Spotlight Webcast: Faith Based Communities Fight Against Poverty
July 29, 2009

In the latest Spotlight webcast, Michael Gerson, a nationally syndicated columnist for the Washington Post, and Mark Rodgers, principal of the Clapham Group, discuss the role of faith-based organizations in shaping anti-poverty policy. Gerson and Rodgers, both co-founders of the bipartisan group, The Poverty Forum, discuss how religious organizations can help create bipartisan consensus on key public policy issues. The interview also examines how the George W. Bush Administration encouraged a role …

By Loredana Vuoto

When it comes to democracy and freedom, Iranian women and voters are null and void. This was most clearly seen in Iran’s recent election whereby results were rigged in favor of current President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

Iranian authorities arrested hundreds of activists protesting Iran’s fraudulent June 12 elections, in which Ahmadinejad—backed by the theocratic regime’s hardliners—claimed “victory.” Police used brutal force to quell protests, killing, beating and imprisoning countless pro-democracy demonstrators. Protesters believe the election was fixed and that opposition leader Mir Hossein Mousavi …

Wedgwood Circle is a national network of high net worth investors, foundations, cultural gatekeepers and creators contributing to the renewal of culture by strategically investing in “cultural artifacts” that are true, good and beautiful for the common good.

Wedgwood focuses on the art and entertainment industries, covering the sectors of film, music, television, publishing, theatre, fashion, fine arts, comics and graphic novels, computer/console gaming and new media.

Wedgwood’s mission is accomplished through for-profit and non-profit engagement through three key entities: The Wedgwood Circle Institute, an angel investor Network (The Wedgwood Circle, LLC), and a culture …

The ONE Campaign seeks to raise public awareness about the issues of global poverty, hunger, disease and efforts to fight such problems in developing countries. In furtherance of these purposes, the ONE Campaign will:

Mobilize people from all 50 states and America’s leading non-profit, advocacy and humanitarian organizations to expand awareness of these issues
Publish educational information about the impact of overseas development assistance and reformation of unfair international trade regimes on global poverty, hunger and disease
Raise awareness about and promote the framework of the Millennium Development Goals to eradicate poverty and …

The Humane Society of the United States is the nation’s largest and most effective animal protection organization—backed by 10 million Americans, or one in every 30. Established in 1954, The HSUS seeks a humane and sustainable world for all animals—a world that will also benefit people. They are America’s mainstream force against cruelty, exploitation and neglect, as well as the most trusted voice extolling the human-animal bond.

The Animals & Religion program of The Humane Society of the United States seeks to engage people and institutions of faith with animal protection issues, on the …

The Poverty Forum is composed of a select group of leaders and policy experts representing divergent political perspectives but sharing biblical values surrounding God’s concern for the poor and a commitment to address poverty. Through constructive dialogue about domestic poverty issues, the Forum has built consensus around a set of practical, common-ground policy solutions that will be shared both in the public arena and with the new Administration and Congress for implementation.

The Clapham Group:

Facilitates relationships between key participants, navigating their bipartisan work – support staff for participants

Created publicity resources – …

In 1797, William Wilberforce, the great crusader for the British abolition of slavery, is taking a vacation for his health even while he is more sick at heart for his frustrated cause. However, meeting the charming Barbara Spooner, Wilberforce finds a soul mate to share the story of his struggle. With few allies, such as his mentor, John Newton, a slave ship captain turned repentant priest who penned the great hymn, “Amazing Grace,” Prime Minister William Pitt, and Olaudah Equiano, the erudite former slave turned author, Wilberforce fruitlessly fights both public indifference and moneyed opposition, determined to keep their exploitation …

In this concert film, from the same director as “Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert Tour,” you follow the Jonas Brothers as they cross the country on their “Burning Up Tour.” The movie was filmed in Disney Digital 3-D and will only be shown in Digital 3D. Demi Lovato and Taylor Swift guest star and perform a song with the band. You will see backstage adventures with the Jonas Brothers, and you’ll follow them as they prepare for the tour. A new song by the Jonas Brothers will premiere in the film, as well. This was filmed July …

An international soccer star is on his way to sign a multi-million dollar contract when something happens that brings his career to an abrupt end. A waitress, struggling to make it in New York City, discovers something about herself that she’s unprepared for. In one irreversible moment, their lives are turned upside down…until an impetuous action brings them together and turns an ordinary day into an unforgettable experience. Once a famous athlete, and now a cook at his brother’s Mexican restaurant, José has retreated from the world, but he recognizes something in Nina, a young waitress, and reaches out to …

Faith & Law is a volunteer, nonprofit organization that helps congressional staff better understand the implications of the Christian worldview for their calling to the public square, through monthly lectures, bi-monthly reading groups, and the semi-annual “Great Objects Day” conference.

The Clapham Group provides:

* Daily operations

* Speaker booking

* Website design

* Material for reading groups