Weekly Justice Highlights

Empowering Women: The Violence Against Women Act (S. 47) continues to need reauthorization and would empower women worldwide.  Urge U.S.Representatives to co-sponsor and support this legislation when it comes to a vote (call without charges 888.269.5702 or 202.224.3121 with charges).

Immigration:  What an exciting week for those in the United States as a group of 8 Senators and the President feel the need to fix the broken immigration system we have in the United States.  However, this will not happen without the citizens demanding it.  Please sent a message to U.S. Senators telling them of your support for reform and to pass legislation in the 113^th Congress.

Promoting Peace: February 4 is an American National Call In Day to prevent gun violence. A new website, Faiths Calling  invites U.S. citizens to call U.S. Senators and Representatives urging them to act to prevent gun violence and put our shared grief into collective action (202.224.3121; charges apply)

Care of Earth:  Urge President Obama and members of Congress to make climate change a top priority in the 113^th Congress.

Take action in solidarity with a network of peasant and indigenous organization in coalition with urban workers and student groups calling for a halt to planting GMO (Genetically Modified Organisms) in Mexico.   

Urge U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack to take action on the Fair Food Program that consists of a wage increase supported by a price premium paid by corporate purchasers of FL tomatoes, and a human-rights- based Code of Conduct applicable throughout the FL tomato industry. 

The Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW) has sent Wendy’s Restaurant letters since 2005 urging them to participate in the Fair Food Program with regard to tomato picking.  Join the CIW urging Wendy’sleadership to support this program. Scroll down for information.

A paper entitled, Food, Water and Energy: Know the Nexus, explains that when the food, water and energy nexus becomes unbalanced, there are clear consequences for public health, our economy and the environment.  The paper describes how these systems interact and how they rely upon each other to function.  Read the paper by clicking here. 

KY Residents- bill opposing death penalty and offer life in prison without parole:  Urge state Senators to co-sponsor/support SB 45 (Sen. Gerald Neal sponsor and Sen. Perry Clark co-sponsor thus far) and comparable in the House, urge state Representatives to co-sponsor/support HB 48 (Rep. C. Rollins II, sponsor and Reps. Wayne and D. Floyd co-sponsors so far).  Call this toll free number 1.800.372.7181 and urge KY State legislators to co-sponsor and support these bills.  (Thank Representative Floyd for co-sponsoring this legislation in the House.  Senator Jimmy Higdon is in need of phone calls for support from the Nazareth area.)

 

Weekly Justice Highlights

In solidarity with those living in poverty:  Urge JimYong Kim, president of the World Bank to protect poor people’s rights and freeze its investment in land while it sets a fair standard for others. (International action available)  Land grabbing that forces poor people from their homes, jobs and food is an injustice and ruins lives.

Promoting Nonviolence: Urge federal legislators to support President Obama’s plan to reduce gun violence.  

Challenging Unjust Systems: On May 11^th, 2012 a helicopter carrying Honduran police and DEA agents opened fire on a riverboat in the Honduran Moskitia. Four civilians were killed in the attack, including a 14 year-old boy and two pregnant women. Eight months have passed since the tragedy occurred and despite international outcry there has been no credible investigation into what happened. Urge U.S.Representatives to urge the State Department to ensure that a credible investigation takes place.

Sequestration and Debt Limit: Urge federal legislators to cut Pentagon spending by eliminating sources of irresponsible spending, demand the Pentagon be audited annually, reform the tax code and continue to provide SNAP, WIC and other supplemental programs to those most vulnerable as they negotiate the debt limit and sequestration.   

Urge Margaret A. Hamburg, Commissioner US Food and Drug Administration, to reject the approval of AquaBounty’s transgenic salmon for human consumption.  The effects of consuming such meat have not sufficiently been researched and this approval could mean genetically modified animals worldwide.   

Globally, more than 2.5 billion people live in poverty and survive on less than $2/day.  During Poverty Awareness month, U.S. citizens are invited to urge Congress to oppose any cuts to lifesaving foreign aid.     

Resource: The Choices We Face: A Guide for FaithLeaders to the Federal Budget and Tax Debate is a resource perfect for social action groups at your church, Sunday school, or a college classroom.

Catholics Confront Global Poverty has a video about poverty-focused international assistance entitled, “Careless Cuts Cost Lives.”  Take action after viewing here.  

KY:  Individuals may view KET’s “The Price of Poverty in Kentucky” with Bill Goodman and Renee Shaw.

Weekly Justice Highlights

Human Trafficking: Throughout human trafficking awareness month, individuals are invited to pray with the prayer located here  and raise their awareness by reading the January issue of Stop Trafficking co-sponsored by the SCN’s is available here.   

Water:  The LCWR Global Concerns Committee released their Resolution to Action entitled, “WATER.” 

Immigration:  January 22 is a national call-in day for comprehensive immigration reform.  U.S. citizens are invited to contact U.S. Senators by calling toll free 1.866.940.2439 (sponsored by Interfaith Immigration Coalition) urging them to support immigration reform that provides a pathway to full citizenship and prioritizes family unity. 

Promoting Nonviolence: Urge federal legislators to support President Obama’s plan to reduce gun violence.  

Care of Earth: Urge President Obama to begin the next four years with bold, decisive leadership on climate change.  

Globally, more than 2.5 billion people live in poverty and survive on less than $2/day.  During Poverty Awareness month, U.S. citizens are invited to urge Congress to oppose any cuts to lifesaving foreign aid. 

Urge federal legislators to cut Pentagon spending by eliminating sources of irresponsible spending, demand the Pentagon be audited annually, reform the tax code and continue to provide SNAP, WIC and other supplemental programs to those most vulnerable as they negotiate the debt limit and sequestration.   

Thank Environmental Protection Agency Lisa Jackson for her dedication to protecting our planet and our health during her tenure as EPA Administrator.  

NETWORK is working with the "JOBS NOT WAR" campaign in our joint attempt to reduce Pentagon spending and to get our nation on a more firm economic footing. A petition has already been signed by almost 50,000 people who recognize the need for all members of our communities to be employed.  Read and sign the petition here.   

Martin Luther King Day:  Take some time to locate an event AND remember all who worked for greater civil rights. 

Louisville:  On January 19, 2013 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Our Lady of Lourdes (508 Breckenridge Lane) will be accepting a variety of recycling items.  The complete list of acceptable items is at www.2trg.com (no batteries, light bulbs, ballasts, appliances except a $5 charge on TV’s, LCD and CRT monitors and microwaves (lead disposal value) 

Louisville:  On January 21^st (Martin Luther King Day), Catholic Charities of Louisville will collect new and gently used coats from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m at the White Castle restaurant at 105 E. Market Street (corner of first and Market).  Coats will be shared with refugees coming to America from warm environments. 

Weekly Justice Highlights

National Migration Week in the U.S.:  National Migration Week is January 6 to 12 with the theme of “We are Strangers No Longer: Our Journey of Hope Continues.”  This theme commemorates the 10^th anniversary of the U.S. and Mexican bishops’ joint pastoral letter, Strangers No Longer: Together on the Journey of Hope located here.   Materials for use in your ministry are located here.   Additionally Justice For Immigrants has a postcard for federal legislators urging compassionate immigration reform. 

Human Trafficking:  Human trafficking is the third largest crime in the world and one of the fastest growing.  January 11-13 is a national weekend of prayer to combat human trafficking.  Information and prayer resources can be found here.    

Care of Earth: On January 10, family farmers will enter a courtroom in Washington DC to take part in the appeal of OSGATA vs Monsanto et al, a court case filed to protect farmers from genetic trespass by Monsanto’s GMO seed, which contaminates organic and non-GMO farmer’s crops and opens them up to abusive lawsuits by Monsanto.  Individuals are invited to support family farmers in their pursuit of justice against Monsanto.  

Challenging Unjust Systems: Since 2005, CEO of Darden Restaurants, Clarence Otis, Jr. has seen a 225% raise, yet Darden (owner of Olive Garden and Red Lobster restaurants) refuses to offer its workers (earning $2.13/hour + tips) paid sick days.  Urge Darden to offer paid sick days for all workers.   (International Action is available) 

Promoting Peace: Christians for Middle East Peace invite you to sign a letter that 35 Christian leaders of national denominations and organizations have signed calling on President Obama to urgently redouble his efforts for meaningful progress in the realization of peace between Israelis and Palestinians.    

With across the board cuts and the debt limit needing urgent attention of Congress, individuals are invited to urge members of Congress to make sure any future deal to cut the deficit is balanced and protects low-income families.   

Louisville: On January 16, 2013, the University of Louisville Belknap Campus will host "Modern Day Slavery: Breaking the Chains." Speakers will focus on human trafficking and include Theresa Flores and Colleen Clines. The event goes from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Red Barn. Parking is available in the Speed Museum parking garage. Tickets are $15 for general public and students $7.50 and can be purchased here. Contact the Women's Center (502.852.8976) for more information.

Louisville:  On January 19, 2013 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Our Lady of Lourdes (508 Breckenridge Lane) will be accepting a variety of recycling items.  The complete list of acceptable items is located here (no batteries, light bulbs, ballasts, appliances except a $5 charge on TV’s, LCD and CRT monitors and microwaves (lead disposal value)). 

Poverty Awareness Month:  To learn more about poverty around the world, visit here or here.   To learn more about poverty in the U.S., visit Poverty USA.  A calendar can be downloaded here.

Weekly Justice Highlights

Empowering Women:  Damini was a 23-year-old physical therapy student, who boarded a public bus in Delhi last month. Six men locked the door, and savagely raped her for hours, including with a metal rod that destroyed her internal organs. They dumped her naked in the street, and after bravely fighting for life, she died last weekend.  Urge Indian Prime MinisterSingh and Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde to immediately launch a public education advertising campaign to eradicate sexism and sexual violence in India.  (International Action available)

 

Poverty Awareness Month:  To learn more about poverty around the world, visit this link or this link.   To learn more about poverty in the U.S., visit Poverty USA website.  A calendar can be downloaded here.

 

National Migration Week in the U.S.:  National Migration Week is January 6 to 12 with the theme of “We are Strangers No Longer: Our Journey of Hope Continues.”  This theme commemorates the 10^th anniversary of the U.S. and Mexican bishops’ joint pastoral letter, Strangers No Longer: Together on the Journey of Hope located here.   Materials for use in ministry are located here.

 

Human Trafficking:  Human trafficking is the third largest crime in the world and one of the fastest growing.  January 11-13 is a national weekend of prayer to combat human trafficking.  Information and prayer resources can be found here.

 

Louisville: On January 16, 2013, the University of Louisville Belknap Campus will host "Modern Day Slavery: Breaking the Chains." Speakers will focus on human trafficking and include Theresa Flores and Colleen Clines. The event goes from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Red Barn. Parking is available in the Speed Museum parking garage. Tickets are $15 for general public and students $7.50. Contact the Women's Center (502.852.8976) for more information.   

 

Louisville:  On January 19, 2013 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Our Lady of Lourdes (508 Breckenridge Lane) will be accepting a variety of recycling items.  The complete list of acceptable items is located here (no batteries, light bulbs, ballasts, appliances except a $5 charge on TV’s, LCD and CRT monitors and microwaves (lead disposal value) 

 

Weekly Justice Highlights

Child Labor:  Millions of Indian children are slaving away in brutal conditions right now to pump out holiday presents and decorations for families around the world. But in days, we can help stop their suffering.  Sign the petition calling on Parliament to ban child labour and ensure that children are in school. (International Action available) 

Confronting Unjust Systems: Sign a petition to President Obama urging him to appoint a new Securities and Exchange Commission chair who is both willing and able to enforce the law and hold Wall Street accountable.  

Spirit of St. Vincent: Urge U.S. Representatives to sign the discharge petition (of Rep. Tim Walz) for an up-or-down vote to prevent an increase in taxes for 98 percent and end the extra breaks for the top 2% (H.R. 15 The Middle Class Tax Cut Act).  The Senate already voted to continue the lower rates for 98 percent of the population last summer and to let the tax cuts expire for the top 2%.

Nuclear Weapons: Individuals are invited to tell President Obama and Congress to actively and visibly support the Helsinki Conference for a Middle East zone free nuclear weapons and all other weapons of mass destruction.  (Organizational and individual signatures welcome)

Promoting Human Rights: Urge the Police Commissioner of South Africa to thoroughly investigate Noxolo’s death and bring her killer(s) to justice for a crime that is over a year old.  Noxolo was raped, beaten and stabbed because of her sexual orientation.  (International Action is available)

Urge the African division of Pepsi to release a statement opposing the Ugandan Anti-Homosexuality Bill and communicate this directly to Ugandan Members of Parliament.   (International Action is available)

Louisville:  On January 8 at 7 p.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, a screening of Sun Come Up will be shown.  Sun Come Up provokes discussion about climate change, displacement, and the rights of vulnerable communities around the globe. See the film's trailer here.

Israel and Palestine, an animated introduction to share with others is located here.

Enjoy the oceans as you may have never seen in 5 minutes by clicking here.

Know anyone taking a cruise this holiday season or in the upcoming year?  Friends of the Earth have just released a report card grading cruise lines and ships on their environmental impact. 

In preparation for January 11^th, Human Trafficking Awareness Day, the US Catholic Conference of Bishops Anti-Trafficking Program has launched some new efforts that include an anti-trafficking e-newsletter and a national weekend of prayer (January 11-13) with more information here.

Action Alert

December 2012 / January 2013

Human Rights Day is December 10

Each year on this day, individuals celebrate the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that was adopted in 1948. This year the National Religious Campaign Against Torture (NRCAT) invites individuals and groups to shine a light during Christian Advent on where torture exists throughout our world. According to NRCAT, torture happens throughout the world and most countries want it to stop. Jails, prisons, mental health facilities, immigration detention centers, youth detention centers, Guantanamo and police stations are among the many places not overseen by independent monitors. Therefore, torture and abuse can occur.

The Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture (OPCAT) was created to help nations ensure that torture does not take place in detention facilities. OPCAT sets up oversight bodies and other national mechanisms that prevent torture and abuse in any place of confinement. However, the U.S. was one of only four countries to vote against OPCAT in the 2002 UN General Assembly. Since its passage, the U.S. has neither signed nor ratified OPCAT. In the U.S., ratification of treaties first requires the president to sign it and then the U.S. Senate ratifies. To see if the nation you reside in has signed or ratified OPCAT, click here.    

It is imperative that nations sign the OPCAT. Torture anywhere violates the basic dignity of the human person and is morally intolerable. It degrades individuals who are victims, policy makers and the perpetrators. What do any of us say to others when torture is done in a country’s name or with tax money from citizens?

Additionally, the U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee has conducted a three year investigation into CIA torture. The report is currently being finalized and the committee is expected to vote to adopt it yet this year.

Reflections/Actions:

• Determine if the country you reside in has signed and ratified the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture at the link above. If it has not, contact your Prime Minister/President/ Head of Country to ask if the process has been started and to urge them to do so if they have not begun this process.
• U.S. citizens are invited to urge President Obama to sign the OPCAT document here.
• Make sure that U.S. - sponsored torture never happens again by writing to President Obama thanking him for his efforts and to encourage him to make public the full report on their investigation here or here.     
• Show the video Preventing Torture Everywhere found here.     
• A discussion guide for Preventing Torture Everywhere is located here.   
• Video Testimonies of torture survivors are located here.   
• A prayer for Human Rights Day is located here. 
• Integrate Human Rights Day into Christian Advent with the resources located here.
• More information and actions can be found here.    

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Challenging Governments to Sustainable Development

Despite rhetoric underscoring the severity of climate change and its impact on Earth’s ecosystems, and the realization that sustainable development must incorporate the economic, social and environmental dimensions of development, world leaders did not make any binding international commitments at the Rio+20 Conference held in Brazil this past June. Members of Civil Society were disappointed with the outcome of the Rio+20 conference, but resolved to continue working on sustainable development issues at local, regional, national, and at the international level.

Mayors are in the forefront of sustainability issues and a number of them have shown tremendous initiative in addressing issues at the local level. A key concern of municipalities in Canada and the United States is that their respective federal governments cannot be regarded as sources of leadership on climate change. The former Mayor of Toronto, David Miller, is one of several municipal leaders in Canada to espouse this position: “I feel strongly that since the federal government has abdicated its responsibility on climate change, it’s up to cities to lead. If the federal government is not going to act on climate change, it has an obligation at the very least to enable cities to do so.”

Michael Bloomberg, the Mayor of New York City, offers a similar assessment of federal leadership in the U.S.A.: “We can't wait for the Federal Government to take action when it comes to our environment…Cities are leading the way and making a real difference in cutting greenhouse gas emissions and addressing climate change.”

Each of us is invited to ask local leaders (face-to-face/letter/letter to editor in local newspaper) the following questions which are derived from the areas of sustainability that are used to determine “Greenest Cities”: carbon dioxide emissions, energy, land use, buildings, transport, water, waste, air quality, environmental governance.

Questions:

• In the U.S., is the Mayor a member of the U.S. Mayors for Climate Protection?
• In Canada, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, in partnership with the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives [ICLEI], established the ‘Partners for Climate Protection’ [PCP] program. The PCP program is a network of Canadian municipalities committed to reducing greenhouse gases and acting on climate change. Has your local leader signed this agreement? (For more information: www.fcm.ca)
• Does the city have a mandatory recycling program?
• How many buildings in the city are certified by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEEDS)?
• What are the criteria for new building construction?
• What portion of the electricity in the city is from renewable energy sources?
• What plans does the city have to reduce dependence on fossil fuels?
• How many miles of bikeways does the city have?
• How many green roofs do city buildings have?
• What plan does the city have to reduce greenhouse gases?
• Does the city have an Office of Sustainability?
• How efficient is public transportation or does public transportation exist?
• Does the city have hybrid buses?
• How much green space does the city have?
• Does the city have a plan with target dates to reduce energy consumption?
• Does the city ban the use of plastic bags?
• Does the city have a climate action plan?

Please let the NGO office (cjwilliengo@gmail.com) if you take action. The results will be shared with the members of the Sisters of Charity Federation.

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Alternative Gift Giving

The Sisters of Charity Federation invites individuals to consider making a gift to victims of Hurricane Sandy in the United States. The Sisters of Charity are ministering in the affected areas of New York and New Jersey to help with the damage, destruction and grief. Any contribution made will be donated to a fund for rebuilding efforts set up by the Federation office this upcoming holiday season. Sisters Jane Iannucelli of the Sisters of Charity of New York and Rosemary Monahan of the Sisters of Charity of St. Elizabeth of New Jersey will take responsibility for distribution of funds to the agencies and programs most in need. No gift is too small and a card will be sent to the person in whose name you send the donation. Please include their name and address of any person to whom you wish a card to be sent.

Action: Make checks payable to the Sisters of Charity Federation and indicate it is for the alternative gift giving program. Send donations to: The Sisters of Charity Federation NGO Office, 211 East 43^rd Street, Suite 504, New York, New York 10017

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Resources

Two documents entitled, “Nurturing the Global Citizen Within” and "What Price, A Girl's Life" has recently been published by the Partnership for Global Justice. These booklets are available from Dierdre Mullan, RSM at Dierdremullanun@aol.com at The Partnership for Global Justice (211 East 43rd Street #710, New York, NY 10017) The cost is $3(U.S.) plus postage.

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U.S. Legislative Update

A number of issues still remain unresolved as U.S. citizens near the end of the 2012. Congress needs to make a deal on spending and taxes before the end of the year. In solidarity with St. Vincent’s work with those living in poverty, the desire is a budget that does not hurt people living in poverty and continue expanding income inequality. Therefore, safety-net programs must be protected, Pentagon spending should be cut and tax cuts for the top 2% should not be extended. The needs of people must be placed over the needs of the Pentagon.

 

Reflection and Action:

• Read and reflect upon the Faithful Budget as a model for the federal budget. This document is located here.  
• The Violence Against Women Act and Farm Bill may be incorporated into legislation or delayed until January 2013. Continue to watch weekly justice highlights or the SCN Family website under the Global Ministries tab.
• U.S. citizens are invited to contact their Representative and Senators urging them to create a deal that would create good jobs; expand the child Tax Credit; Earned Income Tax Credit benefits and Unemployment Insurance; make significant cuts to the Pentagon budget; create an alternative minimum tax that would affect only those who can afford to give a little more; support a financial transaction tax, also known as the Robin Hood Tax that would place a tax on transactions over $200,000; protect mandated programs from cuts for those most vulnerable such as SNAP (food stamps), Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security; and allow the Bush Tax Cuts (2001 and 2003) for the wealthiest 2% of our community members to expire. A letter with all of these items is located at this site.  
• Send an edited email to speak of the needs in your geographic area to your legislators.