Episcopal Relief and Development, ERD, has both a new look and new website

The familiar cross and anchor symbol was replaced June 10 with a logo that better reflects the organization's global vision. "Healing a hurting world" is the tagline that accompanies the fresh visual identity. Additionally, a revamped website for Episcopal Relief and Development is more navigable.

Visitors to www.er-d.org are more easily able to use it as a tool to learn about ERD's programs.  The "Stories from the Field" feature, for example, relates how its programs of disaster relief and long-term development help people help themselves.

An online store allows shoppers visiting the website to purchase unique gifts. Whether buying from ERD's Gifts for Life catalog or making a donation through the website, 92 cents of each donor dollar goes directly to programs.  There are even opportunities to participate in micro-enterprise projects. 

A resolution of General Convention in 2000 created Episcopal Relief and Development.  It replaced the Presiding Bishop's Fund for World Relief, which was founded to address refugees fleeing Europe after World War II. The new organization expanded its focus from disaster relief to include programs of long-term development.  These latter projects function in Africa, Asia and Latin America-the areas of our world with extreme poverty.

The Millennium Development Goals are supported through ERD's long- term development programs because they address improvement in food, nutrition, and basic healthcare.  The result is strengthened communities.

"Working in partnership with over 60 Anglican and ecumenical agencies, our programs now impact more than 2 million people in 41 countries," said Robert W. Radtke, president of Episcopal Relief and Development.

Episcopal Relief and Development's new branding "creates a strong relationship with the Episcopal concept of ‘healing,' which speaks to transformation of the whole person, whole community, and whole world," says Luke Fodor, network coordinator in ERD's New York office.

The Diocese of Atlanta is a strong supporter of Episcopal Relief and Development.  More than half of our congregations have a parish ERD representative. These volunteers form a network of spokespersons for Episcopal Relief and Development.  (See list of participating parishes.)

If you are interested in learning more about ERD contact Debbie Betsill, diocesan coordinator, at dbbetsill@earthlink.net or at 770-975-7772 mailbox 2.

 

-- Debbie Betsill volunteers as Diocese of Atlanta coordinator for Episcopal Relief and Development. She is a member of St. James', Marietta.