Security,
Stability, Self-Sufficiency:
International Assistance & The Case For U.S. Global Engagement
September 12, 2003
Guide to
International Relief and Development Resources in Chicago
Accion International
Website address: www.accionchicago.org
Description of Organization:
ACCION Chicago, part of the ACCION USA Network and affiliate of ACCION
International, is a nonprofit organization that provides credit to small
business owners who can't access commercial loans. Through loans and
other business services, ACCION Chicago helps men and women build their
businesses and contribute to the growth of their communities.
How to Get Involved:
Your contribution helps hardworking poor entrepreneurs throughout Latin
America, Africa and the United States strengthen their "micro"
businesses, support their families and improve their lives. Demand for
ACCION programs grows every day. We must expand to meet the need. To
make a donation or for questions, contact ACCION Chicago at 773-376-9004.
Contact:
Kate Johnson
Marketing Strategist
773-376-9004
kjohnson@accionchicago.org
American
Jewish World Service, Midwest Regional Office
Web Site Address: www.ajws.org
Description
of Organization:
AJWS is a not -for-profit international development organization that
works on a non-sectarian basis, on behalf of the Jewish community, throughout
the developing world. AJWS provides humanitarian support, technical
assistance, and skilled volunteers to local NGOs working on a variety
of social programs including literacy, women's health, sustainable agriculture,
education, and micro-enterprise. We also respond to disasters with relief
and reconstruction assistance. Founded in 1985, AJWS provides a vehicle
through which American Jews can be engaged as global citizens, working
for the betterment of humanity.
How to Get Involved:
Contributions to our programs will help us carry out innovative work
at the grassroots level. Skilled adults of a variety of professions
can volunteer in the developing world for a minimum of one month through
our Jewish Volunteer Corps, and college-aged programs are also available
for spring, summer and winter breaks. Local volunteers are also needed
for office work and staffing events. Please contact Elizabeth Versten.
Contact:
Elizabeth Versten
Director, Midwest Regional Office
773-274-1191
bversten@ajws.org
American
Red Cross
Web Site Address: www.redcross.org
or www.chicagoredcross.org
Description
of Organization:
The American Red Cross of Greater Chicago is a humanitarian organization,
led by volunteers, that provides relief to victims of single-family
emergencies and community, national and international disasters; and
helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.
The international
services office offers tracing/locating services for people separated
from their relatives because of war, civil disturbance or natural disaster.
Through the strength of the Red Cross Movement and the work of tracing
volunteers at national societies around the world, Red Cross tracing
services and Red Cross messaging services help families locate each
other and send communications.
How to Get Involved:
Call the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago at 312-729-6100 for information
or visit the website at www.chicagoredcross.org.
Contact:
Karen Ryerson
Director, International Services
312-729-238
ryersonk@usa.redcross.org
Amnesty International
USA
Web Site Address: www.amnestyusa.org
Description
of Organization:
Amnesty International's vision is of a world in which every person enjoys
all of the human rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human
Rights and other international human rights standards.
Amnesty International undertakes research and action focused on preventing
and ending grave abuses of the rights to physical and mental integrity,
freedom of conscience and expression, and freedom from discrimination,
within the context of its work to promote all human rights.
How to Get Involved:
People can be involved in Amnesty's work through many different ways.
All are listed in the "get involved!" section of our website
at www.amnestyusa.org. Taking action via our action center, responding
to requests for urgent action on behalf of those in imminent danger,
participating in community events as a local or student group member
are all examples of AI activism.
Contact:
Robert Schultz
Membership Field Organizer
312-435-6396
rschultz@aiusa.org
Archdiocese
of Chicago/Office for Peace and Justice and Catholic Relief Services
Web Site Address: www.archchicago.org
Description
of Organization:
The Office for Peace and Justice for the Archdiocese of Chicago, based
in the Catholic Social Tradition, educates, advocates, and empowers
through the Catholic Church, parishes schools, institutions and with
community partners to transform lives and society.
How to Get Involved:
Someone can get involved by participating in the programs of Catholic
Relief Services through the Office for Peace and Justice. These programs
include: Operation Rice Bowl, Food Fast, and the Work of Human Hands.
Contact:
Adrienne Curry
Diocesan Director, Catholic Relief Services
312-751-8367
acurry@archchicago.org
CARE International
Web Site Address: www.care.org
Description
of Organization:
CARE is one of the world's leading humanitarian organizations fighting
global poverty. In 69 developing countries, CARE helps poor families
create lasting solutions to their most threatening problems. Most of
CARE's work is centered on community development: nutrition, education,
health and economic growth. We are also committed to providing life-saving
assistance during times of crisis, and working to rebuild and strengthen
communities afterward.
How to Get Involved:
The best way to get involved in the Chicago area is through the CARE
Action Network (CAN). As a part of CAN, you will be joining thousands
of other CARE supporters around the country who are dedicated to speaking
out about the pressing need to solve global poverty and speaking up
for policies and programs that will help us achieve this goal. CARE
believes that by speaking together, our voices will be loud enough to
be heard.
As a participant
in CAN you will: 1) receive background information on issues that are
critical to eliminating poverty; 2) learn how to communicate effectively
with elected officials about the issues that matter to you; 3) educate
our nation's leaders about the crisis of global poverty and what they
can do to make a difference.
Contact:
Loren Leidinger Avila
Field Coordinator
312-641-1430
Leidinger@mw.care.org
Heartland
International
Web Site Address: www.heartlandinternational.org
Description
of Organization:
Heartland International empowers individuals to make democratic political
change. We accomplish this task through the development, management
and implementation of political, social and economic projects as well
as international educational exchange projects. Heartland International
has worked with NGO leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, legislators,
political party leaders and government officials from Africa, Asia,
Central and Eastern Europe and the NIS.
How to Get Involved:
· Become a homestay host! Program participants stay with local
Chicago-area individuals and families for time periods from 2-4 weeks
during their stay.
· Accompany program participants to a local Chicago cultural
activity.
· Become a member of Heartland International's Special Event
Committee.
· Become an office volunteer
Contact:
Karen A. Egerer
President
312-583-9430
heartland@heartlandinternational.org
Heifer International
Web Site Address: www.heifer.org
Description
of Organization:
The mission of Heifer International is to work with communities to end
hunger and poverty and care for the earth. "Passing on the Gift"
is a fundamental to Heifer International's approach to sustainable development.
As people share the offspring of their animals, their knowledge, resources,
and skills with others, an expanding network of hope, dignity, and self-reliance
is created that reaches around the world.
How to Get Involved:
People can contact our local Development office to talk about volunteer
and giving opportunities. Interested people can also go to the web site
and request materials to learn more about Heifer International. There
are Learning Centers in Massachusetts and Arkansas that provide first
hand experiences to learn about global hunger and poverty and Heifer's
work to address them, as well as Study Tours, which are two week trips
to countries where Heifer is working.
Contact:
Rosemary Larson
Chicago Area Representative
773-279-9022
rosemary.larson@heifer.org
Illinois
Society for International Development
Web Site Address: www.isidonline.org
Description
of Organization:
The Illinois Society for International Development (ISID) utilizes the
resources of the diverse communities of the State of Illinois to promote
international development. ISID facilitates the sharing of information
on international development through its listserve, a website, www.isidonline.org,
and programs that are held on the second Tuesday of every month.
How to Get Involved:
Join the ISID listserve. To sign up, visit the website - www.isidonline.org.
ISID holds programs on topics related to international development.
Events are held in downtown Chicago on the second Tuesday of every month.
Contact:
Trina Janes
Co-President
312-645-9400, X 35
co-president1@isidonline.org
Opportunity
International
Web Site Address: www.opporutunity.org
Description
of Organization:
Opportunity International provides microfinance services to the poorest
of the working poor in 25 developing countries. Our mission is to provide
opportunities for people living in chronic poverty to transform their
lives. We work to help create jobs, stimulate small businesses, and
strengthen communities among the poor.
How to Get Involved:
Please share the work of Opportunity International with others interested
in empowering women, helping small entrepreneurs in developing countries,
and making a difference in the fight against poverty.
· Visit our website to find out about volunteer opportunities
- www.opportunity.org
· Join Partners with the Poor to connect with our programs and
poor entrepreneurs.
· Become a member of our Board of Governors
Contact:
Laura Reilly
Senior Director of Strategic Communications
630-645-4100
LReilly@opportunity.org
U. S. Fund
for UNICEF
Web Site Address: www.unicefusa.org
Description
of Organization:
The mission of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF is to promote the survival,
protection, and development of all children worldwide through fundraising,
advocacy, and education.
The U.S. Fund for UNICEF is one of 37 national committees set up around
the world to raise money for UNICEF. UNICEF works in 158 countries and
territories providing health care, clean water, improved nutrition,
and education to millions of children in Africa, Asia, Central and Eastern
Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East.
How to Get Involved:
Individuals can make donations on line at www.unicefusa.org or by calling
1-800-FOR-KIDS. Volunteer opportunities are available through our local
office by contacting Amy Kaczmarek at 312-255-0400, X 13.
Contact:
Marjorie Schaffner
Executive Director
312-255-0400, X 11
mschaffner@unicefusa.org
World Relief
- Chicago
Web Site Address: Parent: www.wr.org,
Chicago only: www.wrchicago.org
Description
of Organization:
World Relief - Chicago engages communities to foster dignity and wholeness
for people in transition, specifically refugees, immigrants, and the
homeless. Founded in 1980, WRC provides a holistic response focused
on equipping our clients for greater self-sufficiency. WRC provides
cultural adjustment, job training and placement, English-as-a-Second-Language
instruction, mental health and trauma therapy, special programs for
refugee children and seniors, legal services, citizenship preparation,
and homeless prevention services to newcomers to Chicago and our communities
from across the world and around the corner. WRC is part of World Relief,
an international relief and development agency.
How to Get Involved:
WRC offers a range of volunteer and internship opportunities to individuals
or groups, including in-home English tutor, teaching assistant, citizenship
tutor, translator, employment trainer, refugee sponsor, after-school
children's program, Road Runner (transportation assistance), pick-up
and delivery of furniture, and office-based internships. You can put
together a Good Neighbor Kit of basic new or used household necessities
to help create a home for a refugee family. Donate gently used furniture!
Advocacy is also needed on refugee admissions to the US and a range
of immigration-related concerns. To volunteer, contact Rachel Newsom
at 773-583-9191, X 264 (rnewsom@wr.org).
Contact:
Dori Dinsmore
Executive Director
773-583-9191
ddinsmore@wr.org
World Vision
Chicago
Web Site Address: www.worldvision.org/chicago
Description
of Organization:
Founded in 1950, World Vision is an international Christian humanitarian
organization serving the world's poorest children and families in nearly
100 countries. World Vision's assistance extends to all people, regardless
of religious beliefs, gender, race, or ethnic background. In Chicago,
the mission of World Vision is to get people involved locally through
tutoring urban kids, supplying goods for low-income housing, mobilizing
volunteers, child sponsorship, emergency relief, and much more.
How to Get Involved:
Whether it's changing lives here or around the world, we can help you
realize your vision.
Involvement opportunities with World Vision Chicago include:
· Numerous Hands On Volunteer Opportunities
· Donating your company's surplus products
· Corporate Sponsorship
· 30 Hour Famine
· Church Involvement
· Emergency relief assistance
· Providing an ongoing pledge of support
Contact:
Cassandra Wyssbrod
Metro Marketing Director
773-921-3900, X 321
cwyssbro@worldvision.org
