Care of Earth: Last month, the Obama Administration announced that it would take more time to review unresolved environmental and safety issues raised by the Keystone XL study, particularly analysis of alternate routes to protect the sensitive Ogallala Aquifer, which provides drinking water for millions of U.S. citizens. Urge Senators and Representatives to oppose bills in Congress to push the Keystone XL pipeline through.
Promoting Peace: Pax Christi International invites the global community to share stories of peace. The stories will be used in Bethlehem, Palestine and other locations in educational and religious settings. Email your inspirational Christmas stories for peace in English before December 25. More information is located here.
Challenging corporate practices: Urge the members of the Energy and Commerce Committee to oppose any bill that would give corporations virtually free rein to call cell phones.
Refugees and Displaced Persons: Gently remind President Obama to remember the impact the invasion has had on Iraq and that the U.S. has an obligation to ensure that the internally displaced persons and the Iraqi refugees are taken care of.
Urge U.S. Representatives and Senators to pass an omnibus bill (appropriations) that has no riders and uses funding limits set out in the Debt Deal in August NOT the House budget proposal of April to guide spending.
Urge U.S. Representatives and Senators to extend the payroll tax cuts and Unemployment Insurance by adapting the message on the link above.
Tax cuts for middle class Americans were voted down by Republican Senators (202.224.3121; not toll free). Individuals are invited to call these Senators and express disappointment. Evidently Grover Norquist “gave permission” to allow taxes to go up on the middle class as not violating his “no tax increase” pledge before the vote.
Thank Senator Rand Paul for his leadership in the passage of the Merkley Amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act for the effort to end the war in Afghanistan at a quicker pace at
Act Today to urge Trinity Wall Street Episcopal Church to provide sanctuary for Occupy Wall Street protestors.
Call the White House 2.2.456.111 (not toll free) and call on President Obama to insist that the Brazilian government take action to clarify boundaries of indigenous lands, continue to protect indigenous lives that are under constant threat, and to bring justice to those that killed Nisio Gomes.
In the Spirit of St. Francis and the Sultan: Muslims and Christians Working Together for the Common Good is a unique 8-week module that supports respectful dialog and cooperation during this troubling period of polarization in our society. A unique feature of the module is that it brings Christians and Muslims together to work for the common good. Participating groups report that this experience is a hopeful and much needed sign of good will and cooperation. More information is located here.
A new documentary film, “Blood in the Mobile,” powerfully addresses both the limits of the imagination and our sense of connection to atrocities committed in eastern Congo. The minerals in our cell phones finance war.
Striking photos of natural gas flares in PA are located here.
The year in powerful photos is located here (be patient for photos to load).
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Decembe 2011 and January 2012
Walk Gently on Earth: Food Security, Food Sovereignty, Climate Change, Water, GMOs, and Sustainable Development
While the words seem to be inclusive of much work and depth, this SCN Mission Statement phrase “to care for the earth” has brought us to a new vantage point as a community and family. Toward this endeavor, a pause is being taken to reflect upon and celebrate the growth we have made together during this past year.
• Recycling on Nazareth campus including metal, batteries,
• Planting, replanting of trees and appropriate deforestation for the nature community
• Recognition of Nazareth as Tree City USA for the past seven years
• Creating an environment at Nazareth to encourage wildlife and minimize excessive mowing
• In collaboration with Nelson County Extension Service, provide space for community garden
• Nazareth Food Service examining more local and fresh foods
• Helping to avail the public distribution system (Ration Card) and BPL cards from government so that the food is available on a regulated low price for the poor
• Nazareth Campus housekeeping and food service purchases environmentally friendly products
• Purchase of fair trade and organic products
• Use of cloth/reuseable bags and refraining from plastic bags
• Use of solar energy
• Purchase of Seventh Generation products
• Viewing of Dark Side of Chocolate and a Better Life
• Advocacy on issues such as seed savers, GMO’s, climate change issues,
• Sharing resources and information with religious communities when together
• Hanging clothes outside to dry
• Educating on the Universe Story, GMO’s, climate change issues,
• Study and pray the Universe Story
• Network with New Pioneers
• Composting, vermi-culture and organic farming - no artificial pesticides/insecticides/fertilizers
• Gardening and consumption of produce from gardens
• Share food with food banks and mindfulness of food wastes
• Use water carefully and mindfully
• Continue education and sharing with books and videos related to Universe Story
• Organize awareness programs through rallies, competitions, science projects, discussions etc.
• Water harvesting, reuse of water from house and use of ice from beverages for watering plants
• Avoid carbonated drinks and discouraging others’ use of them
• Use of LED and CFL Bulbs, shut lights off when leaving room for longer periods of time
• Electric weed eater
• Use both sides of paper
• Program thermostats to conserve energy when possible
• Recycle wood chips and conserve fallen trees for firewood at Nazareth
• On demand hot water heater at Guest House at Nazareth
• Collaborated with Village I to obtain greater energy efficiency in Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) units
• Research “green” practices for permeable parking at Nazareth, although not feasible to date.
• Integrated Earth Day and Good Friday prayer
• Gasland was shown at Nazareth and placed in Media Center at Nazareth
• The World According to Monsanto was shown at Nazareth and is located in the Media Center (Book is in Nazareth library)
• Purchase and share Journey of the Universe recently available and created by Brian Swimme & Mary Evelyn Tucker
• Awakening the Dreamer, Changing the Dream to Office of Congregational Advancement
• Education on environment, conservation of energy, water, plastic-free living are becoming part of the school curriculum in most of the SCN schools
• The Care for the Earth: Meeting of Science and Spirituality, First Annual Conference (Nazareth)
To continue reflection, individuals are invited to return to the strategic plan from the Office of Global Ministries. In this plan, you may remember that you were invited to write your own plan on the blank space provided under Walking Gently on Earth.
• How have I grown this year?
• Where is growth still needed?
• Upon reflection, find some special way to mark your year of accomplishments and success.
As January unfolds, the Office of Global Ministries will highlight and work on another part of the strategic plan, which is an aspect of the 2008 General Assembly Directive entitled, Be Prophetic and Live Radically. The directive further calls us to minister on the margins and address the rightful place of women in church and society. The following questions root our reflections in Jesus' example of being with women and those on the margins.
• As the birth of Christ is remembered in our Christian tradition, how are women empowered?
• What characteristics exist in the culture of the woman in Jesus time?
• What examples demonstrate Jesus effecting social systems in solidarity with women?
Year-end and Alternative Gift Giving
This year the emphasis of gift giving is on giving local and developing relationships. Homemade gifts, sharing our talents and time, donations to individuals’ favorite charity, supporting local farmers and seeking local businesses that individuals patronize are excellent choices. In addition to giving local, there is the added benefit of reducing carbon footprint. Some individuals choose to offset their carbon footprint of gifts purchased by investing in renewable energy. Still other individuals focus on alternatives to traditional gifts in the name of their families and friends that will benefit the most vulnerable in our global community.
With regard to alternative gift giving from the SCN Family, Father Robert Maloney, CM, has asked the Sisters of Charity Federation NGO to participate in a new venture in Haiti. It is an outstanding program set up by our partner in Haiti, Fonkoze, with a 95% success rate in helping participants acquire the skills needed to emerge from poverty. Participating families are the poorest of the poor in Haiti. The program lasts 18 months and aims to provide a simple, decent home with good sanitary conditions (i.e. clean water and a latrine), get all children from the family into school, provide training in life skills to begin a small enterprise and prepare the family if it so chooses to enter into a micro-credit program. The name of the project is Chemen Lavi Miyo (CLM) which means pathway to a better life. The cost of providing these services to a family over 18 months is $1500 U.S. A donation of any amount is welcome and the donation will include a Christmas postcard sent in your name if the person(s) is/are designated. Make checks out to the Sisters of Charity Federation and indicate it is for the CLM Project. Send donation to The Sisters of Charity Federation NGO Office at 211 East 43rdStreet, Suite 504 in New York, New York 10017.
Climate Change and Rio+20 Meetings in Effort to Care for Earth
In Durban, South Africa on November 28 to December 9, high level discussions on climate change will take place as part of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The conference aims to negotiate an international agreement on greenhouse gas emissions. In addition to prayer, individuals are invited to watch the proceedings of the Convention
In January 2012 in New York, the first intersessional meeting will take place with regard to the Rio+20. According to a recent United Nations report, the main challenge facing humanity is to sustain poverty eradication and development while shifting gears. The United Nations Secretary-General says, “it has become apparent that a global economy based on current patters of consumption and production is placing heavy stresses on many ecosystems and on critical life-support systems.” According to two reports released ahead of this event, extreme poverty persists in many parts of the world despite the fact that world gross domestic product (GDP) has increased roughly sixty percent since 1992. While many countries have worked toward both these ends through a sustainable development plan, there is lack of support and lack of overall strategy for sustainable development AND poverty eradication.
Reflection and Action:
• With a priority on care of Earth from the SCN Mission Statement, what recent actions have I taken to engage leaders of my country to participate in the Rio+20 Conference in June 2012?
• What do I know about my countries' input into the draft that will begin being worked on in January 2012?
• Citizens from around the world are invited to join in a global conversation in preparation for the Rio+20 conference in June 2012.
• Aware that change happens at all levels, in what ways does my ministry/work focus on poverty eradication through the lens of sustainable development?
• Prayer and continued reading on the issues is imperative to speaking intelligently on the issue.
• Awakening the Dreamer Changing the Dream Symposium is now hosting a interactive digital experiences OR through ordering a 2.5 hour symposium DVD at a cost of $15.
• An interesting website in connecting the dots on climate change is located here
Occupy Wall Street Movement Has Roots in Catholic Social Teaching
According to an article entitled, “Wall Street Protests Gain Vatican Support” by Flavia Rotondi, Cardinal Kodwo Appiah Turkson states that the Occupy Wall Street protests are justified. The Ghanaian-born cardinal heads the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace. The office is currently calling for changes in the regulation of financial markets. A document was recently released in Vatican City which argues that “politics- which is responsible for the common good: is to take priority over the economy and finance. According to the text, “economic injustices, including “the hoarding of goods on a great scale”, may create “a climate of growing hostility and even violence, and ultimately undermine the very foundations of democratic institutions.””
This document was also highlighted in a recent article entitled, "Vatican has Sympathy for Protestors” written by Cindy Wooden found in the newspaper, The Record. Behind the Occupy Wall Street presence is the concern of the growing gap between rich and poor. While the Vatican does not stand behind the protests, Catholic Social Teaching and the most recent document “appear to be in line with the slogans” of the Occupy Movements. Previous documents pertaining to the economic realities include Charity in Truth (Pope Benedict XVI) and Economic Justice For All (US Catholic Conference of Bishops). An adequate system of checks and balances with regard to our global economy is lacking.
Reflection/Action:
• Thank Cardinal Kodwo Appiah Turkson for his work in bringing the statement forth and focusing on those who live in poverty around our world. (email archbishop@ghana.com OR Archcape@ghanabc.org)
• An educational tool used to understand in greater detail what the Occupy Movement is about can be found in NETWORKs’ Mind the Gap Campaign. It examines the chasm between those who have and those who have not. A facilitators guide and powerpoint are located here
• As Advent progresses, watch for a FY 2012 omnibus appropriations bill and be sure funding and sacrifices for programs and revenues is balanced and NOT disproportionate for those who live in poverty
• January 1 is World Peace Day with a theme of “Educating Young People in Justice and Peace.” What can I do to empower youth who share a large portion of the Occupy Movement?
• As the Occupy Movement transitions, important questions for the upcoming elections and choice of candidates include: Do you care about your fellow citizens? If so, do you take responsibility to tact on that care? Do you realize how much EVERY American, no matter how rich or poor, depends upon the Public?
• In SCN work to challenge unjust corporations and their preference for the 1%, you are invited to boycott any of the products by the Koch brothers’ corporations
January is Poverty Awareness Month in the United States
The Catholic Campaign for Human Development encourages each of us to bring national attention to the reality of 37.3 million Americans and one in six children living below the poverty line. According to the US Catholic Conference of Bishops' website where a variety of resources are located for education, these families are making hard choices between food, health care, heat and rent.
Reflection and Action:
• What is the poverty line for a single person and a family of four? Where might I locate this information ?
• What added information and experiences do I need to understand the breadth and depth of poverty in the United States?
• In what ways can I educate others, promote this campaign and advocate for those who are caught in systems of poverty?
• In addition to U.S. financial institutions needing "checks and balances", what needs do International Financial Institutions have?
Weekly Justice Highlights
International AIDS Day: On World AIDS Day, a new film highlighting the abuse of women and the fight against AIDS in Africa will premiere nationally on Showtime starting tonight. Check the schedule here.
Act by December 2: Urge Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to stand for the people of Sudan and start applying strong sanctions against Bashir. (Look on left side - click on send your postcard)
Promoting Peace: Urge Representatives and Senators to live up to the demands of the Budget Control Act and to oppose reducing or eliminating spending cuts to the military. There is danger that an amendment to the Defense Authorization Act will be voted on this week that will eliminate cuts to defense as outlined in sequestration.
Care of Earth: Journey of the Universe film will be broadcast on PBS in December and continue over the next two years at various stations. Check local listings as well as the list of showings on the Journey of the Universe website.
Empowering Women: Two women housekeepers whose faces were edited onto a “sexy” body of a bikini-clad woman holding a surfboard were posted on the wall inside the Hyatt hotel. Urge Hyatt CEO Mark Hoplamazian to reinstate two women with back pay.
Opposing the Iraq War: Urge federal legislators to support amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act that end the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and cut the Pentagon budget redirecting the money to human needs.
Urge the Environmental Protection Agency to update the Clean Air Act and to stop toxic air pollution from oil and gas drilling.
Call or write U.S. Senators (202.224.3121; not toll free) to vote for the Middle Class Tax Cut Act of 2011 (S. 1917). This legislation is an extension of the Payroll Tax cut set to expire on December 31, 2011.
Rumor has it that a Secret Farm Bill is being written behind closed doors. Individuals are invited to contact federal legislators telling them that an open and transparent Farm Bill process is important to you.
A new documentary, The Thick Dark Fog,” shines a light on the traumatic boarding school experience through the telling of personal stories. The film focuses on Walter Littlemoon, a Lakota who was forced to attend a federal government boarding school on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota in the 1950s. Littlemoon says his culture, language and spirituality were brutally suppressed. More information is located here.
The LCWR Global Concerns Committee has issued a resolution focusing on the critical need for economic justice.
Act by December 2: Urge Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to stand for the people of Sudan and start applying strong sanctions against Bashir. (Look on left side - click on send your postcard)
Promoting Peace: Urge Representatives and Senators to live up to the demands of the Budget Control Act and to oppose reducing or eliminating spending cuts to the military. There is danger that an amendment to the Defense Authorization Act will be voted on this week that will eliminate cuts to defense as outlined in sequestration.
Care of Earth: Journey of the Universe film will be broadcast on PBS in December and continue over the next two years at various stations. Check local listings as well as the list of showings on the Journey of the Universe website.
Empowering Women: Two women housekeepers whose faces were edited onto a “sexy” body of a bikini-clad woman holding a surfboard were posted on the wall inside the Hyatt hotel. Urge Hyatt CEO Mark Hoplamazian to reinstate two women with back pay.
Opposing the Iraq War: Urge federal legislators to support amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act that end the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and cut the Pentagon budget redirecting the money to human needs.
Urge the Environmental Protection Agency to update the Clean Air Act and to stop toxic air pollution from oil and gas drilling.
Call or write U.S. Senators (202.224.3121; not toll free) to vote for the Middle Class Tax Cut Act of 2011 (S. 1917). This legislation is an extension of the Payroll Tax cut set to expire on December 31, 2011.
Rumor has it that a Secret Farm Bill is being written behind closed doors. Individuals are invited to contact federal legislators telling them that an open and transparent Farm Bill process is important to you.
A new documentary, The Thick Dark Fog,” shines a light on the traumatic boarding school experience through the telling of personal stories. The film focuses on Walter Littlemoon, a Lakota who was forced to attend a federal government boarding school on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota in the 1950s. Littlemoon says his culture, language and spirituality were brutally suppressed. More information is located here.
The LCWR Global Concerns Committee has issued a resolution focusing on the critical need for economic justice.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Weekly Justice Highlights
Good News: The U.S. State Department announced that a final decision on the tar sands Keystone XL pipeline is delayed pending an environmental review. The extraction and transportation process associated with tar sands oil would produce more carbon emissions than traditional oil. Thank President Obama for delaying this decision and urge him to ultimately reject it. Additionally, Rand Paul’s resolution that would block a clean air rule and potentially prevent the EPA from ever issuing a similar rule was defeated.
Migrants: Urge U.S. Senators and Representatives to provide robust funding for Migration and Refugee services, including those of Iraqi refugees, in the State and Foreign Operations appropriate bill.
Care of Earth: Call or write Administrator Fleming at the Environmental Protection Agency to urge her to protect KY from Mountaintop Removal Mining.
Urge U.S. Representatives to co-sponsor H.R. 3368, the Latin America Military Training Review Act. The bill would suspend operations at the (School of Americas) SOA/WHINSEC, investigate torture manuals and human rights abuses associated with the school.
Urge U.S. Senators and Representatives to vote NO on any Balanced Budget Amendment (BBA) to the Constitution. A BBA would place limits on meeting growing population needs due to aging and disabilities and affect the long-term unemployed.
Call U.S. Representatives (1.202.224.3121, not toll free) urging them to oppose H.R. 2309, relating to the U.S. postal service, will eliminate 200,000 jobs including thousands of veterans, end Saturday service, end door delivery to 90 percent of households and businesses, and close thousands of local post offices.
Urge U.S. Senators to fix the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that includes provisions making it more difficult to close Guantanamo Bay prison and explicitly allows for indefinite detention, without trial of individuals associated with Al Qaeda or the Taliban.
On November 20, people of all faiths will unite in prayer during a national “Super Vigil” to ask God to move the hearts of policy makers and encourage U.S. Congress and the Obama Administration to draft a fair federal budget NOT placing the burden on those living in poverty “while shielding the wealthiest from any additional sacrifice.” Materials for this prayer are located here.
Tipping Point: The End of Oil is a powerful new documentary by Clearwater Media. It introduces stories of real people whose health and way of life have been tragically upended by the “biggest construction project on the planet.” Included in the movie are the indigenous people of Fort Chipewyan who live downstream from Tar Sands and have been dying in disproportionate numbers from rare forms of cancer. This seems pertinent given our struggle with the Keystone XL pipeline.
KY: "Issues Confronting the 2012 Kentucky General Assembly" contains 47 issue briefs prepared by members of the Legislative Research Commission staff. The book is not meant as an exhaustive list of issues that lawmakers will consider, but reflects a balanced look at some of the main topics that have been discussed in legislative committee meetings. The publication can be viewed online here.
Migrants: Urge U.S. Senators and Representatives to provide robust funding for Migration and Refugee services, including those of Iraqi refugees, in the State and Foreign Operations appropriate bill.
Care of Earth: Call or write Administrator Fleming at the Environmental Protection Agency to urge her to protect KY from Mountaintop Removal Mining.
Urge U.S. Representatives to co-sponsor H.R. 3368, the Latin America Military Training Review Act. The bill would suspend operations at the (School of Americas) SOA/WHINSEC, investigate torture manuals and human rights abuses associated with the school.
Urge U.S. Senators and Representatives to vote NO on any Balanced Budget Amendment (BBA) to the Constitution. A BBA would place limits on meeting growing population needs due to aging and disabilities and affect the long-term unemployed.
Call U.S. Representatives (1.202.224.3121, not toll free) urging them to oppose H.R. 2309, relating to the U.S. postal service, will eliminate 200,000 jobs including thousands of veterans, end Saturday service, end door delivery to 90 percent of households and businesses, and close thousands of local post offices.
Urge U.S. Senators to fix the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that includes provisions making it more difficult to close Guantanamo Bay prison and explicitly allows for indefinite detention, without trial of individuals associated with Al Qaeda or the Taliban.
On November 20, people of all faiths will unite in prayer during a national “Super Vigil” to ask God to move the hearts of policy makers and encourage U.S. Congress and the Obama Administration to draft a fair federal budget NOT placing the burden on those living in poverty “while shielding the wealthiest from any additional sacrifice.” Materials for this prayer are located here.
Tipping Point: The End of Oil is a powerful new documentary by Clearwater Media. It introduces stories of real people whose health and way of life have been tragically upended by the “biggest construction project on the planet.” Included in the movie are the indigenous people of Fort Chipewyan who live downstream from Tar Sands and have been dying in disproportionate numbers from rare forms of cancer. This seems pertinent given our struggle with the Keystone XL pipeline.
KY: "Issues Confronting the 2012 Kentucky General Assembly" contains 47 issue briefs prepared by members of the Legislative Research Commission staff. The book is not meant as an exhaustive list of issues that lawmakers will consider, but reflects a balanced look at some of the main topics that have been discussed in legislative committee meetings. The publication can be viewed online here.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Weekly Justice Highlights
Good News: On November 8, Ohioans overwhelmingly voted to repeal Senate Bill 5—Gov. John Kasich’s attack on middle-class jobs that was designed to destroy collective bargaining rights in Ohio. Also, this past week the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals stayed the execution of Hank Skinner pending resolution of DNA testing.
Care of Earth: Urge Senators to reject Senator Rand Paul’s resolution that would not only permanently block an important life-saving clean air rule, it could potentially prevent EPA from ever issuing a similar rule again. (Act as soon as possible; vote is likely today)
Care of Earth: President Obama recently announced that he will be making the final decision on the Keystone XL Pipeline. Individuals are invited to join fourteen Senators and Representatives calling for an investigation into the process to make sure the State Department is held accountable.
In the Spirit of St. Vincent: The Super Committee on Deficit Reduction has a deadline of November 23, U.S. citizens are urged to express their Super Citizen attire and make some noise through the following actions: Send NETWORK’s “Proclamation in Honor of the American People” and/or write a letter to the editor of a local newspaper with writing tips. The U.S. Catholic Bishops also have messages for editing to Senators on the Super Committee and to Representatives on the Super Committee.
Wanted! Lobbyists for those who sit outside the banquet of Lazarus: The Vincentian Family invites you to their capwiz for working legislative issues.
On November 20, people of faith from around the U.S. will unite in a national “Super Vigil” to ask God to move the hearts of policy makers and encourage the U.S. Congress and the Obama Administration to draft a fair budget that does not place undue burden on those living in poverty “while shielding the wealthiest from any additional sacrifice.”
U.S. citizens are invited to urge Senators NOT to cut international poverty programs. (Scroll down for action)
Tipping Point: The End of Oil is a powerful new documentary by Clearwater Media. It introduces stories of real people whose health and way of life have been tragically upended by the “biggest construction project on the planet.” Included in the movie are the indigenous people of Fort Chipewyan who live downstream from Tar Sands and have been dying in disproportionate numbers from rare forms of cancer. This seems pertinent given the current nature of the Keystone XL pipeline.
Annie Leonard (author of The Story of Stuff) is out with another story entitled, “The Story of Broke.” The script and movie are located here.
The National Farm Worker Ministry has a well-done 2-minute video on farm workers.
A new journal, Thinking Nature, publishes essays that address various philosophical and ecological approaches to inquiring into the concepts of nature. It is an open access journal edited by Timothy Morton and Ben Woodard.
Care of Earth: Urge Senators to reject Senator Rand Paul’s resolution that would not only permanently block an important life-saving clean air rule, it could potentially prevent EPA from ever issuing a similar rule again. (Act as soon as possible; vote is likely today)
Care of Earth: President Obama recently announced that he will be making the final decision on the Keystone XL Pipeline. Individuals are invited to join fourteen Senators and Representatives calling for an investigation into the process to make sure the State Department is held accountable.
In the Spirit of St. Vincent: The Super Committee on Deficit Reduction has a deadline of November 23, U.S. citizens are urged to express their Super Citizen attire and make some noise through the following actions: Send NETWORK’s “Proclamation in Honor of the American People” and/or write a letter to the editor of a local newspaper with writing tips. The U.S. Catholic Bishops also have messages for editing to Senators on the Super Committee and to Representatives on the Super Committee.
Wanted! Lobbyists for those who sit outside the banquet of Lazarus: The Vincentian Family invites you to their capwiz for working legislative issues.
On November 20, people of faith from around the U.S. will unite in a national “Super Vigil” to ask God to move the hearts of policy makers and encourage the U.S. Congress and the Obama Administration to draft a fair budget that does not place undue burden on those living in poverty “while shielding the wealthiest from any additional sacrifice.”
U.S. citizens are invited to urge Senators NOT to cut international poverty programs. (Scroll down for action)
Tipping Point: The End of Oil is a powerful new documentary by Clearwater Media. It introduces stories of real people whose health and way of life have been tragically upended by the “biggest construction project on the planet.” Included in the movie are the indigenous people of Fort Chipewyan who live downstream from Tar Sands and have been dying in disproportionate numbers from rare forms of cancer. This seems pertinent given the current nature of the Keystone XL pipeline.
Annie Leonard (author of The Story of Stuff) is out with another story entitled, “The Story of Broke.” The script and movie are located here.
The National Farm Worker Ministry has a well-done 2-minute video on farm workers.
A new journal, Thinking Nature, publishes essays that address various philosophical and ecological approaches to inquiring into the concepts of nature. It is an open access journal edited by Timothy Morton and Ben Woodard.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
November Action Alert
Standing in Solidarity with the Indigenous
This past month, the focus title of the New Internationalist October Magazine was, “Nature’s Defenders: Can Indigenous People Save the Planet?” The articles highlight indigenous people defending their natural resources from corporations and individuals who sit in offices working to meet consumer demand.
Indigenous people around the world tend to lead the struggle to save Earth because they have experienced first-hand the destruction of their natural resources to meet consumer demand.
- What is the average Earth citizen’s role in this struggle?
- How aware am I/are we that with each purchase I/we have demanded a product at the expense of others? What actions might decrease this expense and burden?
- How have I/we opened ears, eyes, and heart to the world view of extraction and consumption?
- What characteristics would be included in growth for our economies?
- Dam Projects for Hydropower
- Deforestation
- Diamond and Other Mineral Mining
- Land Grab in the Name of Development
- Mountaintop Removal
- Oil and Natural Gas Extraction
- Water Extraction
- Trading in more eco-friendly natural forest products cultivated by the indigenous people.
- Community tourism for sustainable development.
- Alternative energy solutions that are less invasive.
Reflection:
- How are these costs really worth the consumption individuals make?
- What makes individuals feel that they deserve to have this or that NEW product?
- What justifications do I use to declare that my material goods have landed up in some other country for consumption?
- In what ways do I keep challenging myself and community to take bigger steps in reducing consumption?
- Support local indigenous groups and alternative economies that place Earth rights and indigenous rights first.
- Avoid unethical investment in corporations destroying the planet.
- When purchasing, think local, organic and fair trade as much as possible.
- Allow for space in mind and heart for imagination of a sustainable way of living, then create it. (An example of Eco-City Dreaming Comes True is located here.)
- Hold governments and corporations accountable for human rights abuses and Earth abuses.
- Read and reflect on the Rio+20 materials received in previous Action Alerts located at www.scnfamily.org/stand (under side tab of Action Alerts)
- Rio+20 official website- offers up-to-date information and resources on the conference.
- Green Economy - Learn more about what a green economy is and share what you have learned. "A Green Economy is one that results in improved human well-being and social equity, while significantly reducing environmental and ecological scarcities."
- Earth Charter - Reread the Earth Charter which is a declaration of fundamental ethical principles for building a just, sustainable and peaceful global society in the 21st century.
- Urge your national leaders to attend Rio+20. (The U.S. - President Obama: email- comments@whitehouse.gov; regular mail – The White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington D.C. 20500.)
- Write a letter to your local newspaper about the Rio + 20 Conference to be held in June 2012.
- Pray for the success of Rio+20
- Amazon Watch
- Cultural Survival
- Friends of the Earth International
- Indigenous Environmental Network
- Indigenous Peoples: Issues and Resources
- International Rivers
- Rainforest Foundation
- Revenue Watch International
- Servindi
- Survival International
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The Social Protection Floor and the Eradication of Poverty
A Social Protection Floor (SPF) is an issue that keeps arising at the United Nations. The SPF corresponds to a set of basic social rights, services and facilities that all global citizens should enjoy. It can be seen as a core obligation of ensuring the realization of minimum essential levels of rights embodied in human rights treaties.
The two main elements that would help to realize these human rights are:
- Ensuring the availability, continuity, and geographical and financial access to essential services, such as water and sanitation, food and adequate nutrition, health, education, housing and other social services such as life and asset saving information; and
- Realizing access by ensuring a basic set of essential social transfers, in cash and in kind, to provide a minimum income and livelihood security for poor and vulnerable populations and to facilitate access to essential services. It includes social transfers to children, people in active age groups with insufficient income and older persons.
The SPF will continue to be on the United Nation’s agenda as an essential tool in the eradication of poverty. The theme for the 2012 Commission for Social Development is the eradication of poverty. This is a policy year so governments will be making decisions and the SPF will figure prominently in the recommendations of NGOs and, hopefully, in the resolutions passed by governments.
Actions:
- More information about the Social Protection Floor is located here.
- Thousands of people from more than 110 countries from global North and South have signed on to the online campaign initiated by our New York based NGO Committee on Social Development at the UN, ‘Support the Social Protection Floor Initiative.’ Please add your signature here.
- Pray for the success of this campaign and that government leaders recognize their responsibility for all of their citizens and agree to a Social Protection Floor.
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G20 Meets in Early November
The G20 is scheduled to meet November 3-4, in Cannes, France. According to David Shorr of The Stanley Foundation, “the G20 is a group of the world’s largest economies, convened because of their impact on the overall economic picture. Since 2008, when the first meeting was held, the leaders have been working toward long-term systemic issues.” While no set agenda exists yet, Oxfam believes that “world leaders will address not only the financial meltdown but issues such as climate change, volatile food prices and growing inequality.”
Action: Spiraling food prices have driven millions into poverty and the situation threatens to get worse. Oxfam invites individuals from around the world calling on G20 leaders to act now on this issue.
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Update on U.S. FY 2012 Budget and Super Committee
Both the Senate and House have passed legislation to extend FY 2012 spending until November 18. It is the hope of Congress to avoid another short-term appropriations bill by coming to an agreement on an omnibus bill for FY 2012 for discretionary programs. Both House and Senate leaders have agreed to accept the total $1.043 trillion overall cap on funding passed in the Budget Control Act on August 2. However, the details are likely to cause differences that will need to be resolved. Programs to be watchful for in their funding include:
- Implementation of the Affordable Care Act
- Defense Spending
- Housing and Urban Development
- Emergency Food and Nutrition Programs for Women, Infants and Children
Simultaneously, the Super Committee is working on a deficit reduction package of $1.2 trillion in cuts by November 23. Super Citizens are needed to be watchful as these processes continue to unfold.
Action: American voters are encouraged to contact the super committee urging them to NOT cut social safety net programs (including Medicaid, SNAP and unemployment insurance), increase revenue to decrease the deficit and cut unnecessary military spending. The Super Committee list is located here.
Weekly Justice Highlights
Care of Earth: Individuals from the international community are invited to sign a petition to the Guatemalan Government urging them to protect the health, safety, livelihoods, and rights of local communities by suspending mining operations at the Marlin Mine. Action can be taken here.
In solidarity with Women and Children: An NGO Committee for Social Development at the United Nations is mounting a signature campaign in four languages in support of the Social Protection Floor Initiative. The signatures from the international community will be used as an advocacy tool at national level and at the UN during the Commission on Social Development in 2012, the Commission on the Status of Women 2012 and the International Labor Organization event in June 2012. To read the petition and sign it, click here.
In the spirit of St. Vincent, U.S. citizens are asked to urge Senators to maintain the levels of life-saving poverty-focused international assistance for FY 2012 as passed by the Senate Appropriations Committee and to oppose any amendments that would cut poverty-focused international assistance.
Tell Alabama Governor Bentley how the immigration law he recently signed criminalizes the compassion mandated by religious beliefs.
Despite the U.S. Supreme Court granting Mr. Skinner the right to sue for access to DNA testing, the state of Texas has continued to pursue his execution, with the sentencing judge signing a new death warrant for November 9, 2011. In the name of justice, please allow the evidence to be tested before it is too late. Take action here
Twelve members of the House and Senate are now deciding how to handle our federal budget deficit (known as the Super Committee). They need to hear from American voters by November 14, that we want
• No more cuts to social safety net programs, including Medicaid, SNAP and unemployment insurance
• Increased revenue to close the wealth gap and decrease the deficit
• Cuts in unnecessary military spending
For a list of those on the Super Committee, click here. (Be patient until it shows itself)
Urge U.S. Senators to oppose the Coal Residuals Reuse and Management Act of 2011 and any effort to delay federal coal ash regulations. This is about protecting our waters.
Urge Senators to pass HR 2867; reauthorizing the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom before November 18.
U.S. citizens are invited to challenge Mike Duke, CEO, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. to pay its fair share of health care for all its employees.
Louisville: Journey of the Universe will be screened on November 6 at the IMAX Theatre (727 West Main Street) at 5 p.m.; November 7 at 10:30 a.m. at Louisville Collegiate School (2427 Glenmary Avenue) and at Bellarmine University (2001 Newburg Rd) at 4 p.m. with discussion to follow. Contact Kathleen Lyons at Kathleen@interfaithrelations.org for more information.
The National Farm Worker Ministry has a well-done 2-minute video on farm workers.
In solidarity with Women and Children: An NGO Committee for Social Development at the United Nations is mounting a signature campaign in four languages in support of the Social Protection Floor Initiative. The signatures from the international community will be used as an advocacy tool at national level and at the UN during the Commission on Social Development in 2012, the Commission on the Status of Women 2012 and the International Labor Organization event in June 2012. To read the petition and sign it, click here.
In the spirit of St. Vincent, U.S. citizens are asked to urge Senators to maintain the levels of life-saving poverty-focused international assistance for FY 2012 as passed by the Senate Appropriations Committee and to oppose any amendments that would cut poverty-focused international assistance.
Tell Alabama Governor Bentley how the immigration law he recently signed criminalizes the compassion mandated by religious beliefs.
Despite the U.S. Supreme Court granting Mr. Skinner the right to sue for access to DNA testing, the state of Texas has continued to pursue his execution, with the sentencing judge signing a new death warrant for November 9, 2011. In the name of justice, please allow the evidence to be tested before it is too late. Take action here
Call and urge U.S. Senators and Representatives (Congress 202.224.3121; not toll free) to support at least $60 million for HUD Housing counseling in the final budget discussions.
Twelve members of the House and Senate are now deciding how to handle our federal budget deficit (known as the Super Committee). They need to hear from American voters by November 14, that we want
• No more cuts to social safety net programs, including Medicaid, SNAP and unemployment insurance
• Increased revenue to close the wealth gap and decrease the deficit
• Cuts in unnecessary military spending
For a list of those on the Super Committee, click here. (Be patient until it shows itself)
Urge U.S. Senators to oppose the Coal Residuals Reuse and Management Act of 2011 and any effort to delay federal coal ash regulations. This is about protecting our waters.
Urge Senators to pass HR 2867; reauthorizing the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom before November 18.
U.S. citizens are invited to challenge Mike Duke, CEO, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. to pay its fair share of health care for all its employees.
Louisville: Journey of the Universe will be screened on November 6 at the IMAX Theatre (727 West Main Street) at 5 p.m.; November 7 at 10:30 a.m. at Louisville Collegiate School (2427 Glenmary Avenue) and at Bellarmine University (2001 Newburg Rd) at 4 p.m. with discussion to follow. Contact Kathleen Lyons at Kathleen@interfaithrelations.org for more information.
The National Farm Worker Ministry has a well-done 2-minute video on farm workers.
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