April 17, 2010 Meeting Summary

DGAAN: DuPage Glocal AIDS Action Network

Promenade, Wheaton Franciscan Campus

1. Co-chairs S. Glenna Czachor, OSF; Justice, Peace & Integrity of Creation (JPIC), Wheaton Franciscans and Dr. Sandra Joireman, Ph.D., Dept. of Politics and International Relations, Wheaton College. 7 DGAAN members attended.

2. Dr. Joireman led the group in a reflection

- Sr. Glenna provided a brief overview of DGAAN, and reminded members that the newly 2009 DGAAN report can be accessed as a .pdf file on the website, or members can contact Suzie Broomes for printed copies.

3. Lt. Catherina Patrice Walker, Quality Systems Manager of the FDA spoke about the various forms of HIV/AIDS testing available. Of particular interest to DGAAN was the issue of Home Testing Kits, which are not FDA approved. Despite wide-use in other countries, the FDA is hesitant to approve such kits because of low accuracy, the inability to track results, and most especially the lack of pre- and post-test counseling to individuals.

4. DGAAN Members shared their personal actions as they relate to HIV/AIDS:

Sr. Glenna Czachor, Wheaton Franciscan Sisters

- Preparing for Sr. Florence’s visit

- Participated in LCWR JPIC Think Tank

- Wrote letters to legislators in Support of:

Debt Reduction, Earth Quake Victim Relief and

IL Budget Crisis

- Organize Sound the Alarm event for better Health Care

Sr. Theresa Langfield, Upendo Village

- Networking contacts and scheduling for Sr. Florence visit to the US May 12-June 30

- Upendo Village wew Website will be completed before the end of May

- Attended Peace Day @ the Diocese of Joliet

- In the Process of writing Grants

Deacon Tom Richardt, Sr. Joan of Arc-Church Social Justice Ministry

- Hosting: STEP to eliminate Poverty- May 16, highlighting poverty, awareness around the world, political advocacy, prayer and fundraising.

- Hosting: Sr. Florence Muia, ASN on June 26-27 to speak at the all the Masses

- Sending info on Upendo Village to Daily Herald Newspapers

- Attended Upendo Village Peace Day event at the Diocese of Joliet on May 1

- Joliet Diocese selection committee meeting for Upendo Village mission trip August 29- September 13, 2010

- Bread For the World earned Income Tax Credit letter on May 16

Ron Durbin, St. Joan of Arc

- Wrote Senators to extend unemployment benefits

- Called Judy Biggert office and urge support to the earned income tax credit and child tax credit

- Write to Judy Biggert to evaluate and refocus on U.S policy and AID to Columbia

- Called Senator Burris asking for his support of the International Affairs Budget that included the Global Fund

- Wrote Senator Durbin, Biggert and Burris to support FY 2010, Supplemental Appropriations Bill-4 billion is included in the bill for Global Emergencies

- Bead for the World:
Offering of Letters in the parish in May: Letter on Domestic issues- End Child Hunger, support equality for lower income families

- STEP Program was held on May 16-featuring 6-8 school graders who are working on a project about poverty

- Attended Diocese of Joliet Peace Day on May 1

Mary Ellen Durbin, People Resource Center/St. Joan of Arc Parish

- Working on STEP Program at St. Joan of Arc

- Preparing for Sr. Florence Visit to PRC on June 2

- Legislative visits reg the IL Budget Crisis

- Worked on Peace Day Diocese of Joliet for May 1

- Offering of Letters on May 16-23

5. Dr. Joireman and Sr. Glenna recommended that the DGAAN meeting scheduled for July be cancelled, and instead members are strongly encouraged to attend the Evening with Sr. Florence, June 24^th at 6:30 pm, sponsored by the Wheaton Franciscans.

6. Wheaton College will be hosting an HIV/AIDS symposium September 8-10. Among the events will be guest speaker, Rich Stearns, and an AIDS prevention program for youth called, “It Takes Courage.” More details will be forthcoming.

The next meeting will be Sat. September 18, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

at the Wheaton Franciscan Campus.