The Alberta Northwest Conference United Church Women’s Child Well Being Initiative - 2010

Alberta women of the United Church of Canada are asking our elected representatives to lead the way in implementing a bold, well-resourced, accountable child poverty reduction strategy that attains firm timelines and targets. Quebec (‘02), Newfoundland/Labrador (‘06), Ontario (’08), New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia (’09) have implemented strategies. Where is our vision, Alberta?

In 2007, Alberta women of the United Church of Canada launched the grassroots Child Well-Being Initiative (CWBI). As community volunteers, we noticed an alarming increase in the numbers of children forced to access food and housing relief programs.

The evolving CWBI action plan began by gathering anonymous vignettes from child care sources about youngsters experiencing poverty in daycares, schools and after school programs. With this, and data from sources like Public Interest Alberta, Edmonton Social Planning Council, Statistics Canada and Campaign 2000, we dialogued with our local MLAs concerning the plight of the 77,595 Alberta children (1 in 10) living in impoverished conditions. (See www.edmontonsocialplanningcouncil.ca

On two occasions, letters addressing our concerns about the high cost of adequate housing, a living wage, food security, as well as public, accessible, quality child care have been sent to MLAs. The CWBI received 25 responses from the 83 sitting members.

The CWBI petition, calling for the reduction and systematic elimination of child poverty, was initiated in January 2008. Over 3,000 citizens from 94 communities have signed it so far. The petition was first tabled in the Legislative Assembly in April by Bridget Pastoor, MLA for Lethbridge East. The same day, 100 concerned citizens rallied at the Legislature. Since then, six MLAs from all parties have extended support for the CWBI by tabling copies of the petition in the house. The process continues. In fall, 2010 Dr. Raj Sherman, MLA for Edmonton-Meadowlark, will table the names of 450 supportive Albertans. Petitions continue to circulate with birdhouses inscribed, “Every bird, but not every child, can find a home.”

One hundred and fifty-nine copies of a 12 minute DVD explaining the CWBI has been presented to churches and to the public in Alberta (and to other interested Canadians from the Yukon to the Maritimes). 

Public interest polls indicate that four out of five Albertans strongly support concrete targets to reduce poverty; we continue to communicate our concerns with handwritten letters to elected officials.

In 2010, United Church women and friends have sewn 315 rag dolls, each a symbolic reminder made with a prayer for an improvement in the quality of life for our 77,595 impoverished children. Each of the 28 Alberta Members of Parliament received a doll prior to the G8/G20 June Summits. Others have been presented to persons of influence in media, politics and the arts across Canada, including Michaelle Jean, Flora McDonald, Mardi Tindal, Maureen McTeer, Raffi, Shelagh Rogers, Maude Barlow, and Peter Mansbridge.

We also invited students across the province from grade 4 to 12 to respond to the question, “What if ... every child in Alberta had a safe home and enough to eat?” Over 120 students submitted thought-filled essays, stories, poetry and art. A copy of each submission will be presented to Premier Stelmach in November.

This journey of hope renews our vigour, focus and purpose. We believe that children have the right to achieve their full potential, regardless of economic or other circumstance. Poverty is never the fault of the child. As mothers and grandmothers, we intend to add voice to the growing call for social and economic justice for all.

For information, please contact: Sharon prenevsh@telusplanet.net, Lillian 403-255-7184;  Carolyn cpogue@shaw.ca

The Pogue Blog is at The Observer online: www.ucobserver.org www.theartofpeacecamps.com www.carolynpogue.ca

Child Well Being Initiative committee members are: (* indicates contact persons)

Sharon Gillespie (ANWC UCW Red Deer Presbyterial President) havasu@incentre.net

Emmy Henry (ANWC UCW) ucwbanner@yahoo.ca

Marilyn Penfound (ANWC UCW President 2008-2010) memapen@telus.net

*Sharon Prenevost (ANWC UCW Church in the World) prenevsh@tleusplanet.net

*Lillian Stewart (ANWC UCW President 2006-2008)

Marilyn Thomas (ANWC UCW Coronation Presbytery Rep.) wthomas@telusplanet.net

Janet Walter (ANWC UCW Church in Society Chair 2007-2008)

For further information:

Dolls’ Message Colour Dollie CWBI E-Banner CWBI Poster Contest

CWBI Contest Info

Letter Writing Campaign MLA Involvement DVD Production

We Can Do Better Goals for 2010 CWBI 2011 Brochure CWBI Nov 2011 Update Insert