Confronting Injustices: If you have not already signed the petition addressing 17-year-old Trayvon Martin, who was shot and killed in Florida, you may do so here.
Death Penalty: Many religious leaders worldwide are calling for clemency and justice for Reggie Clemons on Missouri’s death row. All clergy and religious leaders are invited to sign a letter to the Missouri governor to save this man’s life.
Budget for the Common Good: Within the last week the House released The Path to Prosperity budget proposal. Urge U.S. Senators and Representatives (1.202.224.3121, charges apply) to support the “Faithful Budget” proposal that was created by interfaith organizations who believe that government is a vital forum for promoting the common good and ensuring that no one is left behind. Additionally, urge Representatives to oppose H. Con. Res 112, the Path to Prosperity budget that does not protect low-income people nor invest in jobs the way that the Faithful Budget does.
It’s time for America to join 40 other countries in labeling of GMO food. Urge the Federal Department of Agriculture to label genetically modified organisms (GMO) as part of the labeling that goes on foods.
Urge the chair of CA’s Assembly Labor Committee to support AB2346 that would set meaning penalties for individuals responsible for farm worker heat-related deaths.
Urge Verizon CEO, Lowell McAdam to commit to a fair contract that respects the rights and the dignity of his employees.
Urge Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson to finalize strong standards to curb industrial carbon pollution on the nation’s largest polluter of carbon dioxide emissions, power plants.
Earth Hour 2012: On March 31, people around the world will turn off their lights from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. (your local time) to celebrate Earth Hour 2012. Earth Hour is intended to challenge participants to go “beyond the hour” and commit to further ongoing action to address climate change.
Louisville, KY: Join the iMatter youth March Rally and Concert on March 31 from noon to 6 p.m. from the Martin Luther King Jr. Park to Waterfront Park. More information is located here.
Louisville: On March 31 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Flaget Center (1935 Lewiston Drive) is hosting an electronics recycling day to support Catholic Charities. Acceptable Items: Cables, CD-ROM drives, cellular phones, circuit boards, computer speakers, CPUs, CRT monitors, docking stations, DVD players, fax machines, hard drives, keyboards, laptops, LCD monitors, mainframes, mice, microwaves, modems, PDAs, personal copiers, printers, processor chips, scanners, servers, speakers, tape and disc drives, telephones, televisions, terminals, UPS battery back-ups, VCR players and more! Unacceptable items: Batteries, light bulbs, ballasts and appliances. (*All items listed will be accepted for free with the exception of TVs, monitors, and microwaves -- a $5 fee will be charged to recycle each TV, monitor, and microwave
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Weekly Justice Highlights
Empowering Women: The Violence Against Women Act (S. 1925) is due for reauthorization. VAWA provides law enforcement, prosecutors and judges the necessary resources to hold offenders accountable. It also reinforces the safety in communities, supports victims in vital areas and provides critical funding for prevention and education. Urge Senators to co-sponsor and support the bill.
Nuclear Weapons: As Congress begins work on the federal budget for FY 2013, U.S. citizens are invited to call U.S. Representatives (1.202.224.3121, not free call), tell them you are their constituent and urge them to cosponsor H.R. 3974, the SANE Act, to cut wasteful nuclear weapons spending.
Care of Earth: Urge U.S. Senators to co-sponsor S. 741, the Renewable Energy Standard that provides incentives to American companies to develop technology for a clean renewable energy future.
Care of Earth: KY residents are invited to urge KY Governor Steve Beshear and House Speaker Greg Stumbo to protect KY environment and residents from dirty coal mining.
As Sudanese civilians suffer from starvation and indiscriminate bombing attacks, al-Bashir continues on as Sudan's head of state, leaving war crimes in his wake and travelling the globe with impunity. Urge the United Nations to arrest al-Bashir and those Sudanese wanted by the International Criminal Court.
A Dutch ship transporting U.S. weapons and explosives had a destination until March 14, as Port Said, Egypt. Given the Egyptian government’s brutal repression of peaceful protesters in the last five months, tell Secretary of State Hillary Clinton that the U.S. should not be in the business of providing or funding the purchase of weapons that will be used to commit serious human rights violations.
Food labeling provides comprehensive standards to ensure all food is labeled consistently and easy for consumers to identify. Urge President Obama and U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk to appeal the World Trade Organization rule that dictates what individuals will know about the meat they buy.
Earth Hour 2012: On March 31, people around the world will turn off their lights from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. (your local time) to celebrate Earth Hour 2012. Earth Hour is intended to challenge participants to go “beyond the hour” and commit to further ongoing action to address climate change.
Louisville, KY: Join the iMatter youth March Rally and Concert on March 31 from noon to 6 p.m. from the Martin Luther King Jr. Park to Waterfront Park. More information is located here.
Louisville, KY: Want to help promote an alternative economy, consider timebanking. Louisville Timebank is designed to strengthen community, serve people and give others a means to serve and establish relationships that meet needs of community members.
Nuclear Weapons: As Congress begins work on the federal budget for FY 2013, U.S. citizens are invited to call U.S. Representatives (1.202.224.3121, not free call), tell them you are their constituent and urge them to cosponsor H.R. 3974, the SANE Act, to cut wasteful nuclear weapons spending.
Care of Earth: Urge U.S. Senators to co-sponsor S. 741, the Renewable Energy Standard that provides incentives to American companies to develop technology for a clean renewable energy future.
Care of Earth: KY residents are invited to urge KY Governor Steve Beshear and House Speaker Greg Stumbo to protect KY environment and residents from dirty coal mining.
As Sudanese civilians suffer from starvation and indiscriminate bombing attacks, al-Bashir continues on as Sudan's head of state, leaving war crimes in his wake and travelling the globe with impunity. Urge the United Nations to arrest al-Bashir and those Sudanese wanted by the International Criminal Court.
A Dutch ship transporting U.S. weapons and explosives had a destination until March 14, as Port Said, Egypt. Given the Egyptian government’s brutal repression of peaceful protesters in the last five months, tell Secretary of State Hillary Clinton that the U.S. should not be in the business of providing or funding the purchase of weapons that will be used to commit serious human rights violations.
Food labeling provides comprehensive standards to ensure all food is labeled consistently and easy for consumers to identify. Urge President Obama and U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk to appeal the World Trade Organization rule that dictates what individuals will know about the meat they buy.
Earth Hour 2012: On March 31, people around the world will turn off their lights from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. (your local time) to celebrate Earth Hour 2012. Earth Hour is intended to challenge participants to go “beyond the hour” and commit to further ongoing action to address climate change.
Louisville, KY: Join the iMatter youth March Rally and Concert on March 31 from noon to 6 p.m. from the Martin Luther King Jr. Park to Waterfront Park. More information is located here.
Louisville, KY: Want to help promote an alternative economy, consider timebanking. Louisville Timebank is designed to strengthen community, serve people and give others a means to serve and establish relationships that meet needs of community members.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Weekly Justice Highlights
Promoting Peace: Tell President Obama and the U.S. Congress it is time to end the war in Afghanistan.
The March issue of Stop Trafficking co-sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth is located here.
Death Penalty: KY House Concurrent Resolution 173 creates a KY Death Penalty Reform Implementation Task Force to develop a strategy to implement the reforms recommended by the American Bar Association’s KY Death Penalty Assessment Report. Contact your State Representative by calling 1.800.371.7181 and asking for a YES vote supporting HCR 173.
Affordable Housing: Urge U.S. Representatives to pressure members of the Financial Services committee to abandon the Affordable Housing and Self-Sufficiency Act of 2012 (no bill number yet) because it expands and makes permanent the “Moving to Work” (MTW) demonstration project. It also exempts owners from abiding by several key tenets of affordable housing law and would be damaging to residents of apartments.
Urge members of Congress to sign letters being circulated with regard to funding the Second Chance Act for FY 2013 that supports grants to government agencies and nonprofit organizations to provide assistance in areas of employment, treatment, housing, mentoring and other services to help reduce recidivism.
Contact President Obama (1.202.456.1111; charges apply) urging him to commit to dialogue and to support local peace initiatives in Uganda and in other affected countries in Africa with regard to child soldiers.
A new resource entitled, “Just Peacemaking Initiative” is available for small groups from JustFaith and Pax Christi USA. More information is located here.
Earth Hour 2012: On March 31, people around the world will turn off their lights from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. (your local time) to celebrate Earth Hour 2012. Earth Hour is intended to challenge participants to go “beyond the hour” and commit to further ongoing action to address climate change.
April 22 marks Earth Day and Catholic Relief Services has put together resources for the education of young people on the responsibility to care for creation.
KY 2013-2014 House Budget has been passed and is located here. The Senate has not passed their version yet.
NETWORK (National Catholic Social Justice Lobby) is celebrating their 40th Anniversary with an Auction. To view and bid on items, click here.
Louisville: On March 31 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Flaget Center (1935 Lewiston Drive) is hosting an electronics recycling day to support Catholic Charities. Acceptable Items: Cables, CD-ROM drives, cellular phones, circuit boards, computer speakers, CPUs, CRT monitors, docking stations, DVD players, fax machines, hard drives, keyboards, laptops, LCD monitors, mainframes, mice, microwaves, modems, PDAs, personal copiers, printers, processor chips, scanners, servers, speakers, tape and disc drives, telephones, televisions, terminals, UPS battery back-ups, VCR players and more! Unacceptable items: Batteries, light bulbs, ballasts and appliances. (*All items listed will be accepted for free with the exception of TVs, monitors, and microwaves -- a $5 fee will be charged to recycle each TV, monitor, and microwave
The March issue of Stop Trafficking co-sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth is located here.
Death Penalty: KY House Concurrent Resolution 173 creates a KY Death Penalty Reform Implementation Task Force to develop a strategy to implement the reforms recommended by the American Bar Association’s KY Death Penalty Assessment Report. Contact your State Representative by calling 1.800.371.7181 and asking for a YES vote supporting HCR 173.
Affordable Housing: Urge U.S. Representatives to pressure members of the Financial Services committee to abandon the Affordable Housing and Self-Sufficiency Act of 2012 (no bill number yet) because it expands and makes permanent the “Moving to Work” (MTW) demonstration project. It also exempts owners from abiding by several key tenets of affordable housing law and would be damaging to residents of apartments.
Urge members of Congress to sign letters being circulated with regard to funding the Second Chance Act for FY 2013 that supports grants to government agencies and nonprofit organizations to provide assistance in areas of employment, treatment, housing, mentoring and other services to help reduce recidivism.
Contact President Obama (1.202.456.1111; charges apply) urging him to commit to dialogue and to support local peace initiatives in Uganda and in other affected countries in Africa with regard to child soldiers.
A new resource entitled, “Just Peacemaking Initiative” is available for small groups from JustFaith and Pax Christi USA. More information is located here.
Earth Hour 2012: On March 31, people around the world will turn off their lights from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. (your local time) to celebrate Earth Hour 2012. Earth Hour is intended to challenge participants to go “beyond the hour” and commit to further ongoing action to address climate change.
April 22 marks Earth Day and Catholic Relief Services has put together resources for the education of young people on the responsibility to care for creation.
KY 2013-2014 House Budget has been passed and is located here. The Senate has not passed their version yet.
NETWORK (National Catholic Social Justice Lobby) is celebrating their 40th Anniversary with an Auction. To view and bid on items, click here.
Louisville: On March 31 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Flaget Center (1935 Lewiston Drive) is hosting an electronics recycling day to support Catholic Charities. Acceptable Items: Cables, CD-ROM drives, cellular phones, circuit boards, computer speakers, CPUs, CRT monitors, docking stations, DVD players, fax machines, hard drives, keyboards, laptops, LCD monitors, mainframes, mice, microwaves, modems, PDAs, personal copiers, printers, processor chips, scanners, servers, speakers, tape and disc drives, telephones, televisions, terminals, UPS battery back-ups, VCR players and more! Unacceptable items: Batteries, light bulbs, ballasts and appliances. (*All items listed will be accepted for free with the exception of TVs, monitors, and microwaves -- a $5 fee will be charged to recycle each TV, monitor, and microwave
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
March 2012
March 2012
Millennium Consumption Goals and Rio+20
The Millennium Consumption Goals (MCGs) is an idea that was proposed by Professor Munasinghe of Sri Lanka in January 2011 at the United Nations in New York. According to Professor Munasinghe, “MCGs could help make our development path more sustainable, by focusing on the 1.4 billion people in the richest 20 percentile of the world’s population. They consume over 80% of global output, or 60 times more than the poorest 20 percentile. Instead of viewing the rich as a problem, they should be persuaded to contribute to the solution.” The MCGs will complement the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) designed to help the world’s poor. The (MCGs) aim to provide consumption targets designed to motivate the world’s rich to consume more sustainably. They will make human consumption and production more sustainable in economic, environmental and social terms, thereby improving overall well-being, reducing the burden on natural resources, freeing up resources to alleviate poverty, and ensuring intra- and inter-generational equity.
The MCGs are still a work in progress. Suggested MCGs include the following:
- Greenhouse gas emissions reduction
- Energy use (conservation, fossil fuels, renewable energy, transport, buildings, etc.)
- Water use (conservation, quality, re-use, etc.)
- Land and biomass use
- Ores and industrial minerals
- Construction materials and minerals
- Pollution and waste (air and water effluents, solid waste, toxic waste and chemicals, etc.)
- Food and agriculture
- Health and obesity (Diet, smoking, exercise, etc.)
- Livelihoods and lifestyles (working hours, work conditions, etc.)
- Economic-financial systems (progressive taxation, banking reform, measures of well-being, etc.)
- Military expenditures
Reflection and Action: During Lent choose one or two of the suggested MCGs listed above and evaluate yourself. What are you doing to reduce your use of water? What can you do to conserve energy? What are your eating habits? Is your lifestyle a healthy one? Take the time to discuss the MCGs with someone else or with a small group. Encourage each other to make even greater changes to reduce the use of natural resources and enhance quality of life.
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International Women's Day 2012
Reflection and Action:
- A website of world-wide resources that includes resources for educators and activists is located here.
- Educate and empower women to change social systems: For example, Women Occupy plan to target Bank of America on March 8 as a symbol of women’s struggle for economic justice who are about half the population yet close to ¾ remain poor. Bank of America leads the banks in illegal foreclosure practices, faulty loans, tax evasion and exorbitant fees. More information is here.
- Research and share cultural stories of women from around the world: For example, what cultures exist in the many environments that make up my life? What have I learned from others? What else might I still wish to learn? UN Women has several articles related to women around the world located here OR here. Also the Commission on the Status of Women continues through March 9 with information and resources located here.
- In listening to Christian Scripture, we hear much about Jesus’ relationship with women and his “breaking of cultural barriers” in his time. Listen and reflect upon the role of women. Women participated in many tasks such as prophet, teacher, steward, widow and apostle among other titles. Among the many stories that relate to these women titles, pray with Romans 16:1-16; Luke 8:1-3; John 4:1-42; Luke 1: 41-56 and the Resurrection stories.
- Reflect upon the necessary skills for advocacy of the rightful place of women in society and church? Research and a listening heart? Courage? An understanding of the culture, context and relationship of issues? Creativity? Others? How does one integrate these into one’s life so as to be a successful advocate?
- Share stories of women empowerment with the Office of Global Ministries (jvenneman@scnazarethky.org) to be used on the Newsline and Facebook page.
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World Water Day
Adding pressure to the water system are:
- Extractive industries such as hydraulic fracking, oil made from tar sands, etc
- Weather patterns
- World populations
- Consumption by the world’s top 20%
- Consumption of more meat products
- In addition to the quantity of water is the quality of water. A Kashmiri proverb states, “It is easy to throw anything into the river, but difficult to take it out again.” Included in quality is that of pollution through many means, preservation of ecosystems for natural filtration, and the proper treatment of wastewater.
Clearly there is much work ahead for individuals, communities and nations to be food secure when water is part of the essence of that security. Many of the regions in our world that experience internal conflict are water and/or food related. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations has a webpage devoted to the relationship between water and food security.
Reflection, Education and Action:
- Visit World Water Day website for downloads related to water consumption and food production located here AND here (scroll down). Calculate the water necessary for a simple meal where you live. How might this compare with what I know of others who eat differently around the world? What reflections do I take from this exercise? What commitments can I make to further reduce water consumption?
- Numerous local, national and international links for worldwide water resources are located here.
- Watch a three minute video on the negative implications of water and food security in developing countries. For anyone who believes water and food security are human rights, what will the individual do?
- Recommended resources for teaching and learning about food security and water are available here.
- A 16 minute video entitled, When the Water Ends is located here.
- Watch for the 4th World Water Development Report. The report will “describe the major changes, uncertainties, and risks taking place in the world and their links to water resources. It will give account of the status and the trends related to water supplies, uses, management, institutions and financing; highlight regional hotspots, and address issues such as gender equality, water-related disasters, health and the role of ecosystems.”
________________________________________
U.S. Congress and 2012 Legislation
Bread for the World asks its members to expand the Circle of Protection in solidarity with those individuals most in need here in the U.S. and abroad during 2012. They say, "while we must work to reduce our deficit, our choices must not hurt those whom Jesus called the least among us." Included in this expansion are domestic nutrition programs and those programs that keep individuals from hunger abroad. With governments around the world working to reduce deficits, it is imperative that there be voices to protect programs for hungry and poor people. As U.S. citizen Tara Marks states to her legislator's aide, "it certainly appears as though the business community are surrounded by a circle of protection."
Reflection and Action:
- As Jesus is challenged throughout his journey to the Cross to live with less, what does it mean for individuals to surrender in living with less? Might the Millennium Consumption Goals listed above be a place to begin? How might individuals spiral deeper to greater action and less consumption?
- Individuals can take action to retain domestic nutrition assistance programs, poverty-focused foreign assistance, tax credits for low-income families and international food aid programs by contacting U.S. legislators. Useful guides are located here.
Weekly Justice Highlights
Promoting Peace: This Thursday’s test of a Minuteman III is the second test in less than a week; the Air Force also fired a Minuteman missile from Vandenberg on February 25. Urge President Obama to cancel Thursday’s test on the anniversary of Castle Bravo and to take nuclear weapons off high-alert status in order to lower the possibilities of accidental or unauthorized missile launches. (Act by March 1)
Immigrants: The results of two pilot programs have been released that show of the 11682 pending removal cases in Baltimore and Denver, 16% were administratively closed. As this policy expands nationwide, individuals are invited to urge President Obama and Secretary Napolitano to expand its commitment to immigrants and address concerns that uphold the dignity and well-being of immigrants across the U.S. Individuals can read more here.
Care of Earth: Send a message urging President Obama and EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson to finish the job and protect water and human health by stopping toxic coal ash leaks.
Care of Earth: Urge U.S. members of Congress to stop attacking mercury and carbon standards – to stop cutting off clean air. (Click on “Tell Congress Don’t Cut off our clean air”)
Call and urge U.S. Senators (1.202.224.3121, charges apply) to support an amendment that will stop construction of the Keystone XL tar sands pipeline that would transport the world’s dirtiest oil across drinking water sources.
Sign a petition that reads, "President Obama, we shouldn't expedite any part of Keystone XL. Don't expedite the approval of the southern portion or cut any corners to force this disastrous project through."
Sign a petition urging Rob Walton (one of the heirs to the Walmart fortune) to meet with OUR Walmart (Organization United for Respect at Walmart – made of Walmart Associates) and implement their Declaration for respect.
Urge Canadian Prime Minister Harper to stop the wolf killing in the area of tar sands mining.
The Photopic Sky Survey is a Web site with a 360-degree, interactive composite photograph of the entire night sky as seen from Earth.
A video by the Aberdeen Sisters of the Presentation on the Stations of the Cross is located here.
Louisville: The Center for Interfaith Relations presents Kelty Concert Organist, David Briggs (internationally renowned artist and Organist Emeritus) on March 9th at 7:30 p.m. in the Cathedral of the Assumption (433 South 5th Street)
Immigrants: The results of two pilot programs have been released that show of the 11682 pending removal cases in Baltimore and Denver, 16% were administratively closed. As this policy expands nationwide, individuals are invited to urge President Obama and Secretary Napolitano to expand its commitment to immigrants and address concerns that uphold the dignity and well-being of immigrants across the U.S. Individuals can read more here.
Care of Earth: Send a message urging President Obama and EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson to finish the job and protect water and human health by stopping toxic coal ash leaks.
Care of Earth: Urge U.S. members of Congress to stop attacking mercury and carbon standards – to stop cutting off clean air. (Click on “Tell Congress Don’t Cut off our clean air”)
Call and urge U.S. Senators (1.202.224.3121, charges apply) to support an amendment that will stop construction of the Keystone XL tar sands pipeline that would transport the world’s dirtiest oil across drinking water sources.
Sign a petition that reads, "President Obama, we shouldn't expedite any part of Keystone XL. Don't expedite the approval of the southern portion or cut any corners to force this disastrous project through."
Sign a petition urging Rob Walton (one of the heirs to the Walmart fortune) to meet with OUR Walmart (Organization United for Respect at Walmart – made of Walmart Associates) and implement their Declaration for respect.
Urge Canadian Prime Minister Harper to stop the wolf killing in the area of tar sands mining.
The Photopic Sky Survey is a Web site with a 360-degree, interactive composite photograph of the entire night sky as seen from Earth.
A video by the Aberdeen Sisters of the Presentation on the Stations of the Cross is located here.
Louisville: The Center for Interfaith Relations presents Kelty Concert Organist, David Briggs (internationally renowned artist and Organist Emeritus) on March 9th at 7:30 p.m. in the Cathedral of the Assumption (433 South 5th Street)
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Weekly Justice Highlights
Challenging Unjust Governments: Syria’s crackdown on democracy protesters continues to produce stories of horror. Avaaz has been invited to sit at the table with key powers in the region to deliver a strong mandate for action to stop the bloodbath. Join in solidarity by signing the petition (Act as soon as possible)
Genetically Modified Sweet Corn: Urge Wal-Mart CEO Mike Duke to live up to their commitment of consumer safety and reject Monsanto’s untested and genetically-modified sweet corn before it is planted this spring.
Standing with those most vulnerable: Urge U.S. Senators to cut the debt by cutting the Pentagon budget. War is not the answer and neither is cutting programs that the most vulnerable population depends on.
Opposing Nuclear Weapons: Urge President Obama to reduce the threat of nuclear weapon use by accident, miscalculation or intent. This message will also go to U.S. Senators and Representatives.
Care of Earth: The Australian Government is holding a public consultation on one million square kms of ocean. Send a submission to the consultation to save the thousands of delicate species. (Act as soon as possible)
Bank of America is three times larger than Lehman Brothers who were the first to fall in the 2008 financial crisis. Urge financial regulators to break up Bank of America known also for many unfriendly practices.
Ethiopia is forcibly relocating 70,000 people from Gambella to make land available for foreign investment in agriculture--aggravating current hunger while laying the groundwork for future famine in Ethiopia, as people are losing their livelihoods and being moved to areas where they cannot readily feed themselves. Sign a petition to President Barack Obama and USAID Administrator Dr. Rajiv Shah to stop the support of large-scale agricultural investment and for-profit access to Ethiopia's fertile.
Urge Congress to act this month in favor of renewing the wind Production Tax Credit that provides America with jobs and a clean renewable economy.
The Human Cost of Coal interactive maps located here.
The Franciscan Action Network has a webpage for Lent 2012.
Genetically Modified Sweet Corn: Urge Wal-Mart CEO Mike Duke to live up to their commitment of consumer safety and reject Monsanto’s untested and genetically-modified sweet corn before it is planted this spring.
Standing with those most vulnerable: Urge U.S. Senators to cut the debt by cutting the Pentagon budget. War is not the answer and neither is cutting programs that the most vulnerable population depends on.
Opposing Nuclear Weapons: Urge President Obama to reduce the threat of nuclear weapon use by accident, miscalculation or intent. This message will also go to U.S. Senators and Representatives.
Care of Earth: The Australian Government is holding a public consultation on one million square kms of ocean. Send a submission to the consultation to save the thousands of delicate species. (Act as soon as possible)
Bank of America is three times larger than Lehman Brothers who were the first to fall in the 2008 financial crisis. Urge financial regulators to break up Bank of America known also for many unfriendly practices.
Ethiopia is forcibly relocating 70,000 people from Gambella to make land available for foreign investment in agriculture--aggravating current hunger while laying the groundwork for future famine in Ethiopia, as people are losing their livelihoods and being moved to areas where they cannot readily feed themselves. Sign a petition to President Barack Obama and USAID Administrator Dr. Rajiv Shah to stop the support of large-scale agricultural investment and for-profit access to Ethiopia's fertile.
Urge Congress to act this month in favor of renewing the wind Production Tax Credit that provides America with jobs and a clean renewable economy.
The Human Cost of Coal interactive maps located here.
The Franciscan Action Network has a webpage for Lent 2012.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Weekly Justice Highlights
Promoting Peace: Urge President Obama, Mitt Romney, Rick Santorum and New Gringrich not to attack Iran by signing a petition that states, "The U.S. can't afford a war of choice in Iran -- especially not one based on the same kind of sketchy intelligence and irresponsible saber rattling that led to the disastrous invasion of Iraq. We should pursue diplomatic initiatives and take a military attack off the table."
The February issue of Stop Trafficking Newsletter co-sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth is available here.
Challenging Unjust Structures: Urge the Securities and Exchange Commission to put an end to the closed door deals that enable oil companies to remove parts of legislation that keep them from revealing what they pay to developing countries.
U.S. citizens are invited to urge legislators to extend the unemployment benefits and reduced payroll tax.
Urge U.S. Senators to bring to the floor and pass the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2011 (S. 1925) that would expand services and protections to women in Indian tribal nations, to abused men and through grants to campuses.
Urge U.S. Representatives to ELIMINATE the minimum rent for HUD-assisted housing and the Expansion of the Moving to Work aspects in the present Affordable Housing and Self-Sufficiency Improvement Act (H.R. 11) (This will keep many of the neediest low-income families from homelessness).
Urge Hershey’s to stop exploiting children to grow cocoa beans.
February is national Black History Month, and individuals are invited to join in Prayer for the African-American and African Family.
The book, Compassion: A Reflection on the Christian Life by Henri Nouwen with Donald McNeill and Douglas Morrison contains six sessions on the study of compassion and is suited for Lent. Each session includes a facilitators guide, a brief worship resource and sometimes a hand-out.
The Environmental Outreach Committee of the Archdiocese of Washington offers a Lenten care for creation calendar
“Renewing the Face of the Earth: Lenten Reflections on Air” incorporates scientific and theological knowledge about creation, God's presence therein, and our call to care for it. A five-session resource, this free resource is available here.
Louisville: On February 23, Brudus (story of Palestinian nonviolent resistance, preview here) will be shown at 7 p.m. at 1741 Frankfort Avenue (one block east of Mellwood Ave. at the new co-op building). For more info contact Sonja at: sonrevolution@aol.com
Louisville: Join Catholics for Fairness in a peaceful pilgrimage will take place this Sunday at 4:45 p.m. Gather at George Garvin Brown Park (415 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd between 4 and 5 Streets) for prayer and a candlelight walk to the Cathedral of the Assumption (1/2 block walk) in support of a Statewide Anti-Discrimination Fairness Law. The group will stand silently in front of the Cathedral holding Catholics for Fairness signs and then collect the signs before the 5:30 liturgy celebrating with those at the Cathedral.
The February issue of Stop Trafficking Newsletter co-sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth is available here.
Challenging Unjust Structures: Urge the Securities and Exchange Commission to put an end to the closed door deals that enable oil companies to remove parts of legislation that keep them from revealing what they pay to developing countries.
U.S. citizens are invited to urge legislators to extend the unemployment benefits and reduced payroll tax.
Urge U.S. Senators to bring to the floor and pass the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2011 (S. 1925) that would expand services and protections to women in Indian tribal nations, to abused men and through grants to campuses.
Urge U.S. Representatives to ELIMINATE the minimum rent for HUD-assisted housing and the Expansion of the Moving to Work aspects in the present Affordable Housing and Self-Sufficiency Improvement Act (H.R. 11) (This will keep many of the neediest low-income families from homelessness).
Urge Hershey’s to stop exploiting children to grow cocoa beans.
February is national Black History Month, and individuals are invited to join in Prayer for the African-American and African Family.
The book, Compassion: A Reflection on the Christian Life by Henri Nouwen with Donald McNeill and Douglas Morrison contains six sessions on the study of compassion and is suited for Lent. Each session includes a facilitators guide, a brief worship resource and sometimes a hand-out.
The Environmental Outreach Committee of the Archdiocese of Washington offers a Lenten care for creation calendar
“Renewing the Face of the Earth: Lenten Reflections on Air” incorporates scientific and theological knowledge about creation, God's presence therein, and our call to care for it. A five-session resource, this free resource is available here.
Louisville: On February 23, Brudus (story of Palestinian nonviolent resistance, preview here) will be shown at 7 p.m. at 1741 Frankfort Avenue (one block east of Mellwood Ave. at the new co-op building). For more info contact Sonja at: sonrevolution@aol.com
Louisville: Join Catholics for Fairness in a peaceful pilgrimage will take place this Sunday at 4:45 p.m. Gather at George Garvin Brown Park (415 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd between 4 and 5 Streets) for prayer and a candlelight walk to the Cathedral of the Assumption (1/2 block walk) in support of a Statewide Anti-Discrimination Fairness Law. The group will stand silently in front of the Cathedral holding Catholics for Fairness signs and then collect the signs before the 5:30 liturgy celebrating with those at the Cathedral.
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