In the USA, Wall Street has dubbed the just-ended decade as the "Lost Decade."  For the first time several major Wall Street stock indexes finished the decade with a total negative return - including the dividends paid during the ten-year span.  For example, the Standard & Poor's stock index was worth about 10% less in January 2010 than it was in January 2000!  As one chief Wall Street strategist quipped: "I've lost a bet.  I've lost my keys.  But I've never lost a decade - until now."  

 As we read about the "Lost Decade," we reflected on Advocates Internationals' past ten years.  One label that would not fit is "lost."  Without any doubt, the past decade was our most dynamic and productive.  For example, in January 2000 there was only one fledgling regional network - "Advocates Africa" - that had just held its first regional meeting in Jinga, Uganda at the headwaters of the Nile River.  

 But by January 2010 there were six regional networks - Advocates Africa, Advocates Asia, Advocates Europe, Advocates Latin America, Advocates North America and Advocates Oceania - linking thousands of lawyers in 150 nations led by regional boards.  During the decade, these networks held nearly 40 conferences mobilizing and training thousands of advocates.  The number of national groups has also grown from about 20 in 2000 to over 100 today.  AI's current Regional and Global Leadership Roster bears witness of a decade where steady multi-pronged growth has prepared a foundation we can build on in the new decade.

 OUR TOP 40: Our mission remains encouraging, enabling and equipping advocates to strategically do justice with compassion  Our approach is to work relationally, professionally and spiritually.  The enclosed Top 40 Highlights of Advocates in Action in 2009 is a sampling of a global movement bearing witness of Jesus Christ through the legal profession.  With few exceptions, the Top 40 remain works in progress.  Battles were won.  But the struggle for life, religious liberty, rule of law, family and community life, peace and reconciliation and access to justice for the poor continues... We are looking for advocates to join us in this cause.  Join us!  We will keep you updated.... (more)