IMA announces massive GBV campaign

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IMA World Health is pleased to launch a new campaign to end sexual and gender based violence (SGBV) called We Will Speak Out (US).

Acknowledging that the church must do more to prevent and respond to SGBV, the mission of this campaign is to mobilize the faith community to raise awareness of national and international issues of rape and sexual and gender based violence, while linking people, churches and communities together in both grassroots and large-scale prevention and response activities.

The campaign will include several major activities and goals to help raise awareness, one of which is to engage other faith-based organizations to create a US-based coalition. IMA is currently working with its Members and organizations to formalize the plan to join forces in a collaborative effort.

Meanwhile, campaign activities are moving forward, with its first event being the Creation Festival June 27-30, where attendees will be urged to sign a pledge against SGBV.

Speak Out Sunday (November 25, 2012)

We Will Speak Out (US) is asking churches around the globe to set aside Sunday, November 25 (or a suitable nearby date) to observe “Speak Out Sunday.” Asserting that the church needs to do more to raise awareness of the issues as well as show appropriate, caring support to survivors of violence, We Will Speak Out (US) is urging pastors and other church leaders to use this day to preach and teach important ways to prevent and respond to these issues. November 25th was chosen because it is also the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

Sermon Guides

To support faith leaders in this day of awareness, We Will Speak Out (US) is creating a series of free Sermon Guides that ministers can use to help convey these critical messages to their congregations. The Sermon Guides, which are being written by a team of ministers and religious leaders from a variety of denominations, will include relevant Scripture and will be available in both Muslim and Christian versions. The Sermon Guides are slated for completion in October 2012—in time for pastors all over the map to prepare their messages for Speak Out Sunday and beyond.

We Will Speak Out (US) will also be engaging in advocacy campaigns, events, and much more to help raise awareness and help promote peace, equality and protection.

As the We Will Speak Out (US) coalition forms, it will join in the activities of the global coalition to expand its reach and message throughout the developing world.

For more information and to get involved as this campaign grows, please visit www.wewillspeakout.us!