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.