIV/AIDS and orphans; and 2) call on women in Charlotte to be a model for women in other cities. It’s the spirit of what author and speaker Jean Shinoda-Bolen calls “Gather the Women; Save the World.”
A. Actually, we can be proud that Charlotte is considered a very “giving city.” For instance, a study by Intuit Inc., reviewed data from the 2004 tax year for the 50 largest cities in the U.S. Charlotte was identified as one of the “most giving cities.” And in the realm of showing concern for children in Africa, Charlotte’s churches have been quite active. At the same time, we wanted to be the first to do two things: 1) link the idea of Charlotte becoming a “world-class city” with a focus on making a difference to the worldwide issue of HIV/AIDS and orphans; and 2) call on women in Charlotte to be a model for women in other cities. It’s the spirit of what author and speaker Jean Shinoda-Bolen calls “Gather the Women; Save the World.”
Q.
You have said that these
events are focused on women? What about men? And children?
A. You may notice that our initiative has the word “Mothering” in it – not “Mother.” Our goal is to bring people together to consider how they can extend their care and concern beyond the United States to orphans and vulnerable children in need as a consequence of HIV/AIDS, one of the global health challenges of our times. Men and women of all ages – with or without children – can be engaged in the spirit of “mothering.” At the same time, we are women who understand the natural inclination and instincts that women have for children in need. More women than ever are in the workforce, have successful careers, and have the discretionary income to direct to causes that matter to them. We believe that the women of Charlotte will be ready to extend beyond their borders when they realize the difference they can make.
Q. How can I be involved or contribute?
A. Go to our Sponsors & Founding Mothers webpage for additional information. Individuals and groups interested in serving on the “host” committee and or sponsoring the event can contact Patricia Shafer at pshafer@compelconsulting.com.
Q. How can I start a "Mothering Across Continents" initiative, or bring "Mothering Across Continents"
A. You may notice that our initiative has the word “Mothering” in it – not “Mother.” Our goal is to bring people together to consider how they can extend their care and concern beyond the United States to orphans and vulnerable children in need as a consequence of HIV/AIDS, one of the global health challenges of our times. Men and women of all ages – with or without children – can be engaged in the spirit of “mothering.” At the same time, we are women who understand the natural inclination and instincts that women have for children in need. More women than ever are in the workforce, have successful careers, and have the discretionary income to direct to causes that matter to them. We believe that the women of Charlotte will be ready to extend beyond their borders when they realize the difference they can make.
Q. How can I be involved or contribute?
A. Go to our Sponsors & Founding Mothers webpage for additional information. Individuals and groups interested in serving on the “host” committee and or sponsoring the event can contact Patricia Shafer at pshafer@compelconsulting.com.
Q. How can I start a "Mothering Across Continents" initiative, or bring "Mothering Across Continents"
to
my community?
A. The Vision of "Mothering Across
Continents" is to be a catalyst for
people who want to make a difference in the lives of AIDS orphans and
vulnerable children globally, starting with the
women of Charlotte, NC. To discuss your interest, please
contact "Mothering Across Continents" co-founder Patricia
Shafer at pshafer@compelconsulting.com
In
any case, please be aware that the "Mothering Across Continents"
identity should not be linked, reproduced or used without written
permission from an authorized organizing committee
representative.
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