The Alberta Northwest Conference United Church Women’s Child Well Being Initiative- 2008

In the fall of 2007, women of the ANWC United Church of Canada launched the Child Well Being Initiative.

As volunteers in communities across Alberta, women of the United Church have been noticing an alarming increase in the number of families with children frequenting Soup Kitchens, Inn from the Cold, Thrift Shops, Food Banks, Food Clubs and/or Community Food distribution programs. In addition, we have found a growing need for school breakfast and lunch programs in many jurisdictions.

As part of the implementation of our action plan during the fall of 2007and into 2008, United Church women spoke with people who work with children. Staff and support personnel of preschool/school programs, social services providers, volunteers, grandparents and others, shared anecdotes involving children living in impoverished conditions. (Information was anonymously gathered to protect the identity of individuals involved.)

The next step was for women of the United Church across the conference to dialogue with local MLAs concerning the plight of the 64000 children living in poverty in Alberta.

Letters outlining our concern about child poverty in this province were mailed to all MLAs in March. The CWBI (Child Well Being Initiative) committee received responses from 12 MLAs.

Circulation of the Child Well Being Initiative petition was initiated in January/2008. On April 17^th twenty-five UCW Delegates witnessed the first tabling of the petition in the Alberta Legislative Assembly by Brigitte Pastoor, Liberal MLA for the Lethbridge East Constituency. It contained the signatures of 1000 citizens from 63 Alberta communities. That same day, women of the United Church held a rally on the steps of the Legislative Assembly. About 100 people gathered round to listen to words from Ricardo Acuna (Parkland Institute) Bill Moore–Kilgannon (Public Interest Alberta) and committee members. Banner waving participants were entertained by Raging Grannies and an Edmonton Social Activist Hip Hop Rap Group. Events of the day and the issues addressed were covered by newspapers, radio and television.

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 Banner Editor)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) Chairperson in 2007-2008

For further information:

MLA Involvement DVD Production Letter Writing Campaign

We Can Do Better Goals for 2009