December 1996

Strategic Plan Update

faithful stewards, compassionate ministers, prophetic witnesses

In preparation for the 71st General Convention of the Episcopal Church, and for its future as an advocate for effective HIV/AIDS ministry on and by all levels of the Episcopal Church, NEAC’s Board of Directors engaged in May of 1994 in a strategic planning session focused on its visions and values for the 1995-97 triennium. The summary of the results of this process — NEAC’s commitment to the Church — was first shared at General Convention.

In a first step in our planning process we identified our constituents—those communities for whom each of NEAC’s efforts must have true value as it establishes a vision of a more just and compassionate future. Those to whom we are ultimately accountable were affirmed as:

  • people in the pews, especially those with HIV/AIDS and those who love them,
  • all persons engaged in HIV/AIDS ministry in the Church and the world,
  • the Episcopal Church (parishes, dioceses and their AIDS Commissions, Synods, and Provinces)
  • the Anglican Communion, other faith communities, and the larger society.

This is our second year (December 31, 1996) progress report to each of you who are NEAC, and whose ministries are upheld by NEAC. This report reflects the activities of NEAC since General Convention in 1994.

To achieve the broad visions outlined in the following pages, NEAC requested and received $75,000 annually from the Episcopal Church. This figure is conservatively estimated to be less than half what was spent to support the administrative structure for AIDS ministry in the last triennium. These funds have supported our basic office operations and made possible implementation of the following administrative objectives.

The National Episcopal AIDS Coalition has ensured that the Episcopal Church continues to lead the religious response to HIV and AIDS in this nation and around the world. For a net savings over its prior investment in this ministry, the Church has received a more responsive, more viable, and more dynamic presence in this vital field. To each of our vital constituencies, and to the 71st General Convention, the National Episcopal AIDS Coalition promised to become the vision here proclaimed — and, with God’s help — we have done so.

Administrative Objectives

[1] Increase publicity about and awareness of NEAC services and resources across the Church through diocesan publications, General Convention presence, conference planning, etc.

1995 Accomplishments

  • Strong, visible, and legislatively-aggressive presence at General Convention
  • Wide coverage in Episcopal publications about NEAC
  • Use of the public relations firm of Ogilvy, Adams, and Rhinehart underwritten by CDC to publicize 1995 Hope and Healing Conference
  • Recruited a national interdenominational committee for planning 1995 Hope and Healing Conference
  • Coverage in secular publications about NEAC and Hope and Healing Conference
  • NEAC very visible as a member of CDC Prevention Collaborative—including video tape responses to January 1994 Condom Advertising program of Prevention Marketing Initiative
  • NEAC press release widely quoted in World AIDS Day 1995 launch of PMI Campaign

1996 Accomplishments

  • NEAC assisted by the Episcopal Church Center distributed to every NEAC constituent and member, parish and mission, and Bishop in the Episcopal Church: "In Returning and Rest" National Retreat brochure; The White House Report on Youth and AIDS in America, and a letter describing our work with youth and TAP and offering the TAP Training Program and national retreat as way of supporting AIDS ministry in the Episcopal Church
  • NEAC received significant coverage of the "In Returning and Rest" National Retreat and the Presiding Bishop’s address in national media and Episcopal Church publications
  • NEAC Executive Director was invited by Episcopal News Service to write the published story of the Enthronement of Archbishop of Southern Africa and the first South African Anglican Bishops Conference on AIDS, held in Cape Town, South Africa
  • NEAC was invited (and has accepted) to be an exhibitor at General Convention at the Episcopal institutional rate as approved by General Convention Office
  • NEAC has received broad coverage in the secular media from the gay press to the AIDS- specific press across the United States

[2] Respond to all requests for technical assistance and ministry support received in writing within seven working days; respond to telephone requests within two working days.

1995 Accomplishments

  • All requests routinely met within three working days
  • Request tracking system in place and records on file for all requests

1996 Accomplishments

  • NEAC has E-mail capability through enhanced and upgraded computer system. E-mail is responded to daily. Orders for materials are handled daily
  • NEAC has forged relationship with Episcopal Parish Services to fulfill all orders for materials from NEAC. All orders are guaranteed to be filled within 7 working days and usually are filled within 2 working days

[3] Secure necessary long-term committed funds for salary and benefits to stabilize and expand current staffing.

1995 Accomplishments

  • For 1996 Episcopal Church budgeted funds remain at 1994 General Convention-approved levels, in spite of 5%-25% cuts in other parts of national budget due to revenue shortfalls
  • National fundraising through grant supported program increased 100%
  • 1993-95 clergy pension benefits have been paid in full (June 1995)
  • 1995 benefits are consistent with national church employment and clergy standards
  • Support staff contracted for one half of the year during "critical" crunch period

1996 Accomplishments

  • NEAC continues to receive full funding of the Episcopal Church portion of the budget
  • Executive Director salary increased to 80% of full-time in second quarter of 1996
  • All benefits paid in 1996
  • Temporary help for "crunch" periods was obtained to stabilize response to demands on NEAC Office
  • NEAC ended the 1996 fiscal year with books balanced

[4] Within six weeks of General Convention, employ (at least half-time) an administrative assistant to operate and facilitate work of the NEAC offices during regular business hours.

1995 Accomplishments

  • NEAC Board confronted and overcame 1994 financial deficit to begin 1995 with $20,000
  • Part-time Associate Director hired January 9, 1995
  • Administrative assistant added to staff during conference preparation period
  • 1996 Budget request for administrative assistant increased from $5000 to $15,000

1996 Accomplishments

  • NEAC received a sizeable bequest from the late Tom Tull and Ron Washburn to meet shortfall of fund raising activity
  • NEAC Board members pledged and paid pledges in full by early autumn avoiding default on salaries and other commitments
  • Administrative assistants were added for critical periods during the year
  • Enhanced computer efficiency has reduced time for critical tasks

The Vision for the Church

NEAC is a prophetic witness to all levels of the Episcopal Church, responding to God’s call for justice and compassion through a model of excellence in ministry which engages and supports people, parishes, and Dioceses wherever they may be on the journey to healing and wholeness in the midst of AIDS.

Objectives for The Church

[1] Recruit 250 new members for NEAC by December 31, 1994 (100 of which should be obtained at General Convention); secure an additional 750 new members by December 31, 1996.

1995 Accomplishments

  • 100 members signed up at General Convention
  • 70 members signed on during 1995

1996 Accomplishments

  • 25 new members signed up for NEAC through national retreat
  • 40 new members signed up through newsletters, brochures and Board member solicitation

[2] Develop in each diocese a NEAC-affiliated agency or institution to provide identifiable NEAC-local linkages across the Church.

1995 Accomplishments

  • NEAC staff working with Episcopal Church Center staff to develop appropriate measures for this activity
  • NEAC staff participated in a national meeting of Episcopal Church leaders to assess AIDS-related activities across the entire church and determine best means for communication and collaboration

1996 Accomplishments

  • Through the national mailing, NEAC received name recognition in every parish and mission of the Episcopal Church
  • Through the contract to support TAP Train the Trainer Program, NEAC has identified new partners in youth and AIDS ministries at the provincial and local levels

[3] Arrange a NEAC presence in each Province of the Church.

1995 Accomplishments

  • TAP Training Project proposed to CDC and Episcopal Church for Provinces III, IV, VI
  • NEAC staff led Province IV Caregivers Conference at Kanuga-June 1995
  • National Church and Province VIII hosted TAP training in Province VIII
  • NEAC and Pan American Health Organization developed Regional AIDS Planning Process for Province IX—implementation now pending approval
  • NEAC staff meets with Province I staff
  • NEAC through Parish Quilt Project holds displays in all provinces of the Church

1996 Accomplishments

  • NEAC has received funding and begun implementing TAP Training in Provinces III, IV, V, VI, and VII
  • NEAC facilitated 10 displays of the AIDS Memorial Quilt with the NAMES Project
  • NEAC has an agreement with the NAMES Project for a national solicitation for the Parish Quilt Project in 1997
  • NEAC executive director met with Province VIII AIDS ministry network and Province IV AIDS Ministry Network
  • Through TAP Training Project, NEAC executive director has met with Province VI youth and AIDS ministry advocates

[4] Establish and maintain ongoing strategic planning, mutual accountability, and leadership with the Church through attendance at General Convention, contact and communication with deputations and committees of the General Convention and Executive Council, and communication with relevant personnel at the Church Center in New York and Washington, DC.

1995 Accomplishments

  • NEAC holds regular meetings with Senior Executive for Program of the Episcopal Church, and Executive Council Commission on AIDS/HIV
  • NEAC solicited and submitted list of nominees for the Presiding Bishop’s appointments to the Commission on AIDS/HIV from which all appointments were made
  • NEAC participates in regular communication with the President of the House of Deputies and other officials of the Church
  • NEAC staff participated in regular meeting of the Executive Council Commission on AIDS/HIV
  • NEAC staff are in regular contact with Washington Office of the Episcopal Church and with relevant staff on emerging issues on AIDS and the Church
  • NEAC staff participated in the Presiding Bishop’s Primatial Visit to Washington National Cathedral in 1995

1996 Accomplishments

  • NEAC applied for and received a grant for $10,000 from the Elton John Foundation/National AIDS Fund to support the work of the Episcopal Church Commission on AIDS through facilitation consultation and leadership development
  • NEAC, Episcopal Church Commission on AIDS, and staff of Episcopal Church Center met in May to specifically discuss future directions in NEAC ministry and Episcopal Church program of AIDS ministry and future for support
  • NEAC executive director met with Commission on AIDS on behalf of Episcopal Church Center senior staff
  • During legislative session of 105th Congress, NEAC and Washington Office of Episcopal Church regularly exchanged sign-on letters for legislative initiatives relating to AIDS prevention, education, treatment, and research
  • NEAC and the Philadelphia Office of the Episcopal Church developed and implemented a distribution and advertising agreement, whereby NEAC will produce materials and Episcopal Parish Services will manage order fulfillment through its 1-800 toll free number
  • There were regular meetings and conversations between NEAC and the Washington Office of the Episcopal Church staff
  • There was monthly communication between the NEAC Executive Director and the Senior Executive for Program of the Episcopal Church

[5] Arrange for and secure the presence of the Presiding Bishop at the next NEAC conference for dialogue with and ministry to the grass-roots membership—to hear the prophetic witness of those affected by and infected with HIV/AIDS.

1995 Accomplishments

  • Presiding Bishop invited to Hope and Healing 1995 - unable to attend (end of House of Bishops meeting)
  • Presiding Bishop and President of House of Deputies to host "In Returning and Rest" National Retreat in Washington, DC, in conjunction with the display of the entire NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt on the National Capitol Mall

1996 Accomplishments

  • The Presiding Bishop and President of the House of Deputies co-hosted the "In Returning and Rest" National Retreat in Washington, DC during display of The NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt on the National Capitol Mall
  • Both the Presiding Bishop and the President of the House of Deputies held informal conversation with AIDS ministry constituents
  • Presiding Bishop preached and celebrated the Healing Service and Holy Eucharist on the opening day of the Quilt and Retreat
  • Presiding Bishop and President of the House of Deputies visited Quilt with the NEAC President and Executive Director
  • Presiding Bishop and President of the House of Deputies read the Names on the National Capitol Mall
  • Presiding Bishop and President of the House of Deputies were financial supporters of the national retreat
  • Presiding Bishop was named as a host of the National Display by the NAMES Project Foundation

[6] Enroll 250 parishes/religious institutions in the NEAC Parish Quilt Project by World AIDS Day 1996.

1995 Accomplishments

  • Goal reduced to accommodate NAMES Project plan with Council of National Religious AIDS Networks
  • 25 NEAC sites selected by NAMES Project for 1995
  • 11 NEAC sites approved for 1996
  • 20 NEAC sites planned for 1997

1996 Accomplishments

  • Goal limited to 10 displays by the NAMES Project to accommodate collection of Quilts for national display in October 1996
  • Agreement for national solicitation for the Parish Quilt Project in 1997

The Vision for Fiscal Responsibility

NEAC seeks and responsibly uses money and other resources from Church, public, and private sources to ensure effective HIV/AIDS education and ministry within and without the Episcopal Church. This stewardship ministry includes planned giving and other vehicles through which people and institutions may support compassionate work in the HIV pandemic.

Objectives for Fiscal Responsibility

[1] Determine the costs and expectations of the Executive Council within 90 (ninety) days of General Convention and what the Church expects NEAC to do in its behalf.

1995 Accomplishments

  • Contractual arrangements with staff of the Treasurer’s Office were completed on December 1, 1994 and have been met without fault for 13 months
  • Through regular communication with Senior Executive for Program, NEAC is performing in conformity with and exceeding most expectations of the Church through sound management, high profile, excellent reputation, and effective advocacy within the Church on AIDS issues

1996 Accomplishments

  • Contractual arrangements with staff of the Treasurer’s Office completed in December 1994 have been met without fault for 26 months
  • NEAC support and program were endorsed by a broad Church-based and non-church constituency at a consultation to review the NEAC program, sponsored by the Senior Executive for Program
  • Through regular communication with Senior Executive for Program, NEAC is performing in conformity with and exceeding most expectations of the Church through sound management, high profile, excellent reputation, and effective advocacy within the Church on AIDS issues

[2] Broaden the base of financial support for NEAC by identifying a major gifts consultant and grants writer/s to prepare competitive applications for new programs and positions.

1995 Accomplishments

  • NEAC received a $1000 from the Diocese of Alabama Department of the Church in the World to purchase a copier suitable for an office and network of our size
  • NEAC was represented a the second AIDS Fundraisers Conference, Spring 1995
  • NEAC staff developed a grant application to Trinity Church Wall Street Foundation for the development and implementation of a global communication system and home page on the World Wide Web
  • NEAC Board member assisted in preparation of $15,000 in grant applications to Lilly Foundations of Episcopal Parishes in Indianapolis
  • Numerous meetings with fund raisers held since 1993
  • Three attempts to hire a major gifts consultant have failed due to lack of funds
  • NEAC staff will seek the guidance and assistance of the Board for completion of this task for 1996

1996 Accomplishments

  • NEAC received $14,750 in grants from Lilly Foundations of Episcopal Parishes in Indianapolis for the development and implementation of a global communication system and home page on the World Wide Web
  • NEAC was requested to be planner and co-host of the fourth National AIDS Fundraisers Conference, Spring 1997
  • NEAC staff will seek the guidance and assistance of the Board for completion effective fundraising for 1997

[3] Secure renewed and/or expanded financial support from former Board members, friends of NEAC, and lapsed members

1995 Accomplishments

  • Some Board members have followed up with some of the identified constituents, however, national conference planning has significantly cut into time available to do this in a more targeted way
  • Attempting to recruit intern or volunteer support to review lists and design a systematic program for this task

1996 Accomplishments

  • Several Board members have been aggressive in fundraising and membership recruitment throughout the year
  • One Board member relentlessly raised funds totaling more than $5,000 for the national retreat
  • Continued solicitation of lapsed members has yielded new funds and new member recruitment

The Vision for Advocacy

NEAC is a vocal, articulate, and proactive advocate of Jesus’ commandment that we love one another as God loves us. This prophetic witness is carried out in both religious and secular arenas to secure justice, compassion, hope, and healing for all people living with HIV/AIDS and those who love them.

Objectives for Advocacy

[1] Create an awareness in the Episcopal Church that HIV/AIDS ministry is part of the Gospel Commission to our Church at every level.

1995 Accomplishments

  • This task is being managed by the Executive Council Commission on AIDS in collaboration with NEAC and staff of Episcopal Church Center
  • Episcopal Life and Diocesan News Service inserts AIDS related stories into every mailing and publication
  • Recent decision of the Executive Council to fund NEAC at 100% of its allocation seems to indicate that in the minds of decision makers, NEAC is a critical function of the ministry of the Episcopal Church

1996 Accomplishments

  • Expanded AIDS coverage in Episcopal Church press in 1996
  • The White House Report on Youth and AIDS and "In Returning and Rest" National Retreat brochures sent to every parish and mission, Bishop and constituent in the Episcopal Church created a wider awareness of NEAC, AIDS/HIV, and the work of this Church

[2] Secure in every diocese (99) a commitment from a minimum of four congregations annually to display "Outward and Visible" symbols (through newsletters, prayer cards, literature racks, the Prayers of the People, participation in the NEAC Parish Quilt Project, etc.) of openness so that those affected by HIV/AIDS will be able to identify parishes that acknowledge HIV/AIDS ministry in their mission.

1995-96 Accomplishments

  • NEAC is working with Executive Council Commission on AIDS/HIV to determine how best to implement this request within the whole church

[3] Develop plans to fund and launch a new program supporting congregation-based care teams.

1995-96 Accomplishments

  • NEAC staff have researched the national Care Team Network, in which care teams meet regularly
  • Participation in 1996 Care Team Conference will ensure collaboration on this issue toward a national church training model
  • NEAC has been credited with sharing information leading to implementation of the Care Team model in a number of dioceses through stories in the NEACtion Report

[4] Establish a monthly (at minimum) healing service for people with HIV/AIDS and those who care for them in every diocese of the Episcopal Church.

1995 Accomplishments

  • NEAC is a sponsor of the annual national AIDS healing service at Washington National Cathedral
  • NEAC is collaborating with Executive Council Commission on AIDS and staff of Episcopal Church Center to accomplish this task

1996 Accomplishments

  • NEAC is collaborating with Executive Council Commission on AIDS and staff of Episcopal Church Center to accomplish this task
  • NEAC participated in the planning and implementation of the National Quilt Display Closing Service of Prayer and Inspiration for Healing

[5] Identify and create official liaisons with government, health agencies, secular AIDS/HIV organizations, and businesses so that the Church, through these liaisons, may produce more effective HIV/AIDS ministry in the larger society.

1995 Accomplishments

  • NEAC is actively relating to government—Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches— to ensure rights and responsibilities are met and protected
  • NEAC co-hosted and NEAC staff addressed the National Youth Summit on AIDS
  • NEAC staff meet regularly with staff of national AIDS-related organizations
  • NEAC staff have aggressively fostered the involvement of the faith community in the National AIDS Fund merger talks
  • NEAC was requested by the White House to assist in developing the guest list for the White House Conference on AIDS
  • NEAC President and Board members attended the White House Conference on AIDS
  • NEAC is a member of National Organizations Responding to AIDS and as such has participated in many information dissemination activities toward re-authorization of the Ryan White CARE Act and other critical AIDS legislation

1996 Accomplishments

  • NEAC participated with the Episcopal Church Washington Office and the National Organizations Responding to AIDS in significant efforts to increase AIDS funding for CDC, HRSA and NIH ( prevention, treatment and research)
  • NEAC invited four national leaders to address NEAC Board of Directors on the future of AIDS work in America—Mark Barnes, AIDS Action Council; Ken South, AIDS National Interfaith Network; B.J. Stiles and Paula Van Ness, National AIDS Fund
  • NEAC maintained liaison with White House and also with Office of National AIDS Policy

[6] Building on previous models from across the Church, create by December 1994, a planning outline (time frames, content, resources, etc.) for an introductory AIDS/HIV workshop for use by parishes, dioceses, and parishes in other faith communities.

1995 Accomplishments

  • NEAC staff actively participated the first-ever meeting of national Episcopal organizations associated with AIDS work across the church in October 1995
  • Next step activities will be determined by staff of Episcopal Church Center in collaboration with Executive Council Commission on AIDS/HIV
  • Several start-up and modeling workshops were offered on beginning AIDS ministry at the 1995 Hope and Healing Conference

1996 Accomplishments

  • There was no will, cooperation, or resource to work on this project in 1996
  • However, there is an opportunity at the JPIC Summit in 1997 to initiate a new start

[7] Create and disseminate a Resource Guide by December 1995 of practical and spiritual ministry opportunities with people with HIV/AIDS (e.g., meals on wheels, housecleaning, care teams, clothing banks, food banks, home visits, pastoral care, transportation).

1995 Accomplishments

  • Through Council of National Religious AIDS Networks, NEAC is collaborating with Unitarian Universalists to develop a Guide for Implementing AIDS Ministries/Service Programs by Religious/Faith Communities

1996 Accomplishments

  • NEAC completed the 1994-96 survey of AIDS ministries in the Episcopal Church
  • NEAC Board undertook a survey of all diocesan AIDS ministry task forces and committees—survey to be completed in 1997

The Vision for Education

NEAC provides and promotes accurate, effective, and scripturally-sound HIV/AIDS information to all levels of the Episcopal Church, other faith communities, and the larger society. This education seeks to end new infections, to comfort the ill or fearful, to challenge the unconcerned, and to promote the best in Christian responses to the HIV pandemic.

Objectives for Education

[1] Collaborate with diocesan AIDS commissions in the planning, development, and implementation of provincial activities which stem from General Convention Resolutions.

1995 Accomplishments

  • Through collaboration with Executive Council Commission on AIDS/HIV, staff of Episcopal Church Center, and the Washington Office of Episcopal Church, this activity is being developed and projects are being implemented
  • NEAC is currently functioning as a clearinghouse for such program ideas and requests on behalf of Episcopal Church Center

1996 Accomplishments

  • NEAC applied for and received three grants—CDC, Metropolitan Life and AIDS National Interfaith Network—to provide the required matching dollars for the Provinces to implement the General Convention Resolution requirement for TAP Training
  • NEAC has coordinated the first training in October 1996-Province VI and has laid plans for TAP Training in Provinces III, IV, V, VII to be completed by August 1997

[2] Collaborate with an Episcopal theological school and appropriate publishers in hosting a national symposium on theology and the future of AIDS ministry, which focuses on the practical issues and aspects of this ministry at a congregational level.

1995 Accomplishments

  • "AIDS and the Cure of Souls" national seminar will be held at Washington National Cathedral in October 1996 in collaboration with the American Association of Pastoral Counselors, the Association of Professors of Pastoral Care and other professional pastoral care/counseling groups; and with representatives of the Carter Presidential Center Faith and Health Project, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Faith in Action Program, and Washington National Cathedral

1996 Accomplishments

  • More than 400 persons attended "AIDS and the Cure of Souls" national symposium was held on October 10, 1996 at Washington National Cathedral: a collaboration of the Cathedral, NEAC, and the American Association of Pastoral Counselors
  • Transcripts of the entire event and academic presentations are being edited for a book.
  • The book will be marketed to variety of publishers as the first-ever summary of what persons engaged in pastoral counseling learned in the first decade and a half of the AIDS pandemic

[3] Arrange an event (symposium, special conference, etc.) which focuses on "oasis" ministry in AIDS (e.g., lay or ordained individuals laboring in isolated areas without institutional support) and all that it entails.

1995 and 1996 Accomplishments

  • 1995 Hope and Healing Conference focused on some of these issues
  • 1996 "In Returning and Rest" Conference will assist many in the vineyard to find kinship and support
  • "AIDS and Cure of Souls" seminar also focused on elements of this issue
  • Special emphasis will be placed on these issues in 1997 through a variety of consultations

[4] Maintain the frequency and quality of the quarterly NEACtion Report including its emphasis on prevention and education, and increase its information sharing about AIDS ministries

1995 Accomplishments

  • 1995 NEACtion Reports have been the largest and most comprehensive ever published
  • NEAC has applied for grants to upgrade computing equipment and develop a home page on the Internet and World Wide Web
  • NEAC story ideas are regularly used by other Episcopal publications

1996 Accomplishments

  • 12 regular issues of NEACtion Reports have been published in the past three years (36 months)
  • NEACtion Reports are now available on the World Wide Web through the NEAC Home Page Web site
  • NEAC has developed linkages to the Episcopal Church Public Policy Network and The NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt Web Sites
  • NEAC staff have contributed regularly to the Episcopal News Service articles

[5] Utilize existing communication networks (e.g., Episcopal Life) to provide information about HIV/AIDS ministries to other agencies, churches, and individuals.

1995 Accomplishments

  • NEAC has maximized coverage through traditional church communication links
  • NEAC has developed new mailing list of Episcopal Church organizations as the result of the October meeting of organizations meeting at St. Louis
  • NEAC is seeking to upgrade computing equipment and open a home page on the Internet and World Wide Web

1996 Accomplishments

  • NEAC has maximized coverage through traditional church communication links
  • NEAC has maximized coverage through the use of the World Wide Web and NEAC Home Page

[6] Institute regular communication specific to diocesan AIDS commissions to assess their needs, offer resources for education, models of ministry, curricula, and to facilitate sharing of resources by and with commissions.

1995 Accomplishments

  • NEAC is in regular contact with 45 Diocesan Task Forces and regularly serves about 25 such task forces or commissions
  • NEAC has applied for a CDC National Partnership Intern for 1996 to make contact and update all of our records of Diocesan Ministries

1996 Accomplishments

  • NEAC continues to relate and communicate regularly with nearly 60 Diocesan AIDS task forces
  • NEAC has surveyed all of the Diocesan Task Forces in the Episcopal Church
  • NEAC has created a data base of all diocesan ministries surveyed in 1994-96

The Vision for Collaboration

NEAC provides leadership for visionary and responsible collaborations which ensure efficient and effective response to the HIV/AIDS pandemic. These partnerships are forged with people with AIDS/HIV and those who love them, with secular and faith-based organizations, and with all segments of the Episcopal Church.

Objectives for Collaboration

[1] Collaborate with diocesan AIDS commissions in the planning, development, and implementation of provincial conferences or events pursuant to General Convention Resolutions.

1995 Accomplishments

  • NEAC participated in one day consultation of programs within the Episcopal Church which could be supportive and have been engaged in some kind of ministry with people living with AIDS hosted by the Senior Executive for Program
  • NEAC has applied for and received agreement from staff of the Episcopal Church Center to provide matching funds to sponsor three provincial TAP Training Conferences in 1996
  • NEAC received $1,000 from the first of each of the three provinces for funds to implement TAP training in 1996
  • NEAC has worked collaboratively with Executive Council Commission on AIDS and the staff of Episcopal Church Center to ensure that provincial activities take place within the time frames of the General Convention Resolutions
  • NEAC has developed a plan with the Pan American Health Organization for the implementation of special programs in Province IX
  • NEAC developed resolution for Commission on AIDS/HIV to present to Executive Council for Call to Prayer for People Living with AIDS by the Presiding Bishop
  • NEAC developed and disseminated 1995 Presiding Bishop’s Call to Prayer
  • NEAC continues to respond to request for Presiding Bishop’s Call and other General Convention Resolutions issues

1996 Accomplishments

  • NEAC has applied for and received $20,000 grants from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to provide matching funds from Episcopal Church Center to sponsor three provincial TAP Training Conferences in 1996-97
  • NEAC received a $4,000 grant from AIDS National Interfaith Network to provide matching funds from Episcopal Church Center to support TAP Training
  • NEAC encouraged and succeeded in assisting three provinces to contribute $1000 for TAP Training events
  • NEAC developed and disseminated 1996 Presiding Bishop’s Call to Prayer
  • NEAC continues to respond to request for Presiding Bishop’s Call and other General Convention Resolutions issues
  • NEAC has posted all the resolutions on AIDS passed by General Convention since 1988 on its home page on the World Wide Web

[2] Encourage and support the attendance of NEAC representatives (staff, board, and membership) at regional conferences and events.

1995 Accomplishments

  • NEAC members have attended many regional and national AIDS-related activities and have followed up with reports and requests for materials

1996 Accomplishments

  • NEAC members and staff have attended many regional and national AIDS-related activities
  • NEAC staff has met with Diocesan AIDS Task Force Committees in Provinces III, IV, V, VI, VIII

[3] Maintain membership with AIDS/HIV interfaith and ecumenical associations by supporting and participating to the fullest extent possible in the AIDS National Interfaith Network (ANIN) and the Council of National Religious AIDS Networks (CNRAN)

1995 Accomplishments

  • NEAC is a proactive member of ANIN, CNRAN and has co-hosted activities at the National Skills Conference and locally in observance of World AIDS Day, the Mothers Voices activities, and the International Mobilization against AIDS
  • NEAC has received program funds from ANIN in support of its AIDS in the Workplace and national conferences program
  • NEAC co-hosted Hope and Healing 1996 with United Methodists, Lutherans and Seventh Day Adventists
  • NEAC is a major voice in national conversations about expanding the National AIDS Fund to be more inclusive of the religious community

1996 Accomplishments

  • NEAC participated in several consultations with CDC on the future of a national interfaith Religious Communities AIDS Prevention Initiative
  • NEAC received program funds from ANIN for TAP Training events 1996-97
  • NEAC continues to hold regular consultations with the staff of the National AIDS Fund regarding the future of religious activities in the AIDS community
  • NEAC Executive Director has been invited to be a delegate to the Parliament of World Religions
  • NEAC Executive Director represented the Presiding Bishop at the Enthronement of the Archbishop of Southern Africa and addressed the first Anglican Bishops Conference on AIDS in South Africa
  • NEAC assisted the Lutheran AIDS Network in hosting its second national conference
  • NEAC assisted the Seventh Day Adventists in continuing the development of the Adventist AIDS ministry program

[4] Increase NEAC’s ability to offer technical assistance (e.g., mailing lists, advice, materials) to other AIDS ministries.

1995 Accomplishments

  • NEAC continues to be major source of information about AIDS ministry in the Anglican Communion and with our brothers and sisters in other faith traditions—regular meetings and conversations have been held with the Anglican Consultative Council, Church of England, Anglican Church in South Africa, World Council of Churches AIDS Committee, National Council of Churches, CDC National AIDS Clearinghouse, the Council of National Religious AIDS Networks, AIDS National Interfaith Network, and the International Christian AIDS Network
  • NEAC Office is regularly contacted by those seeking involvement with AIDS ministries across the nation
  • NEAC staff are regularly sought for public speaking events, job placement, technical assistance

1996 Accomplishments

  • NEAC Executive Director participated in the first-ever Anglican Bishops AIDS Conference in South Africa
  • NEAC launched its Home Page on the World Wide Web with hyperlinks to The Episcopal Church Public Policy Network and The NAMES Project Foundation
  • NEAC Office continues to be regularly contacted by those seeking involvement with AIDS ministries across the nation
  • NEAC staff met with planners of 1998 Lambeth Conference, Anglican consultative Council and the Bishop of Los Angeles to ensure inclusion in Lambeth Working Papers on AIDS

[5] Work with other groups/faith communities (e.g., the NAMES Project, the Lutheran and United Methodist Churches, and other denominations) in planning and implementing specific programs (the Parish Quilt project, a multi-denominational national conference) while striving to maintain NEAC’s separate and unique identity.

1995-1996 Accomplishments

  • Multi-denominational Hope and Healing Conference was held in October 1995, in which a new religious AIDS network among the Seventh Day Adventists was launched
  • NEAC has pioneered the use of the NAMES Project Quilt in churches and has developed the prototype manual for display of the Quilt in houses of worship
  • Parish Quilt Manual has been posted on the World Wide Web and on Internet for international ecumenical use
  • NEAC is sponsoring the "In Returning and Rest" Conference — targeted Episcopalians and was hosted by the Presiding Bishop and President of the House of Deputies and led by the Chaplain of the House of Bishops-October 1996
  • NEAC staff continue to participate in consultations with ecumenical and interfaith AIDS ministry program staff across the nation
  • NEAC co-sponsored with Washington National Cathedral and American Association of Pastoral Counselors the "AIDS and the Cure of Souls" national symposium prior to Quilt Weekend in October 1996—more than 400 attended the one-day event, which has drawn rave review from across the ecumenical community

[6] Develop collaborative relationships that are financially and substantively practical with public health agencies in research, prevention, and treatment of HIV/AIDS.

1995 Accomplishments

  • NEAC was the recipient of $25,000 CDC Conference Grant for 1995 Hope and Healing
  • NEAC received a $10,000 grant from the Quinby Trust for AIDS and the Cure of Souls
  • NEAC received a $5,000 grant from the National AIDS Fund/Elton John Foundation for support of a consultant to provide technical assistance the Executive Council Commission on AIDS/HIV
  • NEAC received CDC support through the provision of one of four Association of Schools of Public Health Interns ($5,000 value) for seven weeks in summer 1995
  • NEAC received a $5,000 grant from ANIN and Metropolitan Life for TAP Training
  • NEAC has received a $1,000 grant from Province III to host TAP training in Province III- -$2,000 has been pledged by Province IV and VI
  • NEAC has applied for $20,000 CDC Conference Grant for TAP Training
  • NEAC received a $5,000 grant for developing the Parish Quilt Manual from the CDC National AIDS Clearinghouse
  • NEAC received a $5,000 grant through ANIN from CDC for national partnership in public relations and participation of persons living with AIDS at Hope and Healing 1995 in St. Louis, MO
  • NEAC staff have been invited to address a number of federal and state public health conferences on AIDS/HIV
  • NEAC Board members and self-identified NEAC members attended the first White House Conference on AIDS/HIV in December 1995
  • NEAC staff have participated on a number of federal grant site review and grant review committees
  • NEACtion Report regularly features AIDS-specific public health—prevention, treatment and research—information

1996 Accomplishments

  • NEAC received a $16,400 grant from CDC Conference Grant Program for sponsoring TAP Training in three provinces
  • NEAC received a $4,600 supplemental grant from CDC Conference Grant Program for sponsoring TAP Training in one province
  • NEAC received a $4,000 grant from AIDS National Interfaith Network for sponsoring TAP training
  • NEAC received a total of $14,750 in grants from the Lilly Trusts from three (3) Indianapolis Episcopal parishes for state-of-the-art computing equipment and development of a Home Page on the World Wide Web
  • NEAC received a $16,833 in donations for the "In Returning and Rest" National Retreat
  • NEAC received a $40,600 bequest from the estate of Tom Tull and Ron Washburn of San Francisco
  • NEAC received a notification from Diocese of California that it had been selected to receive annual interest payment from the $100,000 Wasser Trust of San Francisco
  • NEACtion Report continues regularly features AIDS-specific public health—prevention, treatment and research—information
  • NEAC Executive Director participated in a consultation with CDC on the future of the a Religious Communities AIDS Prevention Initiative
  • NEAC Board President sought as speaker for a number of events including, World AIDS Day Observance at CDC, Atlanta
  • NEAC Executive Director invited to co-chair and event honoring Lucie C. McKinney, widow of the late Stewart B. McKinney, at the National AIDS Fundraisers Conference dinner in Washington, DC - April 1997
  • NEAC Executive Director preached about AIDS and the AIDS Memorial Quilt at the principal service at Washington National Cathedral on Quilt Weekend 1996
  • The Presiding Bishop, the President of the House of Deputies and the NEAC Executive Director were photographed visiting the AIDS Memorial Quilt. The nationally- distributed photograph appeared in a number of national and diocesan publications

Summary

The progress which we — and you — have made in achieving these visions for the future of our Church’s response to the HIV pandemic affirms the conclusion of NEAC’s 1994 annual report. In that document, we stated

The members of the National Episcopal AIDS Coalition regularly make miracles happen across the Church. Those miracles are not wrought by a corporate entity, a dedicated Board of Directors, or a committed Executive Director. They are of God, acting through the loving hands of men and women God has positioned for service. You are those miracle workers. Thank you for the privilege of supporting your ministry and God’s miracles.

NEAC has committed itself to the broader Church to ensure that these miracles continue to happen.