Weekly Justice Highlights

Water: The New York (NY) State Dept. of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has released a plan that would permit hydraulic fracturing as a way of drilling for natural gas tapped in rock underlying over a thousand acres of NY state. This act would result in thousands of wells and pipelines that would seriously damage the lands and forests above ground as well as poison the ground water used by NY city. The public is invited to contact Governor Paterson, the DEC, and legislators opposing the leasing of state forests for hydro-fracking (Act by October 31)

Care of Earth: U.S. citizens are urged to tell the Environmental Protection Agency and President Obama to save lives by setting a stronger smog standard (Act this week)

Holding Corporations Accountable: Barrick and PJV, the largest gold mining operations in Papua New Guinea have sat by silently while local police have terrorized residents to remove them from valuable land. Demand accountability for forced convictions (Act this week)

Other Potential Actions:
Urge Congress to pass an extension of unemployment benefits (expire November 30) until the jobless rate begins to subside at (Act this week)

Some U.S. insurance companies are trying to evade the requirements of the new law by refusing to sell ANY “child only” plans because they only want to cover the healthiest children thereby placing profits ahead of children. Support the Obama Administration in sending e-cards urging these insurers to play fair and put an end to discrimination against children with pre-existing conditions (Act this week)

Kaiser has put together a website providing analysis (myths and facts) on the recent health care legislation

Residents of Kentucky who desire clean energy jobs, affordable renewable energy and healthy communities can pledge to support candidates and elected officials working for this

Free downloadable resources for educators who teach grades 4-9 are available. These include background information, games, exercises and suggestions for activities to Make Hunger History.

Louisville: The annual trip to the School of Americas is being organized by KITLAC. The bus(es) will leave Louisville at 5 a.m. on November 20 from the Crowne Plaza Hotel (830 Phillips Lane) in Louisville and return late Sunday evening (hopefully by 11p.m. or midnight). Cost for bus is $75.00. Hotel accommodations can also be made at an additional cost by KITLAC. For more information and registration, contact Mary Ann Lambert at 502.425.3844 or malambert22@bellsouth.net Deadline for registration is October 29, 2010

Louisville: The 4th Annual Anne Braden Memorial Lecture featuring a presentation by Bernice Johnson Reagon will speak on The Civil Rights Movement and Students: Creating a Vital, Transformative Change in the Struggle for American Freedom on November 5 at 6 p.m. at Comstock Hall (U of L School of Music)

Weekly Justice Highlights

Protecting Water: Recently, the Environmental Protection Agency office from Region 3 announced its recommendation to veto the permit for the controversial Spruce No. 1 Mine in Logan County, WV. While the decision is not yet final, individuals are urged to call U.S. Senators 1.202.224.3121) asking them to co-sponsor the Appalachia Restoration Act (S. 696) to end valley fills and protect our water.

Nuclear Weapons: In keeping with the corporate statement on nuclear weapons, individuals are invited to write President Obama asking him to take a bold step forward by working with Russian President Medvedev to de-alert U.S. and Russia nuclear arsenals and declare a policy of No First Use.

U.S. citizens are invited to tell the World Bank, IMF and the Asian Development Bank that Pakistan needs debt cancellation now as Pakistanis continue to suffer from the flooding that occurred in their country.

Federal unemployment insurance program will expire on November 30 for nearly 8 million works and their families. Economists rank unemployment benefits among the most effective ways to boost the economy, and the U.S. Census Bureau data reports that 3.3 million more people would have fallen below the poverty line in 2009 without unemployment benefits. Individuals are asked to urge Congress to reauthorize and continue the federal jobless benefit programs when they return November 15 at

On January 9, 2011 South Sudan will vote on independence and there is much concern about a return to war and violence as elections approaches. Save Darfur asks the U.S. Administration for specific responses that individuals may reinforce in a letter to President Obama (click on Ticking Time Bomb)

Individuals are invited to call the Capitol and urge U.S. Representatives to sign on to Representative Quigley’s letter calling on the Environmental Protection Agency to adopt enforceable federal safeguards to protect communities from coal ash. Americans across the country are faced with increased risk of cancer, learning disabilities, birth defects and other illnesses as a result of exposure to heavy metals such as arsenic, lead and mercury that seeps into water.

Recently, a coalition of groups published Charting New Waters: A Call to Action to Address U.S. Freshwater Challenges. The report is a culmination of an intensive collaboration effort that began in 2008. The report is located at

Louisville: The annual trip to the School of Americas is being organized by KITLAC. The bus(es) will leave Louisville at 5 a.m. on November 20 from the Crowne Plaza Hotel (830 Phillips Lane) in Louisville and return late Sunday evening (hopefully by 11p.m. or midnight). Cost for bus is $75.00. Hotel accommodations can also be made at an additional cost by KITLAC. For more information and registration, contact Mary Ann Lambert at 502.425.3844 or malambert22@bellsouth.net Deadline for registration is October 29, 2010

Louisville: The 4th Annual Anne Braden Memorial Lecture featuring a presentation by Bernice Johnson Reagon will speak on The Civil Rights Movement and Students: Creating a Vital, Transformative Change in the Struggle for American Freedom on November 5 at 6 p.m. at Comstock Hall (U of L School of Music)

Weekly Justice Highlights

Empowering Women: Urge governments to implement UN Security Council Resolution 1324 that ensures women’s participation in peace-building and issues a strong call to end sexual violence in conflict located here (International action available; Act before Oct. 21)

World Food Day October 16: Individuals are invited to send a postcard to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton urging her leadership on global food security at (Act as soon as possible)

Care of Earth: Urge Jairam Ramesh not to bow to corporate pressure and to stand by the report of his own Regional Ofice in the case of the Dhamra port in Orissa (International action available)

Other Potential Actions:
Urge USAID to buy local in Sudan to support women farmers – not giant agribusinesses

Urge President Obama to endorse the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples – that would give communities what they need to make decisions about how their resources are used at

Recent American Poverty Statistics state that 1 in 7 Americans live in poverty and 1 in 5 children do. Simultaneously, some legislators in Congress desire to cut taxes for the wealthiest Americans. Urge legislators to cut taxes for working families not millionaires

Urge automakers to reduce their vehicles’ smog-forming and global warming emissions at

A prayer service for the International Day for Eradication of Poverty (October 17)

U.S. Election resources can be found at www.networklobby.org Resources include: Guide to state/local races, information about current Congressional members, a short video “Health Reform Explained”

Louisville: The annual trip to the School of Americas is being organized by KITLAC. The bus(es) will leave Louisville at 5 a.m. on November 20 from the Crowne Plaza Hotel (830 Phillips Lane) in Louisville and return late Sunday evening (hopefully by 11p.m. or midnight). Cost for bus is $75.00. Hotel accommodations can also be made at an additional cost by KITLAC. For more information and registration, contact Mary Ann Lambert at 502.425.3844 or malambert22@bellsouth.net Deadline for registration is October 29, 2010

Louisville: The 4th Annual Anne Braden Memorial Lecture featuring a presentation by Bernice Johnson Reagon will speak on The Civil Rights Movement and Students: Creating a Vital, Transformative Change in the Struggle for American Freedom on November 5 at 6 p.m. at Comstock Hall (U of L School of Music)

Accomplishments on Legislation

July 2010 to September 2010

Water as a human right: In late July, the United Nations voted to support a nonbinding resolution declaring access to clean water and sanitation as a human right. No country voted against the measure. However, Canada, the U.S. and Australia were among the 41 countries to abstain from the vote.

Haiti: Congress passed the Haiti Economic Lift Program (HELP, S. 3275 and H.R. 5160) and the Debt Relief for Earthquake Recovery Act for Haiti (H.R. 4573 and S. 2961) and both pieces of legislation were signed by the President. These victories will help Haiti to recover and rebuild.

Sudan: President Obama committed to redoubling his Administration’s efforts for peace and stability in Sudan. On September 28, the U.S. House passed resolution 1588 signaling the U.S. strong commitment to prevent increased violence and promote peace and stability in Sudan. The resolution calls on President Obama to strengthen engagement and on the international community to coordinate their efforts closely. It also urges the responsible actors in Sudan to comply with the provisions of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, to resolve outstanding issues and avoid escalating tensions.

Violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC): Provisions were included in the financial reform bill requiring U.S. companies to take steps, including regular audits, to ensure that minerals used in their products are not financing militia violence in the eastern Congo. The bill allows companies to label goods as conflict mineral-free and directs the U.S. government to develop a strategy that addresses the links among human rights abuses and illegal extraction of minerals from the Congo. s

Death Penalty: Ohio Governor Ted Strickland announced in early September that he has commuted the death sentence of Kevin Keith. With over 7000 letters in two weeks, Governor Strickland recognized that questions remain regarding whether Kevin Keith is, in fact, guilty.

Accountability and Extractive Industries: The financial reform legislation that was passed includes a provision requiring large U.S. companies that extract minerals, oil and gas to publish what they pay to the governments of the countries in which they work. This will make it easier for civil society in those countries to hold their governments accountable for how these revenues are used.

Unemployment Assistance: Unemployment insurance benefits for laid-off workers was extended through November 2010.

Indigenous Women Protected: In late July, the Tribal Law and Order Act was passed as an amendment to H.R. 725. This amendment works against violent crime (such as rape with impunity) to Native American and Alaska Native women. This bill will allow every Native American and Alaska Native woman to get a police response, have access to a rape kit, opportunity to see her case prosecuted and see justice served for crimes committed against her.

Weekly Justice Highlights

In solidarity with those marginalized: On September 29, Senators Robert Menendez and Patrick Leahy introduced the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2010 (S. 3932). It includes key elements that both Republicans and Democrats have supported in the past: Border enforcement, interior enforcement, worksite enforcement, reforming America’s legal immigration system, legalization of undocumented individuals, immigration integration and other reforms. Included in this bill are the DREAM Act, AgJobs and Uniting American Families Act. U.S. citizens are encouraged to contact U.S. Senators for support of this bill by phone or by clicking here (Act this week)

In the Spirit of St. Vincent: A prayer service for the International Day for Eradication of Poverty is located here

Care of Earth: Congratulate President Obama for recently announcing the White House is going solar here (Act this week)

Other Potential Actions:
Pope Benedict XVI has called for a Special Assembly for the Middle East of the Synod of Bishops from October 10 to 24 in Rome. Please pray for the success of this synod as bishops from the seven Catholic Churches in the Middle East and bishops from other parts of the world as they meet together and for our sisters and brothers in the Middle East. A webpage from the USCCB Office of International Justice and Peace is available.

Catholic Relief Services continues to invite U.S. citizens to urge President Obama to do everything he can for a peaceful and stable Sudan by clicking here (Act this week)

KY Congressional District #2: As individuals continue discernment in preparation for the voting season, this link , asks a series of questions about a dozen issues and shows which US Senate and US Congressperson agrees with your views.

Louisville: As a follow-up to the last CLOUT Assembly, Attorney General Jack Conway has agreed to a hearing on the issue of payday loans at St. Michael Catholic Church (12709 Taylorsville Road- near Taylorsville Rd and I-265) on Wednesday, October 13 from 2 to 4 p.m. If individuals know of victims who wish to share their story on pay day loan lending, please contact Robert Owens at 502.583.1267 or 502.797.6870(cell). It is also highly important that individuals who are able to attend this hearing do so in support of the issue.

Louisville: The Douglas Loop Peace Vigil has changed its regular vigil held at Bardstown Road and Douglas on the first Sunday of the month. Beginning in October, it will be on the second Sundays (i.e. October 10), from 5 to 6 p.m. Please continue bringing signs and banners focused on peacemaking and ending war and occupation everywhere.

October 2010 Action Alert

October 2010
Analyzing Systems for Change in Human Action

All of us live in a world full of systems. Gertrude Foley, SC reminds us: “A ‘system’ is an entity that maintains its existence and functions as a whole through the interaction of its parts. Daily, individuals experience the work system, family system, economic system, spiritual system, and perhaps others. When individuals network with others, they encounter another set of systems. When individuals purchase goods or pay bills, there are more systems. To keep a system functioning, the sum total of its parts must continue to operate as a whole, take one part away and the system changes in function.

In analyzing and reflecting upon the many systems around us no matter what country we reside in, it is evident that human trafficking is more likely to be perpetrated in some systems and less so in others. For example, in the last Action Alert, individuals were asked to train their ears and eyes for those working within agriculture and the migrant population to be alert to signs of human trafficking. Thus, the system encompassing agricultural laborers can include those trafficked in the form of bonded laborers, herders at remote cattle outposts, and illegal immigrants among others.

Among the most common occupations around the world that play a role in human trafficking are:

Brick kiln industry
Embroidered textile/clothing industry
Construction industry
Pornography industry
Domestic servants
Tourism industry
Escort agencies
Massage parlors
Trucking industry
Beggars
Prostitution systems
“Night Life” systems

The SCN corporate stand on human trafficking states, “We commit ourselves to work for systemic change by advocating for policies and programs that address the prevention of trafficking and give voice to those whose poverty makes them vulnerable to traffickers.” Additionally, the Blue Heart Campaign seeks to encourage involvement in the issue of human trafficking and inspire action to help stop this crime. Thus, what are some actions individuals can take to work at changing the system thereby preventing human trafficking?

Address the underlying causes of poverty
Improve access to education and employment for both genders
Promote education that emphasizes the dehumanizing effects of trafficking
Provide reflections on the dignity of the human person, women and womanhood
Demand that governments implement International Conventions to protect those trafficked
Urge governments to review, improve and implement comprehensive legislation at national level

Reflection/ Action: Reflect upon the systems I am surrounded by on a daily basis and before leaving home. What systems in my personal and public environment promote human trafficking? How might I change my actions to labor for prevention of human trafficking? For example, I may go to the market or store. While communicating with the individual at the market/store, what type of conversation would assure me that this product has not used any type of “forced labor?”

Individuals are invited to remain alert and pray for those who are trafficked as a result of the Commonwealth Games from the 3 to 14 of October in Delhi and the World Equestrian Games continuing through 10 of October in Lexington, Kentucky. On October 23, thousands of people will gather on the National Mall (United States) for the DC Stop Modern Slavery Walk, a united effort to celebrate human rights, raise awareness about human trafficking, and raise funds for organizations working to end human trafficking.
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International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

October 17 marks the 18thyear of promoting awareness of the need to eradicate poverty from all countries. It is highly important that the voice of the poor be heard recognizing not only that governments and social organizations have responsibility to eliminate poverty but individuals are also called to eradicate poverty.

The theme for this year is, “From Poverty to Decent Work: Bridging the Gap.” Activities to raise awareness of those individuals living in poverty will include dramas, stage shows, rallies, and programs. What action can I take that contributes to promoting awareness of the need to eradicate poverty?

To glimpse what individuals worldwide are doing to eradicate poverty, the Charity Federation invites individuals to visit the following websites and participate in some action.

http://www.endpoverty2015.org/ This is the Millennium Campaign site with up-to-date information on the status of the MDGs and suggestions for action
http://www.whiteband.org/ This is the official Global Call to Action Against Poverty (GCAP) site. GCAP is one of the world’s largest civil society movements calling for an end to poverty.
www.un.org/millenniumgoals This is the official United Nations website on the MDGs
http://www.catholicsandclimatechange.org/ The impact of climate change falls heaviest on the most vulnerable. This site challenges us to action on behalf of those living in poverty.

For those wishing to engage youth, visit:

http://cyberschoolbus.un.org/mdgs/index.asp The United Nations’ Cyber School Bus has created a new interactive MDGs website for youth including the goals, videos, activities, and an action guide for youth.
www.tigweb.org/themes/mdg Taking it Global, a collaborative learning community, recognizes the importance of enlisting youth in the campaign to achieve the MDGs. This site is full of games, campaign materials, blogs, and lots of resources.
www.unicef.org/voy/explore/mdg/explore_mdg.php This site features audio and video messages from young people around the world, sample MDG project plans and real life stories about Voices of Youth members who are contributing to fight against poverty. Downloadable advocacy materials and lively discussions are also included at this website.

Action: Reflect upon what actions I can take that promotes awareness of the need to eradicate poverty. In deciding to take these actions, whom have I listened to? How is the spirit of St. Vincent exhibited in my actions?
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United States 2010 Elections

The media in the United States is currently dominated with election ads and the analyzing of candidates. Yet, as Catholics we are called to responsible citizenship with participation in the political life as a moral obligation. The document, Faithful Citizenship, calls us to examine candidates for office through the lens of our moral convictions rather than through a political party or special interest lens. This document, written by the U.S. Catholic Bishops, states, “As Catholics we are not single-issue voters. A candidate’s position on a single issue is not sufficient to guarantee a voter’s support.” Rather, the morals in Catholic Social Teaching challenge us to make a priority for the common good.

Action: Citizens of the United States are urged to re-read the document Faithful Citizenship and prayerfully consider candidates for office through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching with a priority for the common good. A smaller 2-page summary is located here.


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Solidarity with Southern Sudan

Solidarity with Southern Sudan is an initiative of UISG/USG sponsored collaborative venture of women and men religious congregations who have united their charisms, finances, and personnel in response to an invitation from the Catholic Bishops of Southern Sudan to help rebuild church and society after more than five decades of civil war. There is information on this project in the SCN media center and this website. On September 21, the International Day of Peace, 101 days of prayer for a peaceful referendum began. Voting on a referendum will take place on January 9, 2011. According to their website, “The campaign, “101 Days for Peace in Sudan” seeks to create a sacred space for prayer and religious, educational and cultural activities carried out throughout the 9 dioceses of Sudan. The theme for the campaign is: “Change your Heart, Change the World”.” Individuals and groups are invited to join in prayer with the people of Southern Sudan to pray for a peaceful referendum. Reflective materials for each day/week are located here. Those sponsoring this prayer initiative also have a daily prayer for peace in Sudan. Additionally, individuals can help advocate on behalf of Southern Sudan when opportunities present themselves.

Weekly Justice Highlights

Holding Governments accountable for actions to those most vulnerable: Individuals are invited to sign a petition to the wealthiest governments who are negotiating intellectual property rights. This means that the millions who rely on generic medicines to treat diseases may lose access to the drugs or be unable to afford the name-brand medications.

Care of Earth/Marginalized Peoples: Join the effort to defend the Xingu River and Help Stop the Belo Monte Dam that is going ahead without prior informed consent of the Indigenous people of the area by clicking here

Promoting Peace: Let President Obama know that Israeli-Palestinian peace must be based on human rights, international law, and UN resolutions by clicking here

Other Potential Actions:
The funding for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) expires today. Urge Senators to continue the funding in the continuing resolution they are looking to pass before the recess for elections by visiting here.

Individuals are encouraged to contact their U.S. Representative urging her/him to vote in favor of the Senate Child Nutrition Bill (S. 3307). Call toll free 1.877.425.4810 or email her/him

Urge U.S. legislators to exercise oversight responsibilities to assure aid is sent to Haiti as promised.

Urge Senators to support the Creating American Jobs and Ending Offshoring Act (S. 3816). With unemployment near 10 percent and outsourcing continuing, it’s time to limit debate, cut off a filibuster and vote.

Genetically Engineered salmon is in route to be approved; it is imperative that individuals urge Representatives to send letters to the Food and Drug Administration asking them to stop the approval process.

Encourage President Obama to strengthen engagement on Sudan by phone or by email.

Binka Le Breton will speak on “Human Trafficking and Modern Day Slavery in the Brazilian Amazon” on Oct. 1 at 6 p.m. at the First Unitarian Church of Louisville Sanctuary (809 S. Fourth Street). Parking is available on the street and guests are invited to enter through the front door. For more information, contact Teena Hal at 267-6883 or teenahal@aol.com

Louisville, KY: On Oct. 2 at Memorial Park (4th and Kentucky Streets), a rally for worker and immigrant rights will be held beginning at noon. Contact Ben Ruiz at 502-589-3229 for more detailed information.

Louisville, KY: A David Rovics Concert, benefit concert for activist Anne Feeney and the Gaza Freedom Flotilla, will be held on Oct. 7 at Rudyard Kipling (422 W. Oak Street) from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Cost is based on a sliding scale $5 to $25. For more information about Anne or to make a donation, visit http://fellow-travelers-advisory.blogspot.com/ Contact Nancy Jakubiak at 939.3698 with questions.