August 16, 2008 Meeting Summary

DGAAN: DuPage Glocal AIDS Action Network

Sr. Rosemary Pint Room, 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.
   15 participants were present
2. Ann Piasecki led the reflection while Sandra gave a brief overview of Dgaan.
3. Conference Call Carolyn Boyd-Director of Faith and Community Based Outreach for Global AIDS Alliance in DC. As an ecumenical conference; participants broached the issues of prejudice and age discrimination as it concerns AIDS.

· Conference attendees included representatives and leaders from a variety of faith groups/services were offered.

· From an objective stance, discussion groups identified faith leaders as part of the problem (ie.—degradation of women and violence); some theological perspectives purport that idea

· Gender based violence and the realities of HIV/AIDS have a variety of social implications: risky behaviors, human trafficking, cultural norms, economic implications (prostitution). The goal is to link these factors together and, then, to formulate a strategy to thwart such negative gender-based outcomes

· Observations: the global south was under represented at the conference; marginalization of gay and transgender population has little representation

· In attendance at the conference (25,000 plus, many journalists)

· In a recent related conference in Mexico, Bill Clinton addressed the group. He called on people to promote equal health care and education. He linked PEPFAR with global funding efforts:

--still looking for vaccines for killer diseases in Third World nations—see advances in antibody production for HIV

--advances in female condoms (not widely used)

--male circumcision can prevent transmission of disease

--pregnant mothers in Uganda getting prenatal care to ensure the baby is born without HIV

Boyd said, “we want a holistic approach to AIDS: biology, psychology and emotions for and about sex/what it means o be a sexual being

--prevention measures and treatment are improving: relying on an integrated strategy—“combination of prevention methods” to achieve synergy

Still, HIV is linked to violence on a gender basis and for gays

--stigma/discrimination—continues to impact HIV/AIDS treatment

--consider the criminalization of homosexuality around the world—we

need to “decriminalize homosexuality.”

--tuberculosis continues to be a mass killer/the impact of the disease is worse on HIV/AIDS clients

--malaria is still rampant in Third World nations

HOPE and VISION—comments expressed in the aftermath of the conference:

Joireman said she believes that at this point in time it’s unlikely to get faith communities in the global south to battle gender-based prejudice.

DGAAN Members Actions:

Jeana Stewart, Director of Canticle Ministries

· Planning session to address HIV/AIDS issues at a state level: budget, funding, priorities, data collection, regional forums will be held psychological implications will be considered accessibility and availability of healthcare will be part of the equation, including insurance issues.

S. Sheila Kinsey, OSF, JPIC Office, Wheaton Franciscans

· Advocated for passage of PEPFAR and thanked our Senators Obama and especially Durbin for their support

· Advocacy for Darfur

· In conversations with JubileeUSA voices opposition to strategy for Jubilee Act being included in the Defense spending bill

· Participated in the Common Good Conference on Philadelphia, in July-Platform addresses poverty, fair trade and healthcare.

· Presented a session on the Franciscan International seminar on Uganda for Eastern Africa at the annual Franciscan Federation gathering in Denver. Conducted survey with participants for healthcare equipment and supply needs our Franciscan Healthcare is a partner with Mission outreach in Springfield.

· Earth Summit has presentations that include information on Kenya and Uganda- Solar ovens and safe ware supplies.

Ann Piasecki, JPIC Office, Wheaton Franciscan

· Sierra Club Actions-Wildlife, Clean Water Act-MTR

· Earth Summit/Coordination

· Supported the PEPFAR

· Housing initiatives, visited South Suburban

John St. Laurent, Diocese of Joliet,

· Coordination an offering of letter at Wesley United Methodist Church August 17. Bread for the World programs generating letters seeking increase poverty development funding and passage if global Poverty Act.

· Steps towards elimination Poverty Committee (STEP)- this event will be on October 26^th

Rosemary Eileen McHugh, M.D., Professor of Family Medicine at Rush University Medical Center, Chicago-Group Practice in Aurora at Federally Qualified Community Clinic-Student from the Institute Studies at Loyola University of Chicago.

· Visited my cousin who is a priest outside Johannesburg in South Africa. He is a priest from Ireland and in the Society of African Missions, my cousin is Fr. Michael Brady S.M.A

· Also visited with a Jesuit who was my spiritual director; who had a 36 day retreat in 2006 on the spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. He is a director of the Jesuit Institute in Johannesburg.

· Met Bishop Kevin Dowling of Rustenburg South Africa. He gave a tour of two of their AIDS Care Centers and introduced me to one of the doctors. Freedom Park is the name is one of the other Centers.

· I also met with the head of the adult AIDS-Dr. F. Venter and the head of pediatrics AIDS. Dr. A Violari in the Johannesburg area. The Jesuits put me in touch with these doctors.

· Bishop Dowling, Drs. Venter & Violari were all very grateful of the United States and the President for their/our generosity for the PEPFAR Program. They were hoping that the new administration would continue this program.

· The Jesuit Fr. David Smolira, S.J. who linked me up with these experts, is from London and now Directors of the Jesuit Institute in South Africa. He received a Masters Degree in Management from Loyola University Chicago in the 1990’s

Donna Faur, Therapist for DuPage County Health Department

· Worked with PWA through Health Department counseling.

· Met with Senator Dan Cronin to raise awareness of AIDS in DuPage County. Possible funds available for Housing and world relief.

· Congo/Angalo- Client wanting to work with AIDS population

Jocelyn Smolia; First Presbyterian Church Glen Ellyn/World Vision

· World Vision Experience: AIDS- September 6-14 “STEP into Africa” interactive exhibit free and open to the public, experience, events and volunteer opportunities.

· Prayer at the Lake-September 12, @ 6:30pm Prayer Vigil for AIDS at Lake Ellyn in Glen Ellyn, 646 Lenox Rd. Community wide-prayer w/ worship & ecumenical prayers led by community church leaders and candle prayer walk.