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Friday March 29, 2013
Which members of Congress signed the letter to Secretary Kerry urging him to address gender-based violence? See if you can find your policymaker below!
Posted by: Margie Lauter at 6:01PM EST on March 29, 2013

Senate

Name, State, Party

Freshman?

Barbara Boxer, CA, D

 

Johnny Isakson, GA, R

 

Richard Blumenthal, CT, D

 

Sherrod Brown, OH, D

 

Benjamin Cardin, MD, D

 

Robert Casey, PA, D

 

Susan Collins, ME, R

 

Chris Coons, DE, D

 

Richard Durbin, IL, D

 

Dianne Feinstein, CA, D

 

Al Franken, MN, D

 

Kirsten Gilibrand, NY, D

 

Tim Kaine, VA, D

Yes

Mark Kirk, IL, R

 

Amy Klobuchar, MN, D

 

John McCain, AZ, R

 

Jeff Merkley, OR, D

 

Barbara Mikulski, MD, D

 

Chris Murphy, CT, D

Yes

Jeanne Shaheen, NH, D

 

Mark Udall, CO, D

 

Warren, MA, D

Yes

Sheldon Whitehouse, RI, D

 

Ron Wyden, OR, D

 

 

House

Name, State, Party

Freshman?

Aaron Schock, IL, R

 

Betty McCollum, MN, D

 

Susan Brooks, IN, R

Yes

Lois Capps, CA, D

 

Michael E. Capuano, MA, D

 

Andre Carson, IN, D

 

Steve Chabot, OH, R

 

David N. Cicilline, RI, D

 

Wm. Lacy Clay, MO, D

 

Rodney Davis, IL, R

Yes

Susan A. Davis, CA, D

 

Diana DeGette, CO, D

 

Rosa L. DeLauro, CT, D

 

Suzan K. DelBene, WA, D

Yes

Theodore E. Deutch, FL, D

 

Christopher P. Gibson, NY, R

 

Keith Ellison, MN, D

 

Eliot L. Engel, NY, D

 

Sam Farr, CA, D

 

Chaka Fattah, PA, D

 

Richard Hanna, NY, R

 

Rush Holt, NJ, D

 

Michael M. Honda, CA, D

 

Henry C. "Hank" Johnson Jr., GA, D

 

Joseph P. Kennedy III, MA, D

Yes

Ron Kind, WI, D

 

James R. Langevin, RI, D

 

Barbara Lee, CA, D

 

Zoe Lofgren, CA, D

 

Alan S. Lowenthal , CA, D

Yes

Carolyn Maloney, NY, D

 

Edward J. Markey, MA, D

 

Jim Matheson, UT, D

 

Jim McDermott, WA, D

 

James P. McGovern, MA, D

 

Michael Michaud, ME, D

 

Gwen Moore, WI, D

 

James P. Moran, VA, D

 

Eleanor Holmes Norton, DC, D

 

Donald M. Payne, Jr., NJ, D

Yes

Chellie Pingree, ME, D

 

David E. Price, NC, D

 

Mike Quigley, IL, D

 

Charles B. Rangel, NY, D

 

Cedric L. Richmond, LA, D

 

Janice D. Schakowsky, IL, D

 

Adam B. Schiff, CA, D

 

F. James Sensenbrenner Jr., WI, R

 

Terri A. Sewell, AL, D

 

Krysten Sinema AZ, D,

Yes

Louise McIntosh Slaughter, NY, D

 

Patrick Tiberi, OH, R

 

Niki Tsongas, MA, D

 

Maxine Waters, CA, D

 

Melvin L. Watt, NC, D

 

Henry A. Waxman, CA, D

 

Peter Welch, VT, D

 

Tuesday March 12, 2013
Impact
Posted by: Daniel Fava at 5:26PM EST on March 12, 2013
CARE's Learning Tours program, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, is a strategic entry point for education and engagement of policymakers and those who can influence policy. The Learning Tours program provides these decision makers with life-changing experiences that go beyond statistics and give them the opportunity to travel with colleagues to develop a shared understanding of the benefits of foreign assistance. CARE's Learning Tours program has earned a reputation for high-quality, effective trips that have contributed to measurable results including policy change, increased funding and broader awareness of the issues facing the world's poor. By building champions within Congress, the Learning Tours are having a positive impact in terms of moving the dial on foreign assistance. Below, you can find examples from our past trips that showcase this impact and the strong leaders CARE has hosted on our trips.

Representatives Aaron Schock (R-IL) and Betty McCollum (D-MN)
After returning from the Learning Tour to Ethiopia in September 2010, Representative Aaron Schock (R-IL) has been a champion on the issue of child marriage alongside Representative Betty McCollum (D-MN) who just participated in our Learning Tour to South Sudan and Tanzania in February 2013. In December following the trip, Representative Schock made a moving speech on the House floor about his experience on the trip where he saw firsthand how child marriage devastates young girls physically and emotionally, and destroys any future economic opportunity for them. Most recently, in July 2012, Representatives Schock and McCollum introduced H.R. 6087, International Protecting Girls by Preventing Child Marriage Act, to promote and protect the rights of girls in the developing world. Following the introduction, they followed up with a Dear Colleague in August and letter to Secretary Clinton in September before the 112th Congress concluded. Please check out this Op-Ed on child marriage that was written by Janet Glavin, a CARE and ONE supporter in Representative Schock's district of Peoria, IL.

On February 28, 2013, following the passage of the bipartisan reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act of 2013, Representatives Schock and McCollum issued a press release applauding this monumental legislation particularly as it includes language requiring the U.S. to develop a comprehensive strategy to prevent child marriage in developing countries. In the press release, Rep. Schock says, "Child marriage is a tragedy happening on an epic scale around the world. This is a moral, economic and humanitarian crisis that doesn't receive nearly enough attention in our country. However, all that begins to change today with the passage of our legislation. On my trip with CARE to Ethiopia, I saw first-hand how child marriage devastates young girls physically and emotionally, while destroying their future. I'm grateful we can finally tell the world that help is on the way." The press release also talks specifically about the Learning Tour and links to Rep. Schock's December 2010 floor speech on child marriage. This press release is a huge testament to the power of the Learning Tours program and why Member travel so important to understanding these issues and building champions within Congress to be true advocates for this work.

Additionally, in advance of CARE's 2013 International Women's Day Conference & Celebration on March 5-7, CARE confirmed that Representatives Schock and McCollum and Senators Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Johnny Isakson (R-GA) planned to send letters to Secretary of State John Kerry highlighting Congressional support for efforts to combat Gender-Based Violence and supporting the implementation of the U.S. Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence Globally. These letters were part of our ask at this year's Conference during our Hill meetings, in addition to protecting the foreign assistance budget.

Representative Barbara Lee (D-CA)
On January 4, 2013 at the start of the 113th Congress, Representative Barbara Lee (D-CA) introduced a resolution in support of foreign assistance programs. She said, "Expressing the sense of Congress that the United States should provide, on an annual basis, an amount equal to at least one percent of United States gross domestic product (GDP) for nonmilitary foreign assistance programs, this bill recognizes the importance of foreign assistance programs in promoting national security, demonstrating the American people's humanitarian spirit, and improving U.S. credibility in world affairs. Representative Lee participated in our Uganda trip in April 2012 and has served as a true champion for global health and foreign assistance.

Representative Lynn Woolsey (D-CA)
In January 2013, Representative Lynn Woolsey (D-CA) joined the CARE Action Network's (CAN) Leadership Council, a small strategic council of former Members of Congress and members of Presidential Administrations who are committed to CARE's mission of combating global poverty. As a champion of global health and development issues, Representative Woolsey's continued leadership on these issues and her excitement to continue working alongside CARE will be an incredible opportunity for the organization and the people we serve. She spoke at CARE's 2013 International Women's Day Conference & Celebration
Impact
Posted by: Daniel Fava at 3:32PM EST on March 12, 2013
CARE's Learning Tours program, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, is a strategic entry point for education and engagement of policymakers and those who can influence policy. The Learning Tours program provides these decision makers with life-changing experiences that go beyond statistics and give them the opportunity to travel with colleagues to develop a shared understanding of the benefits of foreign assistance. CARE's Learning Tours program has earned a reputation for high-quality, effective trips that have contributed to measurable results including policy change, increased funding and broader awareness of the issues facing the world's poor. By building champions within Congress, the Learning Tours are having a positive impact in terms of moving the dial on foreign assistance. Below, you can find examples from our past trips that showcase this impact and the strong leaders CARE has hosted on our trips.

Representatives Aaron Schock and Betty McCollum
After returning from the Learning Tour to Ethiopia in September 2010, Representative Aaron Schock (R-IL) has been a champion on the issue of child marriage alongside Representative Betty McCollum (D-MN) who just participated in our Learning Tour to South Sudan and Tanzania in February 2013. In December following the trip, Representative Schock made a moving speech on the House floor about his experience on the trip where he saw firsthand how child marriage devastates young girls physically and emotionally, and destroys any future economic opportunity for them. Most recently, in July 2012, Representatives Schock and McCollum introduced H.R. 6087, International Protecting Girls by Preventing Child Marriage Act, to promote and protect the rights of girls in the developing world. Following the introduction, they followed up with a Dear Colleague in August and letter to Secretary Clinton in September before the 112th Congress concluded. Please check out this Op-Ed on child marriage that was written by Janet Glavin, a CARE and ONE supporter in Representative Schock's district of Peoria, IL.

On February 28, 2013, following the passage of the bipartisan reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act of 2013, Representatives Schock and McCollum issued a press release applauding this monumental legislation particularly as it includes language requiring the U.S. to develop a comprehensive strategy to prevent child marriage in developing countries. In the press release, Rep. Schock says, "Child marriage is a tragedy happening on an epic scale around the world. This is a moral, economic and humanitarian crisis that doesn't receive nearly enough attention in our country. However, all that begins to change today with the passage of our legislation. On my trip with CARE to Ethiopia, I saw first-hand how child marriage devastates young girls physically and emotionally, while destroying their future. I'm grateful we can finally tell the world that help is on the way." The press release also talks specifically about the Learning Tour and links to Rep. Schock's December 2010 floor speech on child marriage. This press release is a huge testament to the power of the Learning Tours program and why Member travel so important to understanding these issues and building champions within Congress to be true advocates for this work.

Additionally, in advance of CARE's 2013 International Women's Day Conference & Celebration on March 5-7, CARE confirmed that Representatives Schock and McCollum and Senators Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Johnny Isakson (R-GA) planned to send letters to Secretary of State John Kerry highlighting Congressional support for efforts to combat Gender-Based Violence and supporting the implementation of the U.S. Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence Globally. These letters were part of our ask at this year's Conference during our Hill meetings, in addition to protecting the foreign assistance budget.

Representative Barbara Lee (D-CA)
On January 4, 2013 at the start of the 113th Congress, Representative Barbara Lee (D-CA) introduced a resolution in support of foreign assistance programs. She said, "Expressing the sense of Congress that the United States should provide, on an annual basis, an amount equal to at least one percent of United States gross domestic product (GDP) for nonmilitary foreign assistance programs, this bill recognizes the importance of foreign assistance programs in promoting national security, demonstrating the American people's humanitarian spirit, and improving U.S. credibility in world affairs. Representative Lee participated in our Uganda trip in April 2012 and has served as a true champion for global health and foreign assistance.

Representative Lynn Woolsey (D-CA)
In January 2013, Representative Lynn Woolsey (D-CA) joined the CARE Action Network's (CAN) Leadership Council, a small strategic council of former Members of Congress and members of Presidential Administrations who are committed to CARE's mission of combating global poverty. As a champion of global health and development issues, Representative Woolsey's continued leadership on these issues and her excitement to continue working alongside CARE will be an incredible opportunity for the organization and the people we serve. She spoke at CARE's 2013 International Women's Day Conference & Celebration
Impact
Posted by: Daniel Fava at 3:25PM EST on March 12, 2013

CARE’s Learning Tours program, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, is a strategic entry point for education and engagement of policymakers and those who can influence policy. The Learning Tours program provides these decision makers with life-changing experiences that go beyond statistics and give them the opportunity to travel with colleagues to develop a shared understanding of the benefits of foreign assistance.  CARE’s Learning Tours program has earned a reputation for high-quality, effective trips that have contributed to measurable results including policy change, increased funding and broader awareness of the issues facing the world’s poor. By building champions within Congress, the Learning Tours are having a positive impact in terms of moving the dial on foreign assistance. Below, you can find examples from our past trips that showcase this impact and the strong leaders CARE has hosted on our trips.

 

Representatives Aaron Schock and Betty McCollum

After returning from the Learning Tour to Ethiopia in September 2010, Representative Aaron Schock (R-IL) has been a champion on the issue of child marriage alongside Representative Betty McCollum (D-MN) who just participated in our Learning Tour to South Sudan and Tanzania in February 2013. In December following the trip, Representative Schock made a moving speech on the House floor about his experience on the trip where he saw firsthand how child marriage devastates young girls physically and emotionally, and destroys any future economic opportunity for them. Most recently, in July 2012, Representatives Schock and McCollum introduced H.R. 6087International Protecting Girls by Preventing Child Marriage Act, to promote and protect the rights of girls in the developing world. Following the introduction, they followed up with a Dear Colleague in August and letter to Secretary Clinton in September before the 112th Congress concluded.  Please check out this Op-Ed on child marriage that was written by Janet Glavin, a CARE and ONE supporter in Representative Schock’s district of Peoria, IL. 

 

On February 28, 2013, following the passage of the bipartisan reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act of 2013, Representatives Schock and McCollum issued a press release applauding this monumental legislation particularly as it includes language requiring the U.S. to develop a comprehensive strategy to prevent child marriage in developing countries.  In the press release, Rep. Schock says, “Child marriage is a tragedy happening on an epic scale around the world. This is a moral, economic and humanitarian crisis that doesn’t receive nearly enough attention in our country. However, all that begins to change today with the passage of our legislation. On my trip with CARE to Ethiopia, I saw first-hand how child marriage devastates young girls physically and emotionally, while destroying their future.  I’m grateful we can finally tell the world that help is on the way.”  The press release also talks specifically about the Learning Tour and links to Rep. Schock’s December 2010 floor speech on child marriage. This press release is a huge testament to the power of the Learning Tours program and why Member travel so important to understanding these issues and building champions within Congress to be true advocates for this work.

 

Additionally, in advance of CARE’s 2013 International Women’s Day Conference & Celebration on March 5-7, CARE confirmed that Representatives Schock and McCollum and Senators Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Johnny Isakson (R-GA) planned to send letters to Secretary of State John Kerry highlighting Congressional support for efforts to combat Gender-Based Violence and supporting the implementation of the U.S. Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence Globally.  These letters were part of our ask at this year’s Conference during our Hill meetings, in addition to protecting the foreign assistance budget.

 

Representative Barbara Lee (D-CA)

On January 4, 2013 at the start of the 113th Congress, Representative Barbara Lee (D-CA) introduced a resolution in support of foreign assistance programs. She said, “Expressing the sense of Congress that the United States should provide, on an annual basis, an amount equal to at least one percent of United States gross domestic product (GDP) for nonmilitary foreign assistance programs, this bill recognizes the importance of foreign assistance programs in promoting national security, demonstrating the American people's humanitarian spirit, and improving U.S. credibility in world affairs.  Representative Lee participated in our Uganda trip in April 2012 and has served as a true champion for global health and foreign assistance.

 

Representative Lynn Woolsey (D-CA)

In January 2013, Representative Lynn Woolsey (D-CA) joined the CARE Action Network’s (CAN) Leadership Council, a small strategic council of former Members of Congress and members of Presidential Administrations who are committed to CARE’s mission of combating global poverty.  As a champion of global health and development issues, Representative Woolsey’s continued leadership on these issues and her excitement to continue working alongside CARE will be an incredible opportunity for the organization and the people we serve. She spoke at CARE’s 2013 International Women’s Day Conference & Celebration

 

Sunday March 3, 2013
Collaborative Globalization Project
Posted by: Margie Findley at 5:08PM EST on March 3, 2013
As part of a globalization project as a graduate student of Western Kentucky University, I am creating a website to increase awareness of the need for organizations such as care to battle global issues. One requirement, and an important aspect of any globalization project, is the collaboration with members of the organization. I am seeking one or more members to collaboratively create two or more technology products to be included on the website. The technology products can include slideshows, Prezi presentations, videos, screencasts, or other products which could be used to promote the global issues and organization. If you are interested in helping me further increase awareness of the need for organizations such as Care, please contact me immediately so that we may begin.
Monday February 4, 2013
Moving Forward: Exploring Haiti's Transition from Emergency to Development
Posted by: Daniel Fava at 12:19PM EST on February 4, 2013
In August 2012, a group of congressional staff members traveled with CARE to Haiti to focus on progress and economic and social challenges that remained more than two and a half years after a massive earthquake devastated the country in January 2010.

The delegation (from left to right) at the CARE Women’s Solidarity Group in Léogâne: Alice James, LaVerne Saulny, Jean-Michel Vigreux (Country Director, CARE Haiti), Viviana Bovo, Cesar Gonzalez, David Ray, Tolli Love, Andrew Newton, Terriah Proechel, Stephen Blount, Meghan Taira and Anastasia Moloney.

In particular, the diverse delegation from Florida, South Carolina, Alabama, Louisiana and New York examined how U.S. foreign assistance programs and recovery efforts centered on economic security, health and gender have helped Haitian families rebuild and strengthen their communities.

The delegation included:

  • LaVerne Saulny, Women's Rights/Africa Policy Advisor, Sen. Landrieu (D-LA)
  • Cesar Gonzalez, Chief of Staff, Rep. Diaz-Balart (R-FL)
  • Andrew Newton, Ag, Health, Homeland Security LA, Sen. Shelby (R-AL)
  • Meghan Taira, Health LA, Sen. Schumer (D-NY)
  • Viviana Bovo , Director of Special Projects, Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL)
  • Alice James, Scheduler/Press Secretary, Sen. Graham (R-SC)
  • Anastasia Moloney, Latin America Correspondent, Reuters
  • Dr. Stephen Blount, Associate Director for Global Health Development, CDC
Dr. Stephen Blount, Meghan Taira and LaVerne Saulny met with a Haitian mother named Mouira who participated in CARE’s Neighborhood Improvement Program in Carrefour.

The group visited CARE, USAID and other international nongovernmental programs that highlighted promising practices and cost-saving solutions. The group also met with high-level government officials, women parliamentarians, U.S. Ambassador to Haiti Pamela White, and Haiti's First Lady and former CARE staff member Sophia Martelly.

One of the most memorable visits was to CARE's Village Savings and Loans (VSLA) program, which elicited praise from the delegates. The VSLA model in Haiti alone has helped participants save over $147,000 in less than six months, where the average income is $2 a day. The delegation also had the chance to visit  CARE's Women's Health Solidarity Program, which includes solidarity groups for women, men and youth. After listening to women speak in the group, LaVerne Saulny from Senator Landrieu's office said the experience really solidified her understanding of why programs are so crucial.  She said, "To see how excited these women are about understanding the preventative measures to do so that they can make their choices and to understand the preventive, to be able to be educated and to be enlightened about choices was very good."

Andrew Newton, Cesar Gonzalez and Alice James take a tour of GHESKIO, a PEPFAR funded not-for-profit health care organization notable for its work in HIV and tuberculosis.

While the trip was cut a day short due to Hurricane Isaac, the moment proved instructive as it highlighted the need for smart and continued development investments in Haiti. All delegates were evacuated safely, but Isaac proved to be deadly for Haiti, causing eight deaths with flooding and damage to many parts of the country. Weeks later, Haiti was again battered by Hurricane Sandy, which killed a total of 52 people and destroyed 42 percent of Haiti's corn, 30 percent of its rice and 20 percent of its bean crop.

Haiti Now

Despite the troubles presented by natural disasters and political turmoil in Haiti, much progress has been made. Although much of the country lay in ruins due to the 2010 earthquake, 2011 saw the first peaceful transition of power to an opposition party in the history of Haiti. The number of people displaced by the earthquake continues to fall as new shelters are built and temporary shelter is converted into permanent housing.

Programs such as CARE's Neighborhood Improvement Program allow for community investment in planned neighborhoods, making linkages with public institutions easier and allowing for better local governance.  Recent changes in Haiti's constitution also call for more gender equality, making it a constitutional provision that a minimum of 30 percent of government jobs are reserved for women.

After the trip Reuter's journalist Anastasia Moloney explored the future development priorities in the article titled "How Haiti Can Get Back on its Feet." Additionally, in memory of the third anniversary of the earthquake, CARE shared a press release of their current activities happening in-country and how, through empowering women and girls, these programs help protect families and communities when future disasters occur.

Click here for more information about the Learning Tour to Haiti.

Working Together: Understanding the Impact of Integrated Health Programs in Uganda
Posted by: Daniel Fava at 12:13PM EST on February 4, 2013
CARE hosted their first senator – Johnny Isakson (R-GA) – alongside Rep. Jack Kingston (R-GA) and Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA), on a Learning Tour to Uganda in April 2012 to learn how key innovations and investments in U.S. foreign assistance have made progress in the region possible.  

Representatives Barbara Lee and Jack Kingston are welcomed to the ARISE program in Gulu.

Other participants included:

  • Helene Gayle, President & CEO of CARE USA
  • Ambassador Jimmy Kolker, Principal Deputy Director of the Office of Global Affairs at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
  • Jim Coughlan, President of Customer Solutions at UPS
  • Catherine Connors, Director of Community and Social Good at Babble.com
  • Rodney Muhumuza, Journalist at the Associated Press
  • Bo Cutter , Chairman of the Board at CARE USA

On the trip, the delegation had the opportunity to visit CARE's flagship Village Savings and Loans Association (VSLA) program, which improve access to financial services while empowering women to better provide for both themselves and their communities. The group also met John Robert Engole, the first patient to ever receive PEPFAR funds, whose story is recounted here by journalist Rodney Muhumuza from the Associated Press.

Senator Isakson and Deborah Conner from CDC Uganda greet visit Nsambya Home Care in Kampala.

Over the course of the trip, the delegation visited urban and rural sites in Uganda, consulted with senior
Ugandan leaders and civil society groups and interacted directly with community members and local leaders. The delegation had the unique opportunity to visit Gulu in northern Uganda where the violent armed militia group, the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA), was once active. Since 2006, much progress and advancement in livelihoods has been achieved following the LRA's infamous leader Joseph Kony's expulsion. As the delegation departed, Representative Kingston said, "It's important for us to go and get beyond the paperwork, the statistics, and the powerpoints to see the people and actually talk to them."

Uganda Now

A month after the trip, in April, Sen. Isakson spoke on the Senate floor about the success of CARE's VSLA model, saying: "It was great…to see U.S. tax dollars deployed helping uplift the nation, uplift the people, help solve the greatest scourge on the continent…and help people to be able to reinvest in themselves. CARE is a great nongovernmental entity…and they are reducing the amount of Federal assistance we will provide in the years to come because they will be more productive, which is the payback you want to see from foreign assistance dollars when they are invested."

Rep. Barbara Lee also reflected on her trip in a Huffington Post piece highlighting the importance of women's empowerment and their role in development called "The Power of a Mother."

The delegation with women parliamentarians, Betty Bigombe, Betty Aol and Rebecca Kadaga (from left to right): Angela Dickerson, Senator Johnny Isakson, Chris Carr, Representative Barbara Lee, Catherine Connors, Dr. Stephen Keith, Dr. Helene Gayle, Derreck Kayongo (CARE), David Ray (CARE), Bo Cutter, Chris Sullivan, Ambassador Jimmy Kolker, Saiqa Panjsheri (CARE), Jim Coughlan, James Bot (CARE Uganda) and Representative Jack Kingston.

Over the past 20 years, Uganda has seen great strides in health, including massive reductions in new AIDS cases, a 60 percent decrease in rates of tuberculosis infections, and a decline in preventable deaths. Uganda recently announced an ambitious plan to further cut rates of HIV and AIDS transmission from mothers to children by providing free antiretroviral drugs to all eligible women. While gender equity in Uganda remains an issue of national importance a policy introduced and passed in 2007 seeks to address gender-based violence and promote gender equality. Likewise, affirmative action laws in Uganda mandate a certain percentage of membership on local governmental councils be reserved for women to ensure that their voices are heard.

Click here to learn more information about the Learning Tour to Uganda.

Compare and Contrast: Development Progress and Challenges in Rwanda and DRC
Posted by: Daniel Fava at 12:05PM EST on February 4, 2013
In August 2011, CARE hosted its first two-country Learning Tour to Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) with Representative Jim McDermott (D-WA), Representative Steve Cohen (D-TN) and the late Representative Donald Payne (D-NJ).  

A moment of silence at the Genocide Memorial to reflect on the importance of upholding human rights.

Other trip participants included:

  • Carla Koppell, Senior Coordinator for Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment at USAID
  • Michael Gerson, Columnist at the Washington Post
  • Hannah Kaye, Program Officer at the Gates Foundation
  • Toby Whitney, Legislative Director for Congressman McDermott
  • Randy Wade, District Director for Congressman Cohen
  • William Payne, Deputy Chief of Staff for Essex County, New Jersey

On the Learning Tour, delegates examined the advancements of Post-Genocide Rwanda including impressive gains in maternal and child health mortality rates as well as the role that political will and good governance systems play in enabling a society to deliver lifesaving health care services to its population. In eastern DRC, delegates gained insight on the response to conflict, women's rights and poverty. Through visits to communities and meetings with high-level officials such as Prime Minister Makuza, the delegation was reminded of what can be accomplished with smart investments in international development. James Entwistle, U.S. Ambassador to the DRC, reminded participants that "[these] problems can be solved…it's about building local capacities." The delegation was reminded that today, Rwanda prides itself with a new, hopeful mantra,"One People, One Destiny."

Rep. Payne (left) and his brother, William Payne, in Kamonyi Village in Rwanda.

The visit to Rwanda's Genocide Memorial was particularly memorable for the delegation where they each placed a floral wreath on a tomb and observed a moment of silence to remember the victims of the 1994 genocide and reflect on the need to prevent crimes against humanity worldwide. In DRC, the delegation had the opportunity to visit Bweremana Village in Lake Kivu, one of the great lakes in East Africa where widespread armed conflict has occurred since the mid-1990s.  In this village, supported by Heal Africa, the women have banded together to improve their reproductive health and promote family planning services for those in need. They call their solidarity group Meme Mere (We're all Mothers). The delegation met Kanyare Sabasaba, 34, a mother of 10 children (eight of whom survived childbirth) who talked about the positive changes in her life due to family planning. Following the Learning Tour, Michael Gerson wrote an op-ed in the Washington Post titled, "Family Planning as a Pro Life Cause," which took his experience from Bweremana Village. In the article, Gerson discusses the importance of family planning services for women who face dangerous obstacles in childbirth, including in the Congo where 100 women die each day due to childbirth or pregnancy-related complications. Gerson said, "The very words ‘family planning'light up the limbic centers of American politics. From a distance, it seems like a culture war showdown. Close up, in places such as Bweremana, family planning is undeniably pro-life. When births are spaced more than 24 months apart, both mothers and children are dramatically more likely to survive."

Lastly, CARE would like to acknowledge the energy that the late Representative Donald Payne (D-NJ) brought to the trip, which marked his last visit to Africa before his passing. As the Chair of the Africa Subcommittee and longtime champion of U.S. foreign assistance, Representative Payne's leadership on this trip was instrumental. In reflection after his passing, Representative Cohen said, "Last year, I traveled with Congressman Payne to Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo to investigate early childhood and women's issues. Congressman Payne was an expert on the political, economic and security situation throughout the continent of Africa and it was my privilege to spend those days in the company of such a knowledgeable and dedicated public servant." Additionally, in September 2012 at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's Africa Braintrust event, a special tribute was made to Representative Payne where his brother William Payne talked about their experience on the Learning Tour to Rwanda and the DRC.

Click here for more information about the Learning Tour to Rwanda and the DRC.

The delegation in Rwanda (from left to right): William Payne, Hannah Kaye, JoDee Winterhof, Congressman McDermott, Congressman Payne, Congressman Cohen, Carla Koppell, Michael Gerson, Randy Wade and Toby Whitney.

Rwanda and DRC Now

The International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) completed its first-instance trials at the end of 2012, and in 2013 and 2014, will concentrate on completing outstanding appeals.  The ITCR is an international court established by the United Nations Security Council in Resolution 955 in order to judge people responsible for the Rwandan Genocide and other serious violations of international law in Rwanda, or by Rwandan citizens in nearby states, between 1 January and 31 December 1994.

In 2012, North Kivu saw a dramatic escalation of violence, with deadly armed clashes and reports of human rights violations such as forced recruitment, killings, rape, burning of villages and exploitations of civilians. The conflict culminated on November 20 in the capture of the provincial capital of Goma by an armed group called M23 (mouvement du 23 mars), which is composed of soldiers who mutinied in April from the DRC national army. M23 withdrew from Goma on December 1 on the condition of negotiations with the Congolese government which are currently being held in Kampala, Uganda. The Goma airport reopened on December 5 and the situation in the capital remains calm yet highly unpredictable and volatile.

According to UN figures, over 130,000 people have been displaced by the recent instability in and around Goma. In addition, there are an estimated 841,000 people who were already displaced before this latest wave of fighting. Humanitarian access remains a problem with several armed groups present in the region and a highly volatile security environment. CARE is calling on is for all parties to respect the commitments made in UN Security Council Resolution 1820 to protect women affected by sexual violence and gender-based violence, particularly by ensuring access to basic services, ending impunity for sexual violence, and investing in prevention. Also, CARE calls on all parties to ensure the protection of civilians and allow humanitarian access. CARE USA is working with INGO partners to plan a Capitol Hill briefing to educate congressional offices about the conflict in Congo and impact on communities, in addition to the international advocacy currently happening by CARE International.

Tuesday January 29, 2013
Q+A with Senator Johnny Isakson
Posted by: Stephanie Chen at 3:01PM EST on January 29, 2013

In April 2012, CARE hosted their first senator -- Johnny Isakson (R-GA) -- on a Learning Tour to Uganda to learn how key innovations and investments in U.S. foreign assistance have made progress in the region possible. 


CARE: What were your initial impressions with the trip?

Isakson: I thought the trip was fantastic.  CARE’s in-country and DC staff were great.  Overall, I’d give it an A+.  There was good participation and the testimonies were fantastic.  It was unique in that a lot of NGO’s forget to let the people who take part in the programs speak. Having the opportunity to speak to beneficiaries was the highlight for me. I’d go again.  

CARE: What about the themes and the programs you saw on the trip?

Isakson: The themes on the trip were effective.  Each stop was comprehensive and we got a lot of time there.  We were moving all over the place, but there was balance and the visits had purpose.   

CARE: What are the key messages that you want friends, other influential people, or officials to hear?   

Isakson: There is a real battle to maintain an effective foreign affairs budget, and it needs good advocates on all sides to fight for it.  

CARE: Tell me about the delegation? Was it a good mix of people? 

Isakson: The delegation was a great mix of people – from policymakers to the Administration, the media and private sector.  We all learned from each other.

Tuesday November 13, 2012
2012 Election Analysis – What does President Obama’s re-election and the 113th Congress mean for the fight against global poverty?
Posted by: Margie Lauter at 3:47PM EST on November 13, 2012

With the election behind us you’re likely asking yourself: so what does this all mean for our collective fight against global poverty and the future of foreign assistance? We share your concern and wanted to share what we know, what questions remain, and how you can help.

We are confident that with the President’s re-election comes his strong support for U.S. leadership in the global fight to end poverty. What is less certain is how he will execute that leadership: will there be changes to his Feed the Future initiative? What will his legacy on global health look like? Have recent weather patterns changed his approach to tackling climate change? And perhaps most importantly, who will succeed Secretary Clinton as Secretary of State, providing critical leadership in development assistance? We don’t have all the answers but we’ll be fighting for a renewed commitment to foreign assistance through his initiatives and his next Secretary of State.

To add to the murkiness is the new Congressional make-up. Republicans retained control of the House, but with a smaller majority, and the Senate is majority Democratic with a record number of women (!!). There are 80 new freshman members with very different levels of knowledge about foreign affairs. In fact, there are roughly 270 Members of Congress that were not in Congress when the all-popular global AIDS program, PEPFAR, was authorized and funded. That would suggest a Congress far less familiar with global development issues, and a lot of educating for us to do! What’s also significant is the expected change in leadership to the important House and Senate committees on appropriations and foreign affairs. Those positions will be finalized in the coming months. What’s crystal clear is that citizen advocacy has become the most important advocacy tool we have.

We also know that the decisions made in the coming week about how to tackle our significant fiscal challenges will shape the ability of the U.S. to fight global poverty. Congress returned to Washington on Tuesday, November 13, with a mandate from the voters to tackle the looming “fiscal cliff” including addressing the sequestration and likely finalizing the FY13 appropriations bill (despite the Continuing Resolution that funded the government through late March). While they work to find a solution, CARE and our partners will work with you to demonstrate that the federal budget cannot be balanced through additional, disproportionate cuts to U.S. foreign assistance. With your help, we will protect the roughly 1% of the federal budget spent on foreign assistance in the FY13 budget and prepare for similar debates in the 113th Congress.



To learn more about how you can get involved, listen to the recording of CARE’s special Post-Election Briefing Call, which was held Thursday, November 15 with Tod Preston, Director of Government Relations at the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition, and Eric Williams, Democratic Staff Director for the Committee on Africa, Global Health, and Human Rights. Hear a deeper analysis of the election results, what they mean for the fight against global poverty, and how you can take action to ensure that new and returning members of Congress stand up for the world’s most vulnerable people.

To listen to the Conference Replay, dial US Toll Free: 1-877-344-7529 and use the Conference Number: 10021526. The recording will be available through November 26, 2012 at 9:00am ET.

Stay in the loop! Take a look at some key dates listed below that will keep you up to speed with the federal budget process.

Key dates:
November 13
: Congress Returns: Lame Duck Session Begins, 113th Organizational Meetings
December 31: Expiration of the Bush tax cuts if Congress does not take action
January 2: Sequestration
January 3: 113th Congress Swearing-In
January 21: Presidential Inauguration
February 5: FY14 Budget Submission to Congress
March 27: FY13 Continuing Resolution (CR) expires

Friday August 31, 2012
FY13 Budget - UPDATE
Posted by: Margie Lauter at 3:41PM EST on August 31, 2012
Just before the August recess, House and Senate leaders, with support from the White House, reached an agreement on a six-month Continuing Resolution (CR) that would delay FY13 appropriations decisions until early next year. Policymakers will vote on the CR when they return from recess in September.

Although both the House and Senate Appropriations Committees have approved appropriations bills for the FY13 International Budget, reconciling the $4 billion (7.7%) difference between the House and Senate levels will be delayed until early 2013.

It’s not too late to take action! Contact your Field Representative today to learn how you can continue to encourage Congress to support funding for these life-saving programs.

Friday August 3, 2012
Budget - UPDATE
Posted by: Margie Lauter at 1:49PM EST on August 3, 2012

Thank you to our CAN advocates who took part in the US Global Leadership Conference in July, and lobbied Congress to support robust funding for the FY13 International Affairs Budget! CAN advocates met with 18 offices on Capitol Hill, urging their Members of Congress to support critical funding for life-saving international development programs.

With lawmakers set to return home in August for a month of campaigning and party conventions, opportunities for any movement on the FY13 Appropriations Bills are unlikely before October 1, when the new fiscal year begins. However, the major budgetary issues that will confront Congress through the end of the year remain daunting.

Decisions made during the four remaining months of the 112th Congress – such as the need to resolve the nearly $4 billion (7.7%) gap between House and Senate FY13 Appropriations funding levels – will have a significant impact on the International Affairs Budget. It’s not too late to take action!

Contact your Field Representative today to learn how you can continue to encourage Congress to support funding for these life-saving programs through the August recess.

Farm Bill - UPDATE
Posted by: Margie Lauter at 1:07PM EST on August 3, 2012

On July 9, the House introduced their version of the Farm Bill, or the Federal Agriculture and Risk Management Act (H.R. 6083), which was marked up by the House Agriculture Committee on July 11. Unlike the bipartisan Senate Farm Bill, or Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2012 (S.3240) passed last June – which contains critical reforms to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the U.S. international food aid system – the House Bill lacks any provisions that will effectively reform the international food aid system.

Impacting millions of lives worldwide, the Senate Farm Bill saves money and time, and is an investment in long-term solutions to the global food crisis. We owe it to the American taxpayer, as well as to the communities served by our international aid programs, to support this Senate legislation.

We urge the House to amend the Farm Bill (H.R. 6083) to include the positive food aid reforms provided in the bipartisan version of the Farm Bill passed by the Senate.

Contact your Field Representative to learn more about how you can join CARE to call on your representative to support these life-saving food aid programs!

Child Marriage - UPDATE
Posted by: Margie Lauter at 1:02PM EST on August 3, 2012



Thank you to our advocates who have been working tirelessly to draw more attention to this critical issue this summer! After the Senate passed the International Protecting Girls by Preventing Child Marriage Act (S.414) earlier in May, the House introduced their own International Protecting Girls by Preventing Child Marriage Act of 2012 (H.R. 6087) on July 9 under the bipartisan leadership of Representatives Betty McCollum and Learning Tours alum Aaron Schock.

Rep. Aaron Schock on a CARE Learning Tour to Ethiopia

The Bill currently has 13 cosponsors, including Learning Tours alumni Rep. Aaron Schock (R-IL), Rep. Jim McDermott (D-WA), and Rep. Lynn Woolsey (D-CA).

Take a look at Representative McCollum and Schock’s press release announcing the introduction of the Bill, and referencing Congressman Schock’s experience on his CARE Learning Tour to Ethiopia where he witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of child marriage. Senator Dick Durbin also evoked the critical need for this life-saving legislation in a speech he made on the Senate floor. 

On July 10, the Washington Post ran a cover story highlighting the link between an increase in child marriage and the growing food crisis in the Sahel.The article generated an overwhelming response from policymakers, global leaders, and the public, including an Op-Ed published in the Washington Post on August 1st by Gracel Machel and Nobel Laureate Desmond Tutu.

Monday July 2, 2012
Child Marriage - UPDATE
Posted by: Margie Lauter at 3:55PM EST on July 2, 2012

Thanks in large part to the tremendous work of our advocates, the U.S. Senate passed the International Protecting Girls by Preventing Child Marriage Act last month, co-sponsored by Senators Richard Durbin (D-IL) and Olympia Snowe (R-ME). This is a crucial step in upholding the rights of adolescent girls around the world and a critical step in preventing the harmful practice of child marriage. Thank you for lending your voice to the tens of thousands of girls who are forced into marriage each year.

Please continue to show your support and commend your senators for passing the International Protecting Girls by Preventing Child Marriage Act by clicking here.

Water and Sanitation - UPDATE
Posted by: Margie Lauter at 3:51PM EST on July 2, 2012

On June 19th, the Water for the World Act (S.641), which would increase access to safe drinking water and sanitation for millions of the world’s poorest citizens, passed through the Senate Foreign Relations Committee by voice vote!

On the House side, the Water for the World Act of 2012 (H.R. 3658) recently picked up an additional 17 cosponsors to make a total of 60 cosponsors, including Learning Tours alumni: Rep. Donald Payne (D-NJ), Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA), Rep. Aaron Schock (R-IL), Rep. Jim McDermott (D-WA), Rep. Lynn Woolsey (D-CA), Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-IL), and Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN).

Contact your field representative today to learn more about how you can take action to help provide access to safe drinking water for people across the globe.

FARM Bill - UPDATE
Posted by: Margie Lauter at 3:39PM EST on July 2, 2012

On June 21st, the Senate passed the Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act (S.3240), also known as the Farm Bill, which contains important reforms to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the U.S. international food aid system. This legislation – renewed every five years – includes provisions that will increase the effectiveness of how the United States tackles food insecurity across the globe.

Click here to learn more about how you can join CARE to call on your representative to support these life-saving food aid programs!

FY13 Foreign Affairs Budget and Appropriations - UPDATE
Posted by: Margie Lauter at 3:33PM EST on July 2, 2012

With less than a month left in session before the House and Senate adjourn in early October, opportunities for any movement on the FY13 Appropriations Bills are increasingly unlikely.

While Congress is expected to act on a few Appropriations Bills before the August recess, cuts to the State and Foreign Operations bill – which provides critical funding for international development programs – is not expected to be considered for debate.

Thank you to our CAN advocates for their tireless efforts to support the funding for these lifesaving programs! Stay tuned for future updates as we monitor progress of the FY13 budget process.

Tuesday June 12, 2012
Helping Children Reach Their Fifth Birthdays and Beyond
Posted by: Stephanie Chen at 2:13PM EST on June 12, 2012

In the poor Bangladeshi village of Kawabadha, a shy little girl named Morsheda recently turned five years old. At her party, Morsheda sang and danced with her friends and family and feasted on a traditional dessert made of rice and sugar. Unfortunately, Morsheda’s fifth birthday celebration was an event many children around the world will never experience.

CARE’s latest video features Morsheda’s story and how a massive-yet-innovative program called SHOUHARDO is not only helping children such as Morsheda reach their fifth birthdays but also ensuring they grow healthier, and in many cases, taller.

Over the last 50 years, child mortality has been reduced by 70 percent. However, more than 7 million children will die this year before they reach their 5th birthday. These conditions are often worsened by the chronic malnutrition and food shortages, challenges that Morsheda’s family faced. USAID has launched a public campaign called “Every Child Deserves a 5th Birthday” to help raise awareness and end these avoidable child deaths.  

Morsheda is one of more than 2 million people who have benefitted from CARE's SHOUHARDO program, a partnership with USAID and the government of Bangladesh. Morsheda’s family calls her a “nutrition baby” because her mother Hanufa received nutritious food while she was pregnant until Morsheda was two years old. More importantly, Hanufa actively participated in the many health groups that enhanced her understanding of her rights as a woman and educated her on proper childcare. 

To watch the full video, click here.