MADRE is an international women’s human rights organization that works towards a world in which all people enjoy the fullest range of individual and collective human rights; in which resources are shared equitably and sustainably; in which women participate effectively in all aspects of society; and in which people have a meaningful say in decisions that affect their lives. MADRE uses human rights to advance social justice. We partner with women in communities worldwide to meet urgent, local needs and create long-term solutions to the problems that women face. Our program areas are: peace building; women’s health and combating violence against women; and economic and environmental justice.

MADRE partners with the Zanmi Lasante Clinic on the ground in Haiti to bring humanitarian aid overland into the country. Below is a recent news update on what MADRE is doing in Haiti.

MADRE News

Update on Relief Efforts in Haiti

Posted on: Thursday, January 14, 2010

MADRE’s Emergency Medical Relief Effort is Reaching Earthquake Surviviors in Haiti. We Need Your Help to Save More Lives.

You may be wondering whether MADRE is actually able to transport emergency relief given Haiti’s decimated infrastructure.

We have determined that our partner organization in Haiti, Zanmi Lasante, is able to bring humanitarian aid overland into the country. Teams of healthcare workers from the project have established a functioning supply chain through the Dominican Republic and are currently delivering medical aid to those most in need in Haiti.

Zanmi Lasante has more than 120 doctors and nearly 500 nurses and nursing assistants coordinating emergency medical relief efforts. They are setting up mobile field hospitals in Port-au-Prince, where staff can triage patients, provide emergency care and send those who need surgery or more complex treatment to our partner’s functioning hospitals and surgical facilities outside the destroyed city.

At the moment, their greatest need is financial support to meet the needs of the communities hardest hit by the earthquake. Zanmi Lasante needs support to quickly procure emergency medical supplies and basic living necessities, as well as transportation support for the tens of thousands of people that will be seeking care at mobile field hospitals in the capital city.

Time is of the essence. We know how to get help to survivors, but we need your generosity to purchase emergency supplies

According to Charity Navigator, 87.7% of MADRE’s donations go to programs – and only 7% to administrative costs. We encourage to read more about MADRE and make a contribution today at https://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/5095/t/3527/shop/custom.jsp?donate_page

Thank you.

Susan Platt

Dear Friends,

Together, in a difficult district and a difficult year, we accomplished so much. We stood up for the most important investments a community can make: in our schools and our children, in new roads and new jobs, and our economic future as a Commonwealth. I have immeasurable pride in the issues we raised, and in each of you who worked so hard to fight for them.

I have been humbled in the past week to see countless people walk through our office door to pick up the phone and call their neighbors in the Roanoke valley. I can never thank you enough for every donation and hour that you invested in this campaign. It has been my honor to join you in this pursuit and to enjoy the relationships that rewards such hard labor.

This campaign has been one of the great experiences of my life. Each conversation with someone at a doorstep, each opportunity to hear a struggle or a celebration, each smiling face and kind word after a long day of work, each of these moments has meant the world to me. I will treasure these experiences with you for the rest of my life. Thank you for being part of our campaign.

Sincerely,

Wow, can you believe there are only 2 days left until the election?

I have been so grateful for the support that you all have given me throughout this campaign.  It’s been hard work, and I have been energized and encouraged by your help at the office, financial contributions, and kind words throughout.

I hope that you will join me after the polls close at 7:00pm on Tuesday at Fork in the Alley (2123 Crystal Spring Ave SW) to celebrate all that we have accomplished over the past several months.

Before we can celebrate, we still have hundreds of voters to talk to and we need to make sure that our supporters turn out to vote Tuesday. Can you spare even an hour or two of your time before then to help us win? You can sign up by clicking here or calling Jennifer at 400-6638.

Thank you so much for all you do.  I look forward to celebrating with you all Tuesday night.

Sincerely,

CONTACT: Eric Hyers
540-230-6212

ALL FIVE PULASKI CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS ENDORSE CAROLE PRATT

All five Pulaski County Constitutional officers joined on Wednesday to endorse Dr. Carole Pratt for delegate.  These elected public servants are responsible for many of the operations of our local government.

“I am honored to have the support of the men and women we elect to carry out the people’s business in our district,” said Carole. “These are the tireless individuals who make sure the day-to-day operations of Pulaski County government are seamlessly executed.  I have enjoyed working with these officials on many community projects, and am pleased to receive their endorsement.”

“The energy behind our campaign is growing every day,” added campaign manager Eric Hyers.  “In recent weeks, Carole has earned the support of four mayors, the Virginia Professional Fire Fighters, the Police Benevolent Association and the Roanoke Times.  Now, all five Constitutional officers in Pulaski are supporting Carole as well.  Clearly, her message is resonating all across the district and people are hungry for a new voice in Richmond.”

The officers are:

• Clerk of Court Maetta Crewe
• Sheriff Jim Davis
• Commonwealth’s Attorney Mike Fleenor
• Commissioner of Revenue Trina Rupe
• Treasurer Melinda Worrell

CONTACT: Eric Hyers
540-230-6212

FIREFIGHTERS ENDORSE PRATT

The Virginia Professional Fire Fighters (VPFF) have announced their endorsement of Dr. Carole Pratt for delegate in the sixth district. The organization represents over 7,000 firefighters and EMT’s across Virginia and is supporting Carole because of her proven commitment to public safety.

“I am honored to have the support of our firefighters,” said Carole. “ I am grateful that we have such outstanding public servants in our communities and I am extremely proud to have their endorsement. First responders are there for all of us all the time and I will work to ensure that they have an active voice in the General Assembly.”

“Earning the support of the Virginia Professional Fire Fighters following the endorsement of the Virginia Police Benevolent Association shows that public safety officials are lining up behind Carole,” added campaign manager Eric Hyers. “Carole has the expertise and dedication to fight for the men and women who risk their lives for us.”

CONTACT: Eric Hyers
540-230-6212

PRATT EARNS ENDORSEMENT OF VIRGINIA POLICE BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION AND SHERIFF JIM DAVIS

PBA is Yet Another Organization to Switch Support from Crockett-Stark

The Virginia Police Benevolent Association and Sheriff Jim Davis have announced their endorsement of Dr. Carole Pratt for delegate, citing Carole’s strong support of law enforcement. The Virginia Police Benevolent Association, who endorsed Delegate Crockett-Stark in 2007, switched their support to Carole and are mobilizing their membership to support her candidacy.

Added Sheriff Davis, “During conversations with Carole, she has demonstrated an in depth knowledge of local law enforcement and the issues we face with recent budget cuts. I feel that both the law enforcement community and citizens will benefit greatly from her experience, knowledge, and leadership abilities. Pulaski County will be well represented in Richmond with Dr. Carole Pratt as our Delegate.”

“I am so proud to have the backing of these extraordinary men and women who have dedicated their lives to keeping our communities safe,” said Carole. “Law enforcement professionals deserve our full support in Richmond and I will always be their advocate.”

I wanted to share the great news with you that the Roanoke Times has endorsed our campaign for the House of Delegates.   You can read the full endorsement online at http://www.roanoke.com/editorials/wb/223514.

Two years ago, the Roanoke Times endorsed our opponent.  In switching their support this year, the Roanoke Times notes:

 ”Frank offers the collaborative, moderate voice that Nutter once did, and voters would do well to send her to Richmond.”

Throughout this campaign I have said that my top priority in the House of Delegates will be to work to create new jobs in the New River Valley.  I was pleased to see the Roanoke Times endorse my vision for economic development, writing:

“She [Frank] also favors expanding the governor’s opportunity fund for attracting new businesses to Virginia. She sees that as particularly valuable for Southwest Virginia, where universities and colleges turn out an educated work force and offer the chance for public-private economic partnerships.”

Thank you for your support for our campaign.  Please share this good news with your friends and neighbors who vote in the 7th District.  You can call our office today at 540-381-0428 to schedule a time to volunteer.

Peggy

Full Text of the Roanoke Times Editorial Board Endorsement:

Editorial: Peggy Frank in the 7th

Incumbent Del. Dave Nutter’s moderate glow has faded

Two years ago we endorsed Republican Del. David Nutter over Democrat Peggy Frank in the 7th House of Delegates District. In this year’s rematch, Frank is the more compelling candidate.

The 7th District includes the southern half of Montgomery County, Radford and Southeast Pulaski County.

In 2004, Nutter earned a reputation as a moderate lawmaker when he broke party ranks and supported a tax increase to salvage the state budget. Nutter has ridden that reputation to re-election twice, but he no longer is the moderate problem-solver he once was.

Within the strictures of his ideology he has tried to get things done, but that ideology and party loyalty have squeezed more tightly over the years. Since 2004, he has voted against progress, equality and open government.

He now declares he will support no additional revenue to address state budget shortfalls and needed transportation improvements. He at least acknowledges life will be tough in Virginia as a result.

Meanwhile, Frank grasps the foolishness of no-tax pledges. She is appropriately dubious about increases while the economy languishes, but she at least would entertain the idea and engage in bipartisan discussions.

She also favors expanding the governor’s opportunity fund for attracting new businesses to Virginia. She sees that as particularly valuable for Southwest Virginia, where universities and colleges turn out an educated work force and offer the chance for public-private economic partnerships.

Frank offers the collaborative, moderate voice that Nutter once did, and voters would do well to send her to Richmond.

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Dear Friends,

There are just 18 days to go in this election, and we are neck and neck! Please watch my newest commercial below, and help me to keep getting our message of responsible leadership out to the Roanoke Valley by making a donation of $250, $100, or $50.

Click here to view the embedded video.

(Or click here if your browser does not support the video)

We have come so far in the past months, and I can’t win this election without your continued involvement.

Can you please donate $250, $100, or $50 now so that we can keep this ad on the air?

I hope you’ll support me in the coming days so that we can finish this important work that’s been started. 

Sincerely,

P.S.  There is no time to spare — please donate $250, $100, or $50 now to help us keep spreading our message of responsible leadership!

CONTACT: Eric Hyers
540-230-6212

For the fourth consecutive filing period Dr. Carole Pratt, candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates, has out raised the incumbent reporting twice the number of donors. Special interests and other politicians have accounted for over eighty percent of the incumbent’s fundraising this financial period.

“I’m proud that in these difficult financial times, so many folks have invested in our campaign,” said Carole. “I’ll never have to look to party bosses to figure out which way the wind is blowing and the strength of our bluegrass roots fundraising shows that we are ready for a delegate who always listens to Southwest Virginia.”

“The incumbent’s donor list reflects her voting history that for too long has put the interests of lobbyists and party bosses ahead of the people of this district,” added campaign manager Eric Hyers. “With unemployment near 10% and the news of another round of layoffs at one of the New River Valley’s largest employers, people are investing to send a representative to Richmond who will be a tireless advocate for us.”

Twenty-eight days have passed since Dr. Carole Pratt, candidate for the House of Delegates,  invited the incumbent to a series of discussions on the economy and jobs.  Since that time, the incumbent has rejected the request in a letter and again at a public forum in Pulaski, all while Volvo announced another round of layoffs and unemployment remains near double digits.

“With growing economic anxiety in our district, voters deserve a public discussion on how to create and retain jobs in our communities,” said Carole. “Just yesterday, one of the largest employers in the New River Valley announced another round of layoffs.  I wouldn’t be running if I didn’t have a detailed vision for how to spur economic development and a deeply held confidence in the resourcefulness of our communities.  We need a representative who will always be willing to engage in detailed discussions about the tough problems we face.”

“WYVE radio broadcaster Danny Gordon has expressed his willingness to host a debate between the two candidates, as has yet another local radio station,” added campaign manager Eric Hyers.  “It appears the only person not interested in hearing both candidates’ ideas on how to retain and create good-paying jobs in Southwest Virginia is Delegate Crockett-Stark.”