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Policy and Advocacy
Every Little Bit Helps - REALLY!
As the first day of CARE’s National Conference comes to a close, I stumble across a chilling analysis of global efforts to reduce maternal mortality. The Herald (UK) reports that the United Nations target of reducing maternal mortality by 75% between 1990 and 2015 is “nowhere near being touched.” Considering the fact that 500,000 women still die each year from pregnancy complications and we’ve only got 7 more years to reach the target, “nowhere near” is not nearly good enough.
At this evening’s reception I met a number of people deeply ingrained in CARE’s work, maternal health an issue especially close to the mothers in the room. In addition to the die hard advocates, I ran into men and women that journeyed to DC to get a better glimpse of what CARE does to fight poverty. From Balmville, NY to Bangladesh each person shared their passion for the organization and their reason for attending. Some came for the excitement of lobbying on the Hill, while a CARE staff member from Ecuador wanted to know how to tell the stories of the women in her projects better. Each felt they had a stake in lifting the floor for the poorest people.
One woman succinctly said she was here “because every little bit helps.” As I sit in my room thinking about all the mothers still dying while trying to give life I wonder, is this saying cliché? Does every little bit really help? Can my actions here in Washington D.C. really save even one mother’s life?
So often we’re told that foreign aid is just a band-aid on the problem, or that development does more harm than good. It is easy to get so overwhelmed by the debates and issues that we do nothing at all. But we can’t afford to.
The truth is, every little bit DOES help. One midwife can save hundreds of mother’s lives. If you knew you’re “little bit” could save a life, would you hesitate to do it? As I journey to the issue sessions tomorrow I will seek out the little bits I can do to have an impact on my world. I invite you all to join me.
If you’re on Twitter follow CARE and the National Conference at #ncc. You can also tune into the action on our CARE USA Facebook page.
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