October 7, 2006, Meeting Summary

DGAAN: DuPage Glocal AIDS Action Network

Promenade, Wheaton Franciscan Campus

Wheaton, IL

1. Co-chairs; S. Sheila Kinsey, OSF, D. Min., Justice, Peace & Integrity of Creation (JPIC), Wheaton Franciscans; Dr. Sandra Joireman, Ph.D., Dept. of Politics and International Relations, Wheaton College.
   17 participants were present.
2. Dr. Joireman led the reflection and S. Sheila gave a brief overview of Dgaan.
3. Annie Gill-Boyer, Bread for the World Faith Outreach Organizer for the One Campaign, shared her experience and spoke about her friend Toli, while she visited Uganda and she us how the Millennium Development Goals are highly linked and effective to combating AIDS. (To view the Millennium Development Goals, please click link-http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/. Annie also visited a town called Piterermanizdaurg, where she communicated the importance of a program Trust and Feed. She also saw the results of this program near another town called Ladysmith, where a feeding program was introduced using, nutritional supplement for HIV/AIDS. They have also formed an after-school program. In this program, they learned that children were not told that they can say “no”. Annie stressed that the South African Government has not officially recognized HIV/AIDS; this also includes their Minister of Health, they feel a sense of shame due to the massive HIV/AIDS cases link to their country and villages; and the need for finances to rebuild their image. (Since this meeting South Africa has publicity stated a connection between HIV and AIDS)
4. Emma Davis, JublieeUSA Tour, spoke about the upcoming Cancel the Debt Tour events through November 8-12. (schedule for the Chicago-land Tour will be posted as soon as it is available)

DGAAN Members Actions:

Dr. Sandra Joireman, Wheaton College

- Took over Minister of Mission for my church now running a mission on G-8 Summit and trying to get church goers aware of HIV/AIDS issues.

- Wrote an article for Church Newsletter

- Worked closely with some of the Wheaton students on HIV/AIDS Fundraiser for Upendo Village

- Stepped down from the Board of Gwaiwen Center (Aids widow’s orphans in Nigeria) and replaced myself w/ someone just as qualified-my Mother

- On October 12, met with Tammy Duckworth’s campaign staff regarding Hunger & Poverty issues. Have also tried to meet with Peter Roskan’s staff

Melissa Smigelsky, Wheaton College Student Global AIDS Campaign

- 50 Students participated in the Chicago AIDS Run/Walk

- Raised $5,000 towards health clinic in Uganda with $10-$12,000 total expected by the end of the month

- Massive student mobilization in response to chapel event featuring Zambian Orphan Choir and speaking event featuring Steve Haas of World Vision

- SGAC nationally is working on a treatment access campaign, including increased health care workers

S. Sheila Kinsey, OSF, Wheaton Franciscans

- Participated in a JublieeUSA conference call on the updates on the Jubilee Act and a discussion of supporters for Debt Cancellation.

- Involved with the planning for the Chicago-land JubileeUSA Tour Nov 8-12, 2006

- Made calls and petitions in concern for the Darfur Genocide

- Will be in Kenya January/February through Franciscans International (FI), participating in the World Social Forum (WFS) which will focus on HIV/AIDS and debt cancellation. Will also visit Upendo Village and participate in a FI training session for HIV/AIDS programs and JPIC coordinators

John St. Laurent, St. Thomas & Diocese of Joliet

- Worked on the STEP program for October 8^th, 2006

- Attending conference “To End Global Poverty” in San Francisco on October 27-28, 2006 (to download flyer, click pdf file)

- Working in Parishes for End Extreme Poverty Program for Diocese of Joliet

- Associated with Individuals from St. Thomas the Apostle and Church made arrangements for “Feed My Children” to make packages of nutritional meals at St. Thomas. My role is very limited of trying to get people to help pack

Dan Driscoll-Shaw, JublieeUSA

- Took part in JublieeUSA grassroots call and pushing the Jubliee Act

- Will be cooperating with the Jubliee Tour in November, 2006

Jeana Stewart, Canticle Ministries

- Follow up on status of Ryan White reauthorization government updates as of 9/21

- Response Statement by Regional & National HIV/AIDS Agencies to CDC Testing push

- Currently working on logistics for World Aids Day to be held on Dec 1^st, 2006

- Article in Catholic Explorer about HIV/Ryan White/Housing

Nick Noe, Newman CTR-Dekalb/BFW

- Met with editorial staff of Daily Chronicle to have an editorial on the MDG’s and elimination of poverty

- Met with Hastert’s and (Lulu Blacksmith) about Poverty-focused development assistance

- Giving a talk to local Bread For the World (BFW) group on legislative Status of BFW initiatives

Gingie Noe, Bread for the World

- Generated an editorial in daily paper and article in weekly paper; to read article, click link-http://www.midweeknews.com/articles/2006/10/04/local/front01.txt, plus other news coverage

- Our BFW chapter has attracted new members and our student members are starting a chapter

- Working on CROP Walk

Ron Durbin, St. Joan of Arc (Social Justice & Peace)

- Supported “Big Band Dance” on 9/17 at St. Joan of Arc, proceeds went to Upendo Village

- Wrote President Bush on 9/12/2006 to make Darfur top priority

- Working on project to End Extreme Poverty

- Watched the “Bono” video on his interview with Bill Hybels, Pastor of Willow Creek, talking more on Poverty and HIV/AIDS.

Suzie Broomes, Wheaton Franciscans

- Updating our Dgaan Website with current information

- Keeping on top of all Darfur news through the JPIC office

- Gathering information with Canticle Ministries for World Aids Day on Dec, 1^st, 2006.