Racial Reconciliation

Structural racism and its impact on the daily lives of so many Americans still stymies progress in many corners of our great country. In most cases it is a silent killer of mutual social and economic progress. AVNED along with its partners are on the frontlines toward combating this problem through engaging vulnerable people of all races in communities where systemic racial inequities exist. We believe a two prong approach is necessary to begin a healing process that will change communities forever. We must engage community leaders and policy makers on the impact of their decisions on children and their future, and we must create a race neutral environment for kids to assimilate and form their own unbiased relationships with one another. It is our belief that this is not about blaming or pointing fingers, but about reconciling and fostering good community relations that will give all children a brighter future and stronger America.

Nuclear Security

It’s not 1950 anymore. We don’t try to play records on our iPods, and we shouldn’t use outdated Cold War threats to determine Pentagon spending and strategic priorities. Unsecured nuclear material and the current nuclear strategy based on a requirement that we be able to defend against a preemptive attack by the Soviet Union pose serious security risks to our country and the world, not to mention wasting countless resources.  Americans need to understand that it’s well past time we had a smarter nuclear policy that better reflected our national values and priorities.

Arms Trade Treaty

The Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) is an opportunity for a clear, uncomplicated, attainable win for our country and the world.  A broad coalition of support has amassed behind this treaty, from our military and national security leaders, to pastors and religious organizations, to the arms control community, and it continues to grow.  Faith communities across America and the world have come out in support of the ATT as an important way to protect life.  This includes the Vatican, US Conference of Catholic Bishops, World Evangelical Alliance, Alliance of Evangelicals in Africa, Sudan Evangelical Alliance, National Association of Evangelicals, and the National Council of Churches.  And we at AVNEF are proud of the roll we’ve played in helping build those coalitions and raise awareness of this issue thatRelevant Magazine called The Most Vital Treaty You’ve Probably Never Heard Of.”  As the treaty process continues to unfold, we need to expand our coalition and educate Americans about why the ATT is an easy, attainable victory not for any one group or side, but for the whole country and the international community.

Healthcare

Demand healthcare reform now! Reforming our healthcare system is an urgent moral and economic necessity. 46 million people live without health insurance while 25 million more are under-insured. Each year 18,000 people die needlessly because they could not afford the treatment that would save their lives. The current system is crippling our economy and costing lives. All of God’s children should have the opportunity to live whole and healthy. Get the facts about healthcare reform.

Vieques

The U.S. territory of Vieques is an island in crisis. Thousands of Americans are suffering and dying from exposure to toxic substances caused by more than 60 years of weapons testing by the U.S. Navy. The people of Vieques have a 25% higher infant mortality rate, 30% higher rate of cancer, a 381% higher rate of hypertension, a 95% higher rate of cirrhosis of the liver, and a 41% higher rate of diabetes than those on the main island of Puerto Rico a mere 8 miles away. Despite these facts, the Navy denies any culpability and refuses to help alleviate the suffering it has caused.

Climate Change

Climate change is one of the greatest moral, economic, and national security challenges of our time. The Pope, Rick Warren, National Association of Evangelicals, National Council of Churches, Billy Graham, and countless other religious leaders have said we have a moral responsibility to be good stewards of God’s creation and have highlighted the fact that it is the poor who are most affected and least able to adapt to climate change. People in developing countries are 20 times more likely to be affected by natural disasters than those living in other parts of the world. Furthermore, the instability caused by food and water scarcity and climate-related population migration is one of the greatest threats to U.S. national security, according to our military leaders.