NEWS FROM
LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF
November 9, 2005
For more information contact Emily Sollie at esollie@lwr.org or 410-230-2802.
In this news release:
Lutheran World Relief President to Host Online Discussion of Niger
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Lutheran World Relief Again Earns Seal of Excellence
LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF PRESIDENT TO HOST ONLINE DISCUSSION OF NIGER
Baltimore, November 9, 2005 — Lutheran World Relief (LWR) president Kathryn Wolford hosts a weeklong online discussion of the ongoing food crisis in Niger, beginning today and running through November 15. The discussion, at www.thelutheran.org, is based on Wolford’s recent article “Thanks to You, Our Bellies are Full,” in the November issue of The Lutheran, the magazine of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
Wolford visited Niger in September to monitor an emergency food distribution program that is supported by U.S. Lutherans and Action by Churches Together (ACT), an international church aid alliance. LWR is implementing an emergency appeal in response to this year’s food crisis in Niger on behalf of the ACT network.
An acute food crisis this summer galvanized the international community, but Niger’s food shortages are a chronic problem. LWR, building on a 30-year history in Niger, provided supplemental food rations in response to the emergency, and will continue to address the immediate needs of the people of Niger, while also working with local partner organizations to develop and implement innovative development strategies that can stave off future food crises.
“Even though the food crisis has faded from the headlines, it still continues and needs our constant attention,” Wolford said after returning from Niger. “It’s clear that we need to focus a great deal of energy and effort to address the natural and manmade forces that, left alone, will only continue the cycle of poverty and the possibility for starvation.”
LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF AGAIN EARNS SEAL OF EXCELLENCE
Baltimore, November 9, 2005 — Lutheran World Relief has again been awarded the Maryland Association of Nonprofit Organizations’ Seal of Excellence for successfully completing the Standards for Excellence re-certification program, a rigorous ethics and accountability program. To earn the Seal of Excellence, nonprofit organizations voluntarily submit to scrutiny by a peer review team that examines compliance with the Maryland Nonprofits Standards for Excellence: An Ethics and Accountability Code for the Nonprofit Sector.
LWR first earned the seal in 2002. Certified organizations must re-apply for certification after three years. The Standards for Excellence are based on fundamental values such as honesty, integrity, fairness, respect, trust, responsibility, compassion and accountability. LWR’s programs and services, management, fundraising and financial practices were re-examined in depth before the certification was re-awarded. LWR is one of the first organizations to be re-certified under the program, which began in 1998.
“Providing the information required and submitting to the scrutiny for re-certification was not an easy process, but it was well worth the effort,” said LWR president Kathryn Wolford. “This seal shows that LWR continues to operate in an ethical and upright manner that is in line with our own values as well as those reflected by the Standards for Excellence.”
According to Peter V. Berns, executive director of Maryland Nonprofits, “Organizations that have successfully completed the re-certification program should be commended for their continued commitment to excellence and integrity.” Maryland Nonprofits encourages organizations to participate in the voluntary certification program because the Standards can help improve the overall operations of an organization. Berns added, “With every new organization that meets the Standards, we move one step closer to the day when the public will feel confident its nonprofit organizations are acting ethically and are accountable in their program operations, governance, human resources, financial management and fundraising practices.”
The first effort of its kind, the Standards for Excellence program was developed by a team of volunteers from the Maryland nonprofit community. Sixty-four Maryland-based organizations have earned the Seal of Excellence. More information about the Maryland Association of Nonprofits and the Standards for Excellence is available at www.standardsforexcellence.org.
WHO IS LWR? Lutheran World Relief, an international nonprofit organization, works to end poverty and injustice by empowering some of the world's most impoverished communities to help themselves. With partners in 35 countries, LWR seeks to promote sustainable development with justice and dignity by helping communities bring about change for healthy, safe and secure lives; engage in Fair Trade; promote peace and reconciliation; and respond to emergencies. LWR is headquartered in Baltimore, Md. and has worked in international development and relief since 1945.
Lutheran World Relief is a ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS), individuals and parish groups in international relief, development, advocacy and social responsibility.
