UUs in Action: Local Projects, Global Concern

“Cradle Club"

The UU UN Office is working with the Southwest Indian Relief Council’s Cradle Club to provide supplies for baskets to be given to Native American mothers of newborn babies provided they have met certain criteria.

This project supports the 6th UUA Principle of “to affirm and promote the goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all” and the United Nations Millennium Development Goals #4 and 5, “to reduce child mortality” and  to improve maternal health.” Congregations will work through the Southwest Indian Relief Council to provide the supplies for the gift baskets. These baskets, which include items such as bottles, pacifiers, wash cloths, and cotton baby bonnets, are proved to mothers who have attended 75% of their prenatal visits and two parenting classes. This project has had a dramatic impact on Native American communities, increasing the rate at which mothers seek prenatal care and attend their appointments from 25% to over 80% in some communities.

Native American populations have an infant mortality rate that is more than double that of white Americans and a life expectancy 22.2 years less than the rest of the American population; they more closely resemble a third world country than the United States. This project provides a unique opportunity for Unitarian Universalists to help achieve the MDG’s within the United States.

The project is designed to be short (4-6 weeks) within congregations, including planning and collection, but will have a large impact on Native American mothers and children. It can occur at any time throughout the year.

Please consider holding a collection in your congregation. All of the necessary documents can be found below, including a simple step-by-step guide to planning your collection. We thank you in advance for your support.

Related topics:

-Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the UN

Cradle Club Home
Step-by-Step Guide (PDF)
Proposal for your Congregation (PDF)
Brochure
Flyer
Pilot Project Report (coming soon)