Arigatou International has opened an office in New York, devoted largely to supporting the World Day of Prayer and Action for Children (DPAC).

Opened on July 1, 2009 and located in mid-town Manhattan, the new office will host the DPAC Secretariat, which facilitates the global planning and preparation for events held on November 20 each year in commemoration of International Children’s Day.

The World Day of Prayer and Action for Children seeks to bring together people of religion and goodwill to safeguard the integrity, rights and dignity of children and promote their well-being. It is made possible by a partnership among the world’s religions, faith-based groups, secular organizations and people of goodwill committed to building a world fit for children. The World Day of Prayer and Action for Children takes place every year on November 20, which is the anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. On that day, all over the world, in communities and places of worship, prayer services are accompanied by measureable actions for the survival, development and protection of children.

This year, the DPAC Secretariat is working closely with GNRC coordinators to organize three nearly simultaneous launch events for the World Day of Prayer and Action for Children in Africa, South Asia and Latin America.

The Secretariat supports and is guided by the international Planning Committee for the World Day of Prayer and Action for Children, largely composed of experts from various religious traditions. Collaborative partnerships have been formed with UNICEF and Religions for Peace to tap into the expertise and geographical reach of these two organizations.

The Secretariat will launch a preliminary website early this fall, which will then be expanded to offer visitors the following resources:

•  an “Intro Kit” to introduce the mission and objectives of the World Day of Prayer and Action for Children, Arigatou International and key partners;
•  a “Starter Kit” for groups who plan to organize their own events for the World Day of Prayer and Action for Children; and
•  a “Press Kit” for a wide range of media audiences, including national and local newspapers, on-line media, magazines and journals and radio.

Contact

Meg Gardinier, Director
mgardinier@optonline.net

Tel: +1-646-290-5171

Secretariat for the World Day of Prayer and Action for Children
845 Third Avenue
Sixth Floor
New York, NY 10022
USA