26.11.2009
White Ribbon Alliance
I am delighted to have been invited by Sarah Brown to a Christmas Party at Number 10 Downing Street on December 4th in support of the White Ribbon Alliance and the Million Mums Campaign.
Every minute of every day, a woman dies of pregnancy related complications, totalling more than one half million women each year.
The White Ribbon Alliance is here to change that.
The White Ribbon Alliance is an international coalition bound together by a common goal: to ensure that pregnancy and childbirth are safe for all women and newborns in every country around the world.
Their coalition is 143 countries strong, with National Alliances in 15. Click here to learn more about what they're doing and how you can play your part.
So why not join us by becoming a member online now?
Membership to the Alliance is free and available to all individuals and organisations with a commitment to the health and well-being of women and their families.
Visit the Take Action section to learn more about how you can get involved!
MAKE A DIFFERENCE - GET INVOLVED !
Here are some ideas....
HOLD A FILM NIGHT. The White Ribbon Alliance has a number of short films. Arrange a screening with your friends, family or community members of any or all of these films to increase awareness on safe motherhood. Contact the WRA for a hard-copy of any of the films.
HONOUR A WOMAN who died in pregnancy or childbirth by participating in Stories of Mothers Lost. Join organizations from around the world in creating a fabric panel giving testimony to a lost mother's life - learn more about the exhibit, view the list of participants and find out how you can share a story of a mother lost.
HOST A DISCUSSION GROUP. What does this issue mean to you? Set a time to discuss these issues with your peers and community members. The WRA has a variety of materials and resources that can aid discussion. Use your conclusions as a catalyst for positive action. Contact the WRA for a hard-copy of any of the materials.
WRITE A LETTER OR ARRANGE TO MEET YOUR GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL. As a constituent, your voice matters. How can they help to raise the profile of this issue? What do you want them to do about it?
WRITE TO YOUR NEWSPAPER. Write an Op-Ed or a Letter to the Editor to your local newspaper. Choose a time like International Women's Day (March 8) or International Midwives' Day (May 5). Click here to access a handout on tips for writing an Op-Ed or Letter to the Editor.
HOLD A FUNDRAISING EVENT. Show a video. Invite a speaker. Read personal testimonies from Stories of Mothers Lost. Share stories about your experiences and compare to those without access to lifesaving care. Be creative, resourceful and have some fun. Your efforts will raise awareness about what we can all do to save women's lives. Plus, your financial contribution will help us unite the activities of the White Ribbon Alliance members around the globe. Contact the WRA to tell us about your event.
PLEASE DONATE. With the help of supporters like you, the White Ribbon Alliance will continue promoting safe motherhood around the globe.
HEALTH WORKERS
Raise awareness about the current gap in healthcare workers - a staggering four million. For example, the Africa region bears more than 24% of the global burden of disease but has access to only 3% of the world's health workers. Click here to access an interactive tool created by Comic Relief to learn more about specific gaps in healthcare workers around the world.
Watch and share the WRA's participatory Play Your Part film created by and featuring healthcare providers in Tanzania.
Organise a discussion or support group for the mothers and mothers-to-be served by your clinic. The WRA has information on safe motherhood that can aid discussion.
Distribute white ribbons to your clients and staff. Don't forget to tell people what the ribbon means!
Host a health fair at your clinic. Promote safe motherhood and remind local families about the importance of the services you offer. Distribute information about the White Ribbon Alliance.
Hold a Press Conference to publicize the barriers to safe motherhood in your community and highlight the work of your health facility. Click here to access a handout detailing tips on arranging and conducting a press conference and click here to access a handout on the top ten tips for writing a press release.
Post flyers about the White Ribbon Alliance in your clinic's reception area.
Share fact sheets with your patients.
Honour a woman who died in pregnancy or childbirth by participating in Stories of Mothers Lost. Join organisations from around the world in creating a fabric panel giving testimony to a lost mother's life - learn more about the exhibit, view the list of participants and find out how you can share a story of a mother lost.
Share your stories with the White Ribbon Alliance. Let us know how your community group is celebrating safe motherhood!
COMMUNITY GROUPS
Hold a Press Conference to publicize the barriers to safe motherhood in your community and highlight the work of your community group. Click here to access a handout detailing tips on arranging and conducting a press conference and click here to access a handout on the top ten tips for writing a press release.
Distribute ribbons and information on the White Ribbon Alliance to people in your community. Don't forget to tell people what the ribbon means!
On behalf of your community group, write an Op-Ed or a Letter to the Editor to your local newspaper. Choose a time like International Women's Day (March 8) or International Midwives' Day (May 5). Click here to access a handout on tips for writing an Op-Ed or Letter to the Editor.
Promote a letter-writing campaign to encourage your local legislators' support of safe motherhood policies and programs.
Hold a fundraising event. Show a video. Invite a speaker. Read personal testimonies from Stories of Mothers Lost. Share stories about your experiences and compare to those without access to lifesaving care. Be creative, resourceful and have some fun. Your efforts will raise awareness about what we can all do to save women's lives. Plus, your financial contribution will help us unite the activities of the White Ribbon Alliance members around the globe. Contact the WRA to tell us about your event.
Link-up with a local clinic that provides care to pregnant women and their families. Volunteer to help raise awareness on safe motherhood or to help in any way they need it!
Honour a woman who died in pregnancy or childbirth by participating in Stories of Mothers Lost. Join organisations from around the world in creating a fabric panel giving testimony to a lost mother's life - learn more about the exhibit, view the list of participants and find out how you can share a story of a mother lost.
Share your stories with the White Ribbon Alliance. Let us know how your community group is celebrating safe motherhood!
STUDENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS
Millions of people use social networking sites to join others who share similar interests and beliefs. By becoming a friend or a fan of the White Ribbon Alliance, you can share what you are doing with friends and family and inspire them to join our global movement. For the latest news, activities, photos, videos, blogs, discussion, campaigns, links and more, click below:
Spread the word. Create an information booth at your school or community center to raise awareness about safe motherhood and the work of the WRA amongst your fellow students and peers. Encourage individuals to visit our website and join as members! The WRA has a variety of materials and resources. Contact the WRA for a hard-copy of any of these materials.
Distribute White Ribbons to your fellow students and peers. Don't forget to tell people what the ribbon means!
Post White Ribbon Alliance flyers and safe motherhood fact sheets around your school or community.
Write an Op-Ed or a Letter to the Editor to your local or school newspaper. Click here to access a handout on tips for writing an Op-Ed or Letter to the Editor.
Organise a letter-writing campaign to encourage leaders and government officials to support safe motherhood policies and programs.
Host an event to raise awareness and support. Invite a speaker. Screen WRA films. Read personal testimonies from Stories of Mothers Lost. Share stories about your experiences and compare to those without access to lifesaving care. Be creative, resourceful and have some fun.
Reach out to other groups or organizations that may be interested in this cause. Identify ways to raise awareness together or plan a joint event. Consider setting up information booths at these events as well.
Join other organizations and student groups from around the world that created fabric panels giving testimony to a lost mother's life. Learn more about the Stories of Mothers Lost exhibit and how you can share a story of a mother lost.
Share your stories with the White Ribbon Alliance. Let them know how your school is celebrating safe motherhood!
Other news stories