Accord™ is a catalyst for learning, collaboration and building Christ-centered unity around the shared vision of eliminating poverty. Accord™ serves Christian organizations and churches involved in this vision to achieve the highest standards, principles and effectiveness in relief and development.

Accord™ helps its members reach their full potential by sharing knowledge, skills, and support. Accord™ members are not limited to their own learning curve—they have ready access to the collective knowledge of over 60 organizations that collectively leverage over $5 billion of resources annually.  Accord™ member agencies give away what they have learned to others.

Accord™ annually hosts a Forum on Relief and Development, a CEO Retreat and other events. Accord™ offers agency and associate memberships.

Current Developments

In 2009, the Accord™ (formerly AERDO) membership unanimously approved a new mission and vision statement.  The vision statement is “Equipping and mobilizing the Christian Community to End Poverty.”

In 2010, Accord™ took two critical steps:  First, we have amended the bylaws of Accord™ to better reflect the community. The change adds a second option of the Apostles Creed as a statement of faith.  New members must ascribe to either of the two statements to be considered for membership.

Second the board voted to change the name of AERDO to Accord™ and the membership overwhelmingly affirmed this new name.

Our Future

The world of relief and development is changing fast.  New opportunities, new global players and fantastic progress create high expectations for our future.  Accord™ will leverage these trends to broaden its influence and more effectively equip Christian organizations and churches in their efforts to serve the poor.  Even while some things are changing radically other things will remain the same.  Accord™ will remain resolutely committed to the Lordship of Jesus Christ in all that we say and do.  We will not waiver from our Christ-centered identity.  We will also continue to hold to our founders’ original vision for unity and commitment to excellence in our work for the glory of God.  We will continue to engage and equip the Church in holistic ministry among the poor.  We inherit a wonderful legacy from our founders and yet we look to a future that our founders could hardly imagine.  A future that sees the end of extreme poverty.