grassroots social change, non-violence,
activism, volunteerism, pro-choice

Giving, consciously.

Dear COHI supporters,

Thank you for supporting the values that drive our mission and are present in everything we do. This year, your activism, volunteerism, and financial support made a difference in the lives of the women we serve. Here are a few examples of how your support of COHI’s values has translated into action.

In Tanzania, what started as one community’s concern and activism for women’s health grew to include support from clinicians and activists from multiple continents, and in 2008 spurred increased action from local government authorities. Local providers received valuable training on safe childbirth, men’s involvement in reproductive health, and tens of thousands of dollars of lifesaving equipment and supplies. YOUR contribution made it possible to leverage the interests of this community to advance women’s health and rights.

In North Carolina, New York, Jerusalem and Be'er Sheva, hundreds of volunteers demonstrated their commitment to non-violence by participating in or attending V-Day productions of Eve Ensler’s works to eradicate violence against women. With the proceeds from these events, COHI strengthened programming in gender-based violence, HIV/AIDS, and Safe Motherhood in our work in Tanzania and Israel/Palestine. COHI is excited to join this effort in solidarity once again. If you are interested in organizing or participating in a performance in your area in Spring 2009, please email: info[at]cohintl.org.

Dedicated Israeli and Palestinian midwives continue to cross barriers and boundaries to jointly develop midwifery standards and advance peace. In the midst of violence and ongoing struggle, these women are living examples of COHI’s values.

In Sudan, COHI conducted an assessment to identify women’s health needs and is currently programming our response of training for community midwives in safe childbirth, newborn care, and gender-based violence.

Your support to our mission and values is much needed and appreciated and we invite you to renew, or begin, your support now. As thanks for your gift, you will receive a holiday card, including a decorative photograph of a project you are supporting and a tax-deductible receipt. If you choose to donate on someone’s behalf, the card can be mailed directly to the recipient of the gift.

COHI warmly thanks all of its hard-working volunteers, supporters, and board members for helping to strengthen, empower, and care for women around the world. We hope that you have a peaceful holiday.

Mary Drake, BSN, RN, MPH
Interim Executive Director
maryldrake[at]cohintl.org
www.cohintl.org

Circle of Health International is a 501c3 nonprofit organization supporting the empowerment of conflict- and disaster-affected women through the provision of women's health initiatives. Learn more and get involved at www.cohintl.org.