Overview

Partnership is the key to empowerment
Given the opportunity, people the world over can have the strength and knowledge to take the lead in addressing their own challenges. So one of the best ways to help is to listen... to learn... and to share resources appropriate to people’s needs. Building partner relationships around the world, as well as here in the U.S., is a hallmark of Church World Service. In partnership, we are engaging councils of churches across the U.S. and worldwide to bring new commitment and vitality to ecumenical mission, and we are nurturing interfaith dialogue and cooperation, essential to our work in the 21st century.

Social and economic development
Central to the CWS mission of alleviating hunger and poverty on a global scale is the promotion of participatory and sustainable local development initiatives. We work with grassroots and faith-based organizations to identify, design, implement, and evaluate joint programs, ensuring that the seeds for successful long-term growth take root. By acting as a catalyst, we advance sustainable development in communities striving to become self-reliant and free from dependence on external aid. We serve as a vehicle to share best practices and institutional knowledge among local partners; to provide access to global financial, academic, and other resources; to develop local capacity; and ultimately, to empower communities to move from poverty to prosperity.

Emergency preparedness and response
CWS helps vulnerable people and communities in the aftermath of natural and human-caused disaster to achieve long-term physical, psychological, and spiritual recovery and develop strategies for the future. To do this CWS engages its member communions and others to join in disaster preparedness, mitigation, and response. When disaster strikes, whether in the U.S. or around the world, CWS encourages the faith community to join together so that the most vulnerable families and individuals receive the assistance they need.

Education and advocacy
CWS’s connection to partners in some 80 countries informs and inspires our work in education and advocacy – both of which are essential components as we confront the root causes of hunger. By raising awareness about hunger, poverty, water, trade, human rights, peacebuilding, and other issues in our Speak Out alerts, CWS brings the voices of our partners into the halls of churches, community groups, and our government. We empower people to help change the world by communicating with governmental representatives, the United Nations, and key international institutions, and urging policies responsive to the needs of impoverished people around the world.

Assisting refugees
There are some 14 million refugees worldwide – almost half of them children. Many have lost loved ones to atrocities. All are uprooted from their home, community, and country by persecution or armed conflict. CWS helps meet the needs of refugees in protracted situations and those who are able to return home. It also serves tens of thousands of refugees, immigrants, and asylum seekers in the U.S. and around the world each year with screening for potential resettlement to the U.S., chaplaincy, legal, and other professional services. And, in partnership with denominations, congregations, and local affiliates, CWS helps resettle refugees in the U.S.

What You Can Do

You can make a difference by giving a direct donation -- an immediate cash gift or a deferred gift, such as a charitable gift annuity or a bequest.

You can rally your congregation or group to welcome a refugee family, or participate in a community-wide CROP Hunger Walk or a Tools & Blankets event.

You can also contact your congressional representative or senators concerning an issue you care about.

Please tell others about Church World Service – and pray for our ministry of empowerment in partnership around the world.