Support our call to put justice and compassion into action
The poster
above shows a montage of older people in different settings. To receive a copy of the poster artwork please send an email to info@justiceandcompassion.org.nz
New Programme launched
The overall theme adopted by NZCCSS for our ongoing programme of information is Let Us Look After Each Other - Aroha tētahi ki tētahi.
Two media statements were released on the launch day, 28 March 2008:
NZCCSS: Putting the fate of the poor and vulnerable on the 2008 Election agenda
Our call to more action is based on the following set of key messages:
We believe a just and compassionate society can be achieved by more action to:
Support families and communities in nurturing and protecting our children as taonga.
Provide older people with a range of choices for their homes, support and lifestyle.
Utilise our nation’s prosperity responsibly to eliminate poverty.
Enable access to good, affordable housing for everyone.
Support community-based organisations to grow the spirit of aroha tetahi ki tetahi - looking after each other.
A brochure that provides the opening context for the information programme is available as a resource in our Publications Library (enter search term: Let Us). The central text of the brochure is:
The New Zealand Council of Christian Social Services (NZCCSS) seeks to grow robust communities, neighbourhoods and a society which is able to offer every member support, dignity, shelter, freedom and opportunities to grow. A robust society is based on a commitment to collective responsibility and the common good, and an understanding of how our humanity is based on our relationships to each other and our communities. Every day of every week, the members of NZCCSS - the Anglican Care Network, Baptist Churches of New Zealand, Catholic Social Services, Presbyterian Support Services Inc and the Methodist and Salvation Army churches - provide essential services through collectively serving and working in communities throughout Aotearoa New Zealand.
We do not work in isolation. We are supported by our churches and their leaders. We recognise our obligations as partners to Te Tiriti O Waitangi and, through our collective activity, we do our best to put justice and compassion into action.
Through our ongoing information programme we will continue to release material to invite and inform discussion about these messages as we build on our mission to work for a more just and compassionate society.
Keep up to date with our Information Programme
Throughout 2008 NZCCSS is exploring several issues of social justice by publishing a series of posters, brochures and information on this website. Follow these quick links to new pages:
To receive updates from us, please send us your email address using our Contact Usform with the word 'Updates' in the subject line.
Aroha tētahi ki tētahi - Let Us Look After Each Other June-July 2008: Valuing the Lives of Older People In July the New Zealand Council of Christian Social Services (NZCCSS) continues its call for greater awareness of key issues facing New Zealand by promoting the message that more action is needed to provide a valued place in our society for older people.
In the second of a series of brochures being published by NZCCSS for our member organisations, Church-based audiences and wider public, we refer to the fact that more people are living longer than ever before. We argue that the realities of an ageing population pose some fundamental challenges for all of us.
The intention is that this information be used to prompt discussion, as well as providing suggestions for some practical actions we could all take.
The June 2008 issue of SPANZ, the magazine of the Presbyterian Church is an elections issues special. In April 2008, SPANZ invited each of the political parties
to answer questions on six issues identified as of key concern to
Presbyterians.
Eight of the ten parties participated and their answers, along
with the questions, can be found in the election special. SPANZ also asked an array
of commentators to characterise this election’s key issue.
The Presbyterian
Church has created a new resource, titled Caring for Our Children (links to pdf). This
34-page booklet is designed to raise awareness of the status of children in our
society and stimulate an effective response, based on these foundations:
Children
are people too
Children
are our future
Children’s
voices are not easily heard so they need others to speak and advocate on their
behalf
As the
family of God, the Church has a responsibility to protect and serve the vulnerable,
including children.
The
resource has been produced
by Presbyterian Support Northern. It was written by Andrea Candy with
contributions from the Rev Dr Graham Redding and Jill Kayser. The resource can be used in a variety of settings,
from small group discussions to longer seminars or workshops. To request a copy contact Sandra, at info@presbyterian.org.nz
MEMBER FOCUS
Family Works is a nationwide initiative of the Presbyterian Church. Family Works has three operating principles:
(1) Children/tamariki are part of their family/whanau; (2) Families work best when they are supported by and part of their community; (3) Family Works services are based in communities.
Family
Works works with the child/tamariki or young person/rangatahi in the
context of their family/whanau to maximise the likelihood of enduring
positive change.The
basis for its operating principles are that when communities have
resources to support their own, families/whanau within them flourish
and their children/tamariki thrive, have enhanced well-being and
succeed. In addition, families/whanau who have ready access to local
professional advice and assistance are more likely to seek it early and
prevent challenges or problems becoming overwhelming.
The
measures it sets are by population outcome and performance outcome.
These are measured by the proportion and numbers of families that cope
with life's complex challenges, that have a sense of belonging and
purpose and where each family member has an influential voice in making
decisions about his/ her family's future.
The New Zealand Council of Christian Social Services (NZCCSS) is made up of representatives from the Anglican Care Network, Baptist Churches of New Zealand, Catholic Social Services, Presbyterian Support New Zealand and the Methodist and Salvation Army churches. Our member organisations provide social services in communities throughout Aotearoa New Zealand, covering a wide range of needs: children and family services, services for older people, foodbank and emergency services, housing, budgeting, disability, addictions, community development and employment. The services provided by our members are available to all, regardless of religious belief. Through its work, such as policy analysis and research, NZCCSS ultimately seeks to ensure that the voice of poor and vulnerable New Zealanders is heard. For more information about the Council go to About NZCCSS.
