Sisters of Notre Dame seek NGO status at the United Nations
The Sisters of Notre Dame are currently applying for
NGO (non-governmental organization) status at the
United Nations. Sisters Carol Brandt and Mary Jo Toll
began this work at the United Nations on January 6, 2007 with mentoring from another religious congregation—the Sisters of Notre Dame
de Namur.
The focus of our congregation's efforts will be advocacy for women and children in need.
Sister Mary Jo is participating in a variety of NGO commissions and committees. She is using advocacy skills in collaboration with other non-governmental organizations to explore and advance the global causes of social development, women’s rights, migrants, financing for development, indigenous peoples, sustainable development, and poverty eradication.
In addition there is opportunity to converse with member states who welcome the freedom of NGOs to challenge existing conditions which allow many to remain in dire situations of hunger and poverty.
Sister Mary Jo is energized by the welcome and inclusion she has experienced from religious community NGO groups and other NGO organizations which focus attention on the world's underserved peoples.
