April 2001

Board Sets Goals for Triennium

The NEAC board met in special session late last year to refine the mission statement of the organization, set forth the vision, and specify goals and objectives for the next three years.

Mission: The National Episcopal AIDS Coalition works collaboratively for effective HIV/AIDS ministry on and by all levels of the Episcopal Church. This ministry is rooted in our faith and hope in the risen Christ as expressed in the Covenant established at our Baptism.

Co-chairs Bill Frampton and Harriet Langfeldt consult at the board meeting.

Co-chairs Bill Frampton and Harriet Langfeldt consult at the board meeting.

Vision: NEAC sees its responsibilities as being to:

  • Educate all Episcopalians about HIV/AIDS issues, and empower them to act on that information.
  • Advocate for the physical, emotional, and spiritual health of all people infected with or affected by HIV/AIDS.
  • Promote pastoral care for all persons affected by HIV/AIDS.
  • Further the development of networks and communities of support for those engaged in HIV/AIDS ministries in the Church and in the world.

Goal 1. To develop, gather, and encourage educational opportunities and materials. To that end, board members are working on refining the TAP program and creating materials for younger children, to be used in Sunday Schools. They are also re-evaluating the conference program (your opinions are requested), and exploring ways to provide more pastoral care and liturgical resources.

Goal 2. To improve the visibility of NEAC goals and objectives. The Web site will be revised and members of the board will work to place more articles on NEAC activities in Church publications.

Goal 3. To increase awareness of and faithful responses to HIV/AIDS and its impact on people. In addition to the work outlined under goal 2, the board will be working to find additional effective means of response to support the work of NEAC members.

Goal 4. Create linkages with seminars, commissions, and committees to increase awareness of HIV/AIDS. Board members will be working to establish relationships with the pastoral care faculty at Episcopalian seminaries and with chairs of the interim bodies and committees. They will also explore what is happening in government agencies at various levels.

Goal 5. Address the racial, cultural, and gender issues that impact HIV/AIDS. As interim bodies meet, reports of their activities will appear on the Web site and in NEACtion. The board is exploring the possibility of NEAC sponsoring a racism workshop and Dialogues about Diversity.

Goal 6. Enable and enhance networking. As vacancies occur on the board, the nominating committee will keep in mind the need to better embody Provincial representation. The administrative office will also analyze the NEAC databases to seek connections.

Goal 7. Explore opportunities for funding the NEAC mission. The board will consider the possibility of contracting with a professional fundraiser to strengthen financial support for NEAC work.

We will be reporting on progress towards the goals throughout the triennium.