Bridging the Gap Between Policy and Practice

Mercy Global Concern (MGC) will offering a one (1) week in-service program at the United Nations in New York City — October 17-23, 2009 —for 10 – 12 Sisters of Mercy from around the Mercy World.

The program includes,

• Attendance and participation in the United Nations days for the Eradication of Poverty
• Participation in workshop on the Mercy World.
• Participation in the MGC workshop, Bridging the Gap Between Policy and Practice;
• On-site visits with Mercy-sponsored ministries in the New York City area;
• The opportunity to interact and network with other UN-affiliated NGOs (e.g., Amnesty, Rotary International, the Fourth World Movement, Religious Orders Partnership and the Earth caucus, among others);
• An opportunity to meet and work with other Sisters of Mercy from around the world, and much more!

Mercy Global Concern will fund ten -twelve Sisters of Mercy. MGC invites interested Sisters of Mercy to apply. Priority will be given to Sisters of Mercy who are in ministries which are geared to one or all of the following:

1. Elimination of poverty
2. Systemic Change
3. Direct Service

Those who are selected to participate in the program must agree to stay for the entire program. Please note: English is the working language for this project.

What MGC can offer:

• Financial assistance for travel, room and board;
• Room and Board available from October 16 until check-out on Saturday October 24 noon. (8 nights)
• IF YOU COME EARLIER OR WISH TO STAY LATER, YOU MUST MAKE YOUR OWN ARRANGEMENTS AND PAY EXTRA COSTS INVOLVED.
• A stimulating program;
• Opportunity to learn how the UN works, and
• How YOU can connect to and collaborate with others in your ministry.
• Your responsibility on completion of the programme is to write a report on what you have learned and how you will implement what you have learned back in your country of origin.

If you want to apply for the place at the Bridging the Gap Between Policy and Practice, please send an e-mail Letter of Application to Deirdre Mullan, RSM.

Please include information about your current work and ministry, a statement about why you are interested in participating in the program, and how you hope to use what you may learn as a result. All materials must be submitted by July 28 2009.

Selection of program participants will be made by the Director of MGC and by the Bridging the Gap Between Policy and Practice project team.