“And How Are The Children?” Election Year Congregational Resources Fall 2012

Two days before the opening gavel signaled the start of General Assembly 220, representatives from PHEWA and the PC(USA) Child Advocacy Office, and individuals with a track record of commitment to children gathered in Pittsburgh to "re-stage" PHEWA's Presbyterian Child Advocacy Network (PCAN). After much prayer, reflection, goal-setting and strategic planning a re-vitalized network emerged, led by a diverse, talented, and united leadership team.  Serving on the PCAN Leadership Team are the Rev. Theresa Cho, Mr. Frank Dimmock, the Rev. Shannon Daley-Harris, the Rev. Rebecca Kirkpatrick, the Rev. Doug Mitchell, Mr. Paul Ronningen, Ms. Brandi White, Dr. Dianna Wright, and Ms. Gail Tyree as liaison from PHEWA’s Presbyterian Criminal Justice Network (PCJN).

Their first act was the development of a child-focused election year resource.

Recognizing PCAN's historic role in setting standards for childhood health and safety, and aware of the challenges faced by today's children, the team decided to create material informed by the traditional Masai greeting, "And how are the children?" PCAN's "And How Are the Children?" election year resource invites candidates and church members alike to look at the issues and their own records through the lens of child advocacy. 

As election season swings into gear, you are encouraged to download this document; forward it to those who might be planning candidate forums; use it in your own interactions with candidates; use it to assist your mission committee in future planning. However you decide to utilize it, it is PCAN's gift to the Church, the children, and you.

Encourage your friends and colleagues to support the ministry of the Presbyterian Child Advocacy Network, and to stay connected with us through membership in PHEWA and PCAN and the other intersecting networks of PHEWA.