Ms. Yvonne Stovall

12th Episcopal District NGO Liaison

12thdistrictngo@wms-amec.org

Presiding Prelate - Bishop Michael Leon Mitchell Episcopal Supervisor - Mrs. Cordelia Mitchell

Episcopal WMS-AMEC President - Ms. Thelma Denton

Arkansas and Oklahoma

I am proud to submit my report as the Twelfth Episcopal District Liaison to the Connectional NGO (Non-Governmental Organization), under the umbrella of the AME-WMS. This past year via-Zoom we have met and discussed to continue ways to combat Human Trafficking and Abuse.

Initiative and Focus

In the 12th District we work hard to meet the SDG throughout; however, we place a high focus on raising awareness for Fistula and Human Trafficking. Each year we have a district-wide focus on Fistula in May. During this time, our societies share information about why the surgery is needed, what the surgery is and how we can all help raise awareness and help cover the costs of the surgery. We celebrated with world when Sudan banned female genital mutilation. This year on Mother’s Day weekend we raised over $4000 for the Fistula Campaign. 

We also place a priority on raising awareness concerning human trafficking. For many of us in our small part of the world, we don’t believe that human trafficking is an issue, but even in the rural areas of Arkansas and Oklahoma, human trafficking exists and is a growing problem. In Oklahoma, there have been 109 cases reported with over 200 victims since December 2019. Since 2007 the National Human Trafficking Hotline has identified 557 cases of human trafficking in Arkansas. Close to 1500 victims were identified in these cases. In both states the government has made effort to strengthen laws regarding human trafficking. However, the problem still persists, partly because it is a hidden crime.

Most people aren’t even aware of the signs that might indicate a person is a victim of trafficking. In an effort to raise awareness, our societies have hosted information sessions and workshops to help learn the signs and what to do in the event we identify a victim. In addition, the 12th Episcopal District has been instrumental in raising awareness through the national NGO conference. This year they provided a production that not only raised awareness of modern-day slavery, but identified the parallels to American slavery. 

ACHIEVEMENTS:

• Movies (Lifetime)
• Local & National News
• Newspaper
• Know the signs of people you’re around

PARTNERSHIPS:

Churches throughout the Twelfth Episcopal District and various communities in Arkansas and Oklahoma. 

It has been an enlightening experience to represent my district by being a part of the Connectional NGO Team. 

I wish to share my thanks and appreciation to the 12th Episcopal District Leadership team and the good people of this amazing District as we serve the nation and the world. 

Awareness:

• To send out the message that Human Trafficking is a global concern
• Human Trafficking is illegal but is still practiced
• Human Trafficking is a serious and hidden crime
• Mother’s Day throughout the Twelfth District is Fistula Sunday. The Twelfth District contributed in excess of $4,000 to support Obstetric Fistula in Africa.

To God be The Glory!

In His Service, 

Yvonne Stovall 

12th District, NGO Liaison 

Women’s Missionary Society of The African Methodist Episcopal Church