July 19, 1994 Population Day National gathering declared a great success by those in attendance!! Over 110 folks from Canada, Africa, Morgan State University, Baltimore, D.C. and locations all over the U.S. gathered to consider what it takes in terms of local action to be global citizens concerned with the issues of population and development. Kudos to the organizing committee and Network staff for a job VERY well done. For those who were unable to attend the conference, tapes of the plenaries and workshops are available for the cost of the tape and staff time (we estimate about $3.50). Check the enclosed program summary and workshop list and let us know what you would like to have. Discussions were lively, networking extensive, and lots of great information was shared! At the State Department's "First Tuesday" briefing on July 5th, Agency for International Development staff described the agency's new approach to international development issues and the effect of recent organizational changes. AID officials said that changes have been focused on creating "centers of excellence", recognizing the interdependence and connectedness of many of the agencies development and assistance programs. Agency representatives reiterated their commitment to work closely with U.S. and local NGOs in the development, delivery, and evaluation of future AID projects. Working Group Reports There has been no Coordinating Committee meeting yet this month due to the Population Day Gathering. All of our working groups and many of our interest group sponsored at least one workshop at the event. Administration - The Administration working group will meet on August 19th to make decisions regarding scholarship requests. Reminders > The ICPD Secretariat requests that all accredited organizations send a letter as soon as possible listing the names of all individuals who MAY be representing them at the ICPD Mail to: ICPD Secretariat - NGO Section, UNFPA, 22nd Floor, 220 East 42nd Street, New York, NY 10017. (fax: 212-297-5250) > For the latest on the ICPD and related Administration activities call the new State Department Population Hotline at 202-663-3070 > The NGO Planning Committee for the ICPD requests that NGOs planning to attend the ICPD make travel reservations and complete and return their NGO Forum registrations (see enclosed forms) as soon as possible. > Cairo Bound? The U.S. Network will be assembling a Cairo Directory of U.S. NGOs and NGIs attending the ICPD and/or Global Forum. If you're going to Cairo, PLEASE complete the enclosed form and return in to the Network office by snail mail, email, or fax ASAP. > The last State Department "First Tuesday Briefing" will be held on August 2nd, 10:00 a.m. at the Office of Personnel Management, 19th & "E" Streets, NW, Washington DC. > Network "interest groups" are available. The purpose of these groups is to facilitate communication among individuals and organizations concerned about specific issues. Interest groups may advocate a particular viewpoint. However, interest group views and positions can not be ascribed to the Network. The following individuals are organizing interest groups. Please contact them for further information. Religious Interest Group, Douglas Hunt, Church Center for Sustainable Communities/United Church of Christ, 1820 Sanford Road, Wheaton MD 20902-4008, phone & fax: 301-593-4724. Next meeting is June 20th, 2:00 p.m. @ ZPG, 1400 Sixteenth ST, NW - Suite 320, Washington DC 20036. Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health Concerns, Dr. Asha Mohammed, Center for Population Options, 1025 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20005 (202) 347-5700. Men's Roles and Responsibilities, Nick Danforth, Association for Voluntary Surgical Contraception, 79 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10016 (212) 561-8000. People Sustaining People: a group of people of color who are working to influence U.S. and international population policies, Sarah Moten, National Council of Negro Women, 1667 K St., NW, Washington, DC 20006 (202) 659-0006. Environment, Lisanne Nelson, National Audubon Society, 666 Pennsylvania Ave., SE, Washington, DC 20003 (202) 547-9009. Thank you and see you soon, The Coordinating Committee for the U.S. Network for Cairo 1994