Eurodiaconia (EURODIACONIA )
Eurodiaconia is a federation of non-governmental organisations, diaconal institutions and churches providing social and health services and education based on Christian values. Members’ activities facilitate social cohesion and inclusion through education, advocacy and the provision of social and health services to all who need them. Eurodiaconia is committed to ensuring quality of life for all in a social Europe.
“Diakonia” is Greek for “service”, it means working for reconciliation: by bringing help where it is needed, demanding justice in situations of exclusion and advocating for those whose voice is not heard. From this experience and commitment, we call on the European Union for an authentic political commitment to tackle poverty and social exclusion with concrete actions.
See online : Eurodiaconia
Specific Message
- The development of additional innovative indicators of poverty and social exclusion and targets for their reduction to focus not only on financial aspects but also on a broader vision of a person’s welfare, through non material indicators such as participation, isolation, respect from society, opportunities and freedom.
- The fight against poverty and social exclusion to be a real priority by ensuring social mainstreaming, for instance through genuine in-depth social impact assessments.
- More efficient monitoring of European Social Funds activities to ensure that projects benefit intended targets and support EU objectives, that faith-based service providers seeking EU funds are not discriminated against, that EU and Member States support the long-term financial sustainability of successful projects beyond short EU funding periods.
- Facilitate access for all to social services of general interest. Eurodiaconia believes that access to social services is necessary to uphold human dignity and is a fundamental right. The Commission must continue to monitor the impact of EU rules on the sector and take action where necessary.
- The enhancement of EU efforts to impact on some of the current cultural trends in which unnecessary consumption and pursuit of excessive wealth are promoted, to value alternative models such as moderation and charity.
Planned activities
The 2010 Eurodiaconia Award for best practice in diaconia will be given to projects to combat poverty and social exclusion. On 1 June 2010, Eurodiaconia and CrossReach will hold a conference on poverty in Edinburgh (UK). During 2010, Eurodiaconia and ecumenical partners CEC-KEK, Comece and Caritas will develop a “common Christian understanding of poverty” to be communicated in a paper and conference. Eurodiaconia members will host conferences, sponsor awareness and fundraising campaigns, conduct research and engage in advocacy. For an up-to-date list of activities visit the Eurodiaconia website.
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