 |
|
|
The success and sense of accomplishment at the IAWJ's 8th Biennial Conference in Sydney, Australia in May,2006, led members to a new commitment to the Association. On the last day of the conference, Hon. Coral Shaw (New Zealand), former member of the IAWJ's Board of Directors, initiated a new fundraising campaign among the membership. She challenged the membership by saying,
"Virtually everyone spoke of their pride in or admiration for the IAWJ. We were moved by the accounts of judges who on a daily basis confront corruption, discrimination, and conflict. We are proud of the role IAWJ is taking in supporting judges, both men and women, to uphold the rule of law and basic human rights."
But, where to from here? What can we do to ensure that IAWJ not only continues its work but actually thrives?
The stark reality is that the Association is a small non-governmental organization without sustained support even as it is on the cusp of new growth and opportunities. Its present income comes from subscriptions, ad hoc donations from members and friends, and from foundations, which support specific programmes, but with limited time of support. The IAWJ has also benefited from "in kind" support including generous office space in Washington. However, in 2007 this has ended and the IAWJ faces new challenging financial needs and commitments.
Needs
Increasing requests from around the world for implementing the excellent Jurisprudence of Equality Programme (JEP) cannot be met without more staff. There is a need for programme officers and additional staff. There are more women judges in more countries who need our support and encouragement as they begin to work on the bench. We need to continue to strengthen our communication with members and we need to continue to grow.
What can be done?
The strength of the IAWJ lies in its membership and friends.
The Campaign asks each of us who has the means to pledge at least $1 a day for two years to be paid in regular amounts.
Judge Shaw challenges all of us by saying, "Many of us lose a dollar a day down the back of the sofa."
If one quarter of the IAWJ membership made that personal commitment, IAWJ would have a guaranteed income of over $300,000 for each of those two years. This would enable the IAWJ to focus more of its direct efforts on its core mission, advancing equal justice for all.
I would like to support IAWJ!
|
|
|
|
1850 M Street NW