Action Alert May 2010

How Alert Am I to Human Trafficking?

The past four action alerts have held various reflections on migration. These include Jesus as a migrant and Scriptural migration; economics and migration, women migrants, and environmental migrants. Migrants are often vulnerable and thus no matter the form or cause of migration, human trafficking is a concern. This unease for those made vulnerable is heightened by our baptismal call. Additionally, the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth have a corporate stand on human trafficking committing themselves to prayer, education and advocacy.

As a congregation, co-sponsor of the monthly Stop Trafficking newsletter with several religious congregations continues. In addition, several individuals within the congregation are engaged with the issue of human trafficking. Recently Congregational Leadership signed a letter to be sent to Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Inc. to urge prevention of human trafficking during the World Soccer Games to be held in South Africa this June and July.

In preparation for the World Soccer Games, the Leadership Conference of Consecrated Life and the Catholic Conference of Bishops in South Africa have been working together in a project entitled, Counter Trafficking in Persons Desk. According to the project, the vision includes the “creation of a world in which all its peoples are safe, respected, valued and given the dignity which is their fundamental human right; a world where no one seeks to exploit and enslave another for the purpose of any gain.” Individuals associated with the project raise awareness, advocate for legislation on human trafficking and work to oppose the “grooming” of young people for the sex industry.

With regard to human trafficking and any large sporting event, there is a concern that individuals will be in demand during the event and also be recruited for future abuse. Thus, knowing the types of trafficking (sex, labor, organ removal), who the traffickers are (commonly male, relatives, individuals, can be part of organized crime) and the way traffickers operate (ways to recruit, transport and exploit) can empower potential victims to be alert to underlying consequences. Public conversation and increased awareness through the cooperation of many individuals and groups within the local community is one of the best ways to work against human trafficking. It is these practical guidelines and much more that is collated for educational purposes by the Counter Trafficking in Persons Desk packet located here (A prayer is also included.) with other resources here.

Reflection/Action

SCN Corporate Stand on Opposing Trafficking: We, Sisters of Charity of Nazareth Family, stand in support of human rights by firmly opposing trafficking of all persons, especially of women and children, for purposes of sexual exploitation and forced labor. We commit ourselves to: Congregation-wide prayer for the end of this grave injustice; educate ourselves and others about the inherent violence involved in the buying, selling and transporting of human beings; 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. (Fully Adopted in February 2008)

• When have I last read prayerfully the SCN corporate stand on human trafficking?
• Have I been a faithful reader to the Stop Trafficking newsletter co-sponsored by the SCN’s? If not, why not?
• If my ministry relates to human trafficking, how have I brought awareness to others through personal sharing and/or best practices?
• What actions have I taken to educate self and others on recruitment, transportation and exploitation of victims so as to be alert to the circumstances that promote being trafficked?
• What policies and programs have I promoted to prevent human trafficking?

World Fair Trade Day is May 8

This day provides us with the opportunity to reflect upon where it is that we spend our money and time on goods and the benefit this money and time has on making a difference in our global world. Common exports from developing countries to developed countries include handicrafts, coffee, cocoa, sugar, tea, bananas, honey, cotton, wine, fresh fruit and flowers. Supporting purchases that are fair trade is supporting the environment, women's rights, local artisans and farmers, cultural dignity, and peace building. On occasion, be prepared to pay a little extra for a product that you know has good ethical credentials. Consider the following actions in support of World Fair Trade Day.

• Support home/cottage industries (artisans), farmer’s markets and cooperatives.
• Purchase food products sourced locally; even consider producing a portion of what you consume.
• Ask stores, supermarkets and other outlets to stock local products.
• Be conscious of the cost to the environment in the production & distribution (carbon footprint) of the goods you purchase or consume.
• Avoid products produced by slave labor and by companies and countries with bad track records on human rights.
• Extend the challenge to others with whom you work or are engaged with.

International Violence Against Women Act

According to Women Thrive Worldwide, "Approximately 1 out of every 3 women globally has been beaten, coerced into sex or otherwise abused in her lifetime. Violence against women includes abuse by spouses or partners in the home, rape as a weapon during wartime, dowry related deaths and forced prostitution. The distress and injuries caused affects families, communities and wider societies, preventing women from taking full advantage of economic and educational opportunities and threatening security by increasing social tensions. Violence against women is a global health crisis, an egregious human rights violation, and a moral outrage that knows no geographic or cultural barriers. It is also a major cause of poverty: it keeps women from working, going to school and earning the income they need to life themselves and their families out of poverty.

The International Violence Against Women Act (IVAWA, H.R. 4594, S. 2982), is the most comprehensive piece of legislation addressing violence against women and girls worldwide. Working through the international assistance that the U.S. already provides, women caught in conflict, support non-governmental organizations that are combating violence on the ground, and put the U.S. unequivocally on the record with countries around the world saying that ending violence against women and girls is a national priority. This bill addresses violence against women and girls through all relevant U.S. foreign policy efforts, including its international assistance programs."

Action: Send this letter to U.S. Representatives and this letter to U.S. Senators OR if writing a handwritten letter, look for the addresses at the end of this email.

Global Ministries Team Strategic Plan

Within the next week or two you should be receiving a copy of a brochure that describes the Office of Global Ministries Team strategic plan before the next General Assembly. The three main foci include:

• Ministering on the Margins (i.e. human trafficking, migration, immigration),
• Walking Gently on Earth (i.e. food security, food sovereignty, climate change, water, genetically modified organisms, and sustainable development), and
• Being Prophetic and Living Radically (i.e. empowerment of women to assume rightful place in church and society)

It is hoped that the foci can be taken one each year while not totally exhausting any issue but rather gaining some depth on the issues. All are invited to submit resources for sharing with others and their plans for action with regard to their local living and ministering situation. These can be submitted to Joetta Venneman at PO Box 172 Nazareth, KY 40048 or jvenneman@scnazarethky.org