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.

Legislative Accomplishments July to November 2012

In July, the U.S. Senate voted to allow the Bush tax cuts on households earning over $250,000 to expire yet the House has failed to pass the legislation. 

In late August, the Securities and Exchange Commission voted on the final rules necessary to implement the Cardin-Lugar Amendment, a vital move that allows citizens, especially in developing nations, access to information to hold their governments accountable and fight corruption.  This means that the SEC will be required to disclose any and all payments to the US and foreign governments, country-by-country, every year thus empowering citizens to greater services from their government. 

In late summer, Nicaragua bécame the 6th country to withdraw troops from the School of the America’s (SOA/WHINSEC).

In mid-September, CWA and IBEW members successfully reached a tentative agreement with Verizon after slashed health benefits, pension elimination, outsourcing of jobs and undermining collective bargaining for its workers. 

In late September, an SOA Watch delegation went to Ecuador and met with President Correa. In conjunction with granting Julian Asange asylum, Correa agreed to no longer send his troops to the SOA/ WHINSEC.

In late September, Damon Thibodeaux was exonerated in Louisiana and freed from death row. 

In late September, the International Monetary Fund Executive Board approved the final 2.7 billion dollars from gold sale profits to support the world's poorest - we have now moved the total gold sales windfall, nearly 4 billion dollars to benefit the most vulnerable.  Advocacy efforts pushed the IMF to approve the first 1.1 billion dollar distribution AND the second 2.7 billion dollar distribution to support concessional lending in the Poverty Reduction and Growth Trust (PRGT) and extend a 0% interest rate that will make this trust available for future generations beyond 2014.

In early October, the EPA agreed to reconsider its polyvinyl chloride rule and put it out for public comment. 

In early October, Hershey announced that it would move its chocolate to 100% certification by 2020, though the company remains vague on which certifications, and on incremental benchmarks.

In early October, Chipotle agreed to join the Fair Food program and signed the agreement with members of the Coalition of Immokalee Workers.  The agreement will improve wages and working conditions for farmworkers in Florida who pick tomatoes. 

In mid-November, an SOA Watch delegation met with Denis McDonough, President Obama's Deputy National Security Advisor.  McDonough promised to look into the release of the names of those killed by graduates of the SOA.         

11 States, 24 Senators, and 73 US Representatives have called for an amendment to overturn Citizens United

Weekly Justice Highlights

Challenging Unjust Systems:  Urge WalMart to join an independent fire safety inspection program to prevent tragedies such as the November 24 massive fire in a Bangladesh textile factory that killed 112 workers due to locked emergency exits.

Immigrants: Urge U.S. Representatives to OPPOSE the STEMS Job Act of 2012 (H.R. 6429) that would eliminate the diversity immigrant program in order to provide visas to immigrants with advanced degrees.  

Challenging Unjust Systems: Urge U.S. Senators to co-sponsor Senator Brown’s 21^st Century Trade Agreements Act (S.3347) that would place trade negotiations in the public eye, protect American jobs, and ban imports of food that doesn’t meet our safety standards.   Additionally, Senator Al Franken has drafted a letter to President Obama demanding that the TPP Free Trade Agreement include enforceable obligations to protect fundamental labor rights and safeguard against investment and service sector rules that provide incentives for offshoring.  Action urging Senators to sign Senator Franken’s TPP letter. (Currently the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement is being made in secret)

Help educate girls in Pakistan by watching this slide show.  

Urge U.S. Senators and Representatives to eliminate the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts to the wealthiest 2% in America, and fund social safety net programs that allow people who need them to live in dignity.

Urge U.S. Senators and Representatives to seriously consider extending Unemployment Insurance benefits to the two million Americans who are long-term unemployed and whose benefits expire December 31.  

Call (1.202.244.3121; charges apply) and urge U.S. Representatives to sign on to a bipartisan letter (Sponsored by Reps. Barbara Lee and Walter Jones) to the president calling for “an accelerated withdrawal to bring to an end the decade-long war as soon as can safely and responsibly be accomplished.

Sign a petition for incoming Senator Elizabeth Warren to oversee activities of the financial sector and serve on the Senate Banking Committee.

Urge U.S.Senators to honor the legacy of protecting the human rights of the disabled by ratifying the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

Urge President Obama NOT to accept corporate money for his inauguration.

Organizations Only: In the coming weeks, the School of America’s Watch will deliver a letter to Congress urging them to include the School of America in their mandatory budget cuts.  Organizations are invited to sign on to the SOA Watch Congressional letter by clicking here.  

KY Residents: On November 28, several Faith Leaders from throughout Kentucky  including representatives from Asbury Theological Seminary, the Kentucky Council or Churches and the Presbyterian Church will travel to Washington DC to meet with Senator Mitch McConnell’s senior staff around the Circle of Protection Campaign as congress debates the budget and  negotiates the fiscal cliff.  I invite all KY citizens to be in solidarity and prayer with those traveling to Washington by calling Senator McConnell’s DC office (1.800.826.3688 – ask for Senator McConnell’s office; NO charges apply).  After you have shared your name, share a message similar to: “Senator McConnell, As a Kentuckian , I urge you to work with your colleagues to develop a bipartisan plan to address our deficits AND clearly protects programs for hungry and poor people including SNAP, WIC, the EITC and poverty-focused international assistance.  Please form a Circle of Protection around the programs that serve poor and hungry people. Thank you.” (Act by end of November 30) 

 

Weekly Justice Highlights

Promoting Peace: Urge President Obama to exert diplomatic pressure on Israel for an immediate cease-fire and initiate an investigation into Israel’s misuse of U.S. weapons.

Immigration: Urge President Obama and Speaker Boehner to follow through on promises to put immigration reform at the top of their agenda.  

In the Spirit of St. Vincent: With 40% of the world’s population living on less than $2/day, urge U.S. legislators to oppose any budget cuts to foreign aid.  

Care of Earth: Thank Heroes of Proposition 37 (CA proposition to label GMO food) who helped increase awareness of GMO in food.  

Challenging Unjust Systems: Urge U.S. legislators to support legislative measures for responsible lending and borrowing at the IMF, World Bank and other International Financial Institutions. 

Urge U.S. legislators to renew the Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) program before December 31^st (when over 2 million workers benefits will be cut off). 

Urge President Obama to sign the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture that sets up mechanisms that prevent torture and abuse in any place of confinement including jails, prisons, detention centers, police stations, mental health facilities and more. 

Urge Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson to prioritize ending mountaintop removal coal mining over the next four years.  

Urge BP to stop stalling, take responsibility and pay the maximum Clean Water fines for the Gulf oil spill which they are liable.

Sign a petition urging Congress to protect Social Security and Medicare. 

Louisville:  The Metropolitan Housing Coalition invites residents to send a postcard to their Metro Councilperson to support changes to the Land Development Code that increases opportunities for multi-family housing and smaller lot sizes and that allow increased density in residential use of land.

Weekly Justice Highlights

Human Trafficking: The November 2012 issue of StopTrafficking Newsletter co-sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth.

Challenging Unjust Systems: Urge President Obama to support and advance human rights through the closing of Guantanamo, stopping the unlawful killing with drones, and ensuring the UN adopts a strong Arms Trade Treaty.  (International action available)

Care of Earth: Urge the Prime Minister of South Korea to stop the needless slaughter of whales through opposition to the reinstatement of commercial whaling. (International action available and act by December 3)

Care of Earth:  Urge President Obama to protect clean air standards and move toward a clean energy future in holding polluters accountable for the life-threatening pollutants put into our air every day. 

Offer Congratulations to President Obama and urge PresidentObama to set a goal and work with Congress to enact a plan to end hunger. 

Urge U.S. legislators (888.497.9539; no charges apply) to end the Bush tax cuts for the richest 2% or those earning over $250,000/year. 

The Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia have a prayer service available in solidarity with those participating in the School of Americas Vigil in Fort Benning, GA on the weekend of November 16-18. 

On November 19, the 83rd Texas LegislativeSession is ready to vote in anti-immigration legislation.  Urge those politicians in favor of this legislation to stand on the right side of history. 

Weekly Justice Highlights

Challenging Unjust Systems: Urge U.S. Senators to oppose the Independent Agency Regulatory Analysis Act (S. 3468) that would undermine the ability of independent federal agencies to carry out the work they were created to do.  Individuals may call (202.224.3121) or edit a message here (scroll down the page for the action)

Promoting Peace: Urge President Obama to cancel next week’s Minuteman III Intercontinental Ballistic Missile launch and work to decommission these dangerous, destabilizing missiles.

Immigration: Urge U.S.legislators to support the DREAM Act (S. 952 and H.B. 1842). 

Urge U.S.legislators to take current policy with regard to the “drug war” in Honduras in a positive direction that reflects a commitment to human rights.  

Urge U.S.legislators to support a fair and balanced approach to reigning in the debt, one that requires the Pentagon to cut at least $1 trillion from its budge over the next 10 years.  

The World Health Organization and World Meteorological Organization unveiled the Atlas of Health and Climate, a joint project intended to assist governments in managing ecosystems and responding to health threats related to climate change. 

A discussion guide to the world book on sustainability is located here (scroll down the page to look for the guide). 

Resilience.org is both an information clearinghouse and a network of action-oriented groups. Our focus is on building community resilience in a world of multiple emerging challenges: the decline of cheap energy, the depletion of critical resources like water, complex environmental crises like climate change and biodiversity loss, and the social and economic issues which are linked to these. We like to think of the site as a community library with space to read and think, but also as a vibrant café in which to meet people, discuss ideas and projects, and pick up and share tips on how to build the resilience of your community, your household, or yourself.

Oxfam is working with various international organizations taking a closer look at classroom practices related to educating for global citizenship.  View a variety of educator resources here.

November Action Alert

International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

November 17

First observed in 2000, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women is an opportunity for governments, international organizations and non-governmental organizations to raise public awareness of violence against women. Violence against women and girls is one of the most widespread violations of human rights. According to UNITE to End Violence Against Women (A 2008 campaign launched by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon), “violence can include physical, sexual, psychological and economic abuse, and it cuts across boundaries of age, race, culture, wealth and geography. It takes place in the home, on the streets, in schools, the workplace, in farm fields, refugee camps, during conflicts and crises. It has many manifestations — from the most universally prevalent forms of domestic and sexual violence, to harmful practices, abuse during pregnancy, so-called honor killings and other types of femicide."

Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, states, “Violence against women is a form of discrimination and a violation of human rights. It causes untold misery, cutting short lives and leaving countless women living in pain and fear in every country in the world. It harms families across the generations, impoverishes communities and reinforces other forms of violence throughout societies. Violence against women stops them from fulfilling their potential, restricts economic growth and undermines development. It can only be eliminated, therefore, by addressing discrimination, promoting women’s equality and empowerment, and ensuring that women’s human rights are fulfilled.”

Facts

• Up to 70 percent of women and girls will be beaten, coerced into sex or otherwise abused in their lifetime.
• Among women aged between 15 and 44, acts of violence cause more death and disability than cancer, malaria, traffic accidents and war combined.
• Women and girls comprise 80 percent of the estimated 800,000 people trafficked annually, with the majority (79 percent) trafficked for sexual exploitation.
• Over 60 million girls worldwide are child brides, married before the age of 18, primarily in South Asia (31.1 million and Sub-Saharan Africa (14.1 million).
• Domestic violence alone cost approximately US$1.16 billion in Canada and US$5.8 billion in the United States.

Reflections/Actions:

• Make a list of what I know about women and the violence they suffer on the local level, in my state, in my country, around the world. Where is the gap in knowledge? What can I do to educate myself with regard to this gap?
• For teachers: Include activities to raise awareness and promote prevention of violence against women and girls in your curriculum.
  Read Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide ($9.57) by Nicholas Kristoff and Sheryl Wu Dunn. Hold a book discussion. A recent PBS special on the book is also available as a DVD ($26.96). The film, hosted by Nick Clooney, is divided into segments. Hold a showing of the film or one of the segments followed by a discussion. (Both are available online through Amazon.com; the Charity Federation UN NGO office (cjwilliengo@gmail.com) also has copies of both which can be borrowed.)
• Sign the global call for action to tell governments around the world that you want them to make ending violence against women and girls a top priority.
• Pray daily for women and young girls throughout the world.
• Other resources for education include: The Polaris Project website,  dedicated to human trafficking, the UN Database on Violence Against Women, UN End Violence Against Women and Girls, and the SCN Family website (Global Ministries tab at top and previous "Action Alerts" tab on the right side)

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As the 2013 General Assembly approaches, where to with SCN systemic change?

As the SCN General Assembly comes upon us, it is time to locate the brochure explaining the strategic plan for the Office of Global Ministries that was circulated in July 2010. The brochure is available here. The foci included ministering to those on the margins, walking gently on Earth, and being prophetic and living radically. I invite each member of the SCN Family to locate this, reflect upon the success of your action plan, and then consider where the SCN Family may need to direct themselves in the next five years. Additionally, individuals are invited to reflect upon the GA 2008 Directives, the SCN corporate statements (under Global Ministries tab see corporate statements on right) and the SCN Mission Statement.

Reflections/Actions:

• Locate the brochure describing the three foci and potential actions including your own.
• What was successful? What empowered success?
• How have I been intentional in educating myself and others, helping to change attitudes, broadening my experiences, sharing resources, and taking deeper actions?
• In what areas might the SCN Family need to focus on over the next five years?
• Share your responses with faith groups, the Office of Global Ministries, and the congregation as part of your preparation the 2013 SCN General Assembly with regard to systemic change.

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U.S. Legislative Updates

Please use your right to vote on November 6 unless you have voted prior to this date.

In mid to late September, Congress passed a six month FY 2013 continuing resolution that would expire on March 27, 2013. According to the most recent Coalition on Human Needs newsletter, the legislation “contains no controversial policy riders or funding levels that differ significantly from current levels. It does contain extra funds for modernizing nuclear weapons, for cybersecurity work done by the Department of Homeland Security, for fighting wildfires, and for addressing a backlog of disability claims at the Department of Veterans Affairs.” The Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) was also extended as it was set to expire September 30.

Remaining after the elections are the sequestration cuts (set to take effect January 1, 2013), the federal unemployment insurance for the long-term jobless (expires December 31) and the farm bill. Those out of labor for at least 27 weeks make up about 40 percent of the unemployed. Terminating these benefits would increase the number of individuals living in poverty in America.

The Budget Control Act put into place last year would force action on across the board spending cuts of 8.9 % to all areas including the Pentagon that would take effect January 1. Preserved is Medicare, Medicaid, SNAP and a few other safety net programs. Additionally, the Bush-era tax cuts expire on December 31 among a few other tax incentives. These other tax incentives include the payroll tax holiday and annually renewable tax incentives. Failure to prevent these cuts and tax increases is what is known as the “fiscal cliff” or "fiscal slope" being spoken of in the media. Economists are divided about the benefits of this event. What is key is that safety net providers will NOT lose funding on January 1.

Farm bill programs expired on September 30 with a 2012 Farm Bill still looming after the elections. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will continue to operate without interruption as it was included in the FY 2013 6-month continuing resolution that was passed the end of September. According to the Coalition on Human Needs most recent newsletter, the Commodity Supplemental Food Program is also protected.

Farmers must have access to the government role in planning for next year’s crop. Failure to act by December 31 will place crop subsidies back to the 1940 farm bill level. The major disagreement lies in how much savings over ten years the House and Senate are able to make. According to the Coalition on Human Needs most recent newsletter, The House is looking for $16 billion in cuts to SNAP while the Senate is seeking $4.5 billion in cuts to SNAP. Additionally, the House is looking to save $35 billion over 10 years while the Senate is seeking to save $23 billion over that same time period.

The Veteran's Employment Bill was shelved before the election recess. According to a September 19, article in Stars and Stripes, one in four Veterans is unemployed. The bill would have allowed President Obama to create veterans jobs corps, spending $1 billion on programs and grants to put former service members to work as police officers, emergency response personnel and park rangers. The chance that this bill appears after the elections is slim as there are many pieces of legislation in need of attention.

Actions:

• When legislators return after Election Day, thousands of signatures will be passed on to legislators telling Congress we need a 2012 Farm Bill that invests in the future of healthy farms, food and people; protects our precious air, soil, water and reforms farm subsidies and levels the playing field. Join in solidarity here.
• Watch for other ways to take action on the above issues at the SCN Family Website under the Global Ministries Tab at top of page (Weekly Justice Highlights).

Weekly Justice Highlights

For those who are U.S. citizens, please exercise your right to vote on November 6.

In the Spirit of St. Vincent:  Urge African countries and the African Union Secretariat to defer the development of the Pan African Intellectual Property Organization and begin and inclusive discussion on the nature, schope, and objectives of such a body.  (International Action is available.)

Challenging Unjust Systems: Urge U.S.Senators to oppose legal immunity for banks that make unaffordable loans and push them off on unsuspecting families.

Nuclear Weapons:  Urge the European Parliament to support the next critical step toward Global Zero’s Action Plan to eliminate nuclear weapons.  

Promoting Peace: Urge President Obama and U.S. Congress to take “all options are on the table” off the table.  

Care of Earth: Urge Congress to work toward an equitable, sustainable farm bill.  When legislators return after Election Day, thousands of signatures will be passed on to legislators telling Congress we need a 2012 Farm Bill that invests in the future of healthy farms, food and people; protects our precious air, soil, water and reforms farm subsidies and levels the playing field.  Action is available here with petition here.

The World Health Organization and World Meteorological Organization unveiled the Atlas of Health and Climate, a joint project intended to assist governments in managing ecosystems and responding to health threats related to climate change.        

Resilience.org is both an information clearinghouse and a network of action-oriented groups. Our focus is on building community resilience in a world of multiple emerging challenges: the decline of cheap energy, the depletion of critical resources like water, complex environmental crises like climate change and biodiversity loss, and the social and economic issues which are linked to these. We like to think of the site as a community library with space to read and think, but also as a vibrant café in which to meet people, discuss ideas and projects, and pick up and share tips on how to build the resilience of your community, your household, or yourself.

Louisville, KY: November 10- Bank On Louisville Start Fresh Class.  Completion of this free course provides a Start Fresh Certificate.  Present your Start Fresh Certificate to a Bank On participating banks or credit unions. This will get you on your way to establishing a bank account and on a pathway of improved financial success.  Please RSVP by calling 458-8840 x1384 or emailing sarah.gant@apprisen.com. NIA Center, 2900 W. Broadway, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Weekly Justice Highlights

Immigrant Billboard Campaign and LCWR Region 6:  A prayer service in support of LCWR region 6 Immigrant Billboard campaign will be held on October 28, 2012 at 3 p.m. at 13010 Dixie Highway and Blevins (west side of Dixie approximately 1.8 miles south of the Gene Snyder loop). The billboard states, "I was a stranger (crossed out replaced by word, immigrant) and you welcomed me.  Jesus”   Parking is available near the billboard at Uncle Bob’s Cycles and at High Fashion Hair Salon.  Please do not park beneath the billboard as we will gather there for prayer.    

In the Spirit of St. Vincent: Call U.S. Senators (202.224.3121) telling them that the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth have signed the SAVE for All letter (a letter encouraging a budget and deficit reduction plan that must protect low-income and vulnerable people, invest in jobs and take the responsible course of increasing revenues from fair sources seeking savings by targeted waste) and that you urge them to be strong advocates for the SAVE principles and policy “asks.”  An email for personal editing is located here.

Care of Earth: Urge Congress to work toward an equitable, sustainable farm bill.  When legislators return after Election Day, thousands of signatures will be passed on to legislators telling Congress we need a 2012 Farm Bill that invests in the future of healthy farms, food and people; protects our precious air, soil, water and reforms farm subsidies and levels the playing field. 

An anti-hate coalition of 127 organizations is asking all people of conscience to contact the Washington Area Metropolitan Transit Authority (WMATA) and ask that it help mitigate the negative impact of anti-Muslim advertisements now on display in D.C.-area metro stations. The ads strongly suggest that Arab or Muslim opponents of Israel's policies are "savages."   

The Obama Administration is moving ahead with a plan for the Western Arctic Reserve that will protect vital habitat for caribou, polar bears, beluga whales and millions of migratory birds. Ask Interior Secretary Salazar to stand strong against those who would weaken this wildlife-friendly plan.   

Sign and share the National Religious Campaign Against Torture Statement against Solitary Confinement that will be shared with state governors, state legislators and top state correction officials.   

Louisville:  Louisville Gas and Electric (LG&E) has announced the early closure of the dirty coal-fired Can Run plant.  Push LG&E to invest in energy efficiency programs and renewable energy technologies to reduce the need to burn fossil fuels in Jefferson County.   

October 24 was the 67^th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations:  A free United Nation’s daily e-mail briefing called, UN Wire, informing the international community on news can be obtained by signing up here. 

Weekly Justice Highlights

Immigrant Billboard Campaign and LCWR Region 6:  A prayer service in support of LCWR region 6 Immigrant Billboard campaign will be held on October 28, 2012 at 3 p.m. at 13010 Dixie Highway and Blevins (west side of Dixie). The billboard states, "I was a stranger (crossed out replaced by word, immigrant) and you welcomed me.  Jesus”   Parking is available near the billboard at Uncle Bob’s Cycles and at High Fashion Hair Salon.  Please do not park beneath the billboard as we will gather there for prayer.    

The October issue of StopTrafficking newsletter co-sponsored by the SCN’s is available.

Protecting Water:  Urge the Environmental Protection Agency to protect the Clean Water Act by abandoning their flawed pollution trading scheme. 

Promoting Peace: Join Daniel Ellsberg and thousands of U.S. citizens in demanding that land-based missiles be dismantled immediately.  

The Nuclear Threat Initiative has launched a new interactive resource on the Cuban missile crisis that marks the half-century anniversary of the crisis and highlights today’s nuclear dangers. 

Urge President Obama to protect Blair Mountain from mountaintop removal coal mining and demand that his agencies use every means at their disposal to ensure this mountain is protected. 

Urge Shell to withdraw its application for the Jackpine tar sands mine (origins of Keystone XL) and to develop cleaner sources of energy.  

Send a message to the Department of Health and HumanServices urging them to make Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) eligible to be covered under the Affordable Care Act.   

KY organizations:  Organizations are asked to urge the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Commission on Tax Reform to enact a state Earned Income Tax Credit.    (Deadline is October 19, 2012) 

Weekly Justice Highlights

Care of Earth: Urge House Speaker John Boehner to stop listening to ExxonMobil, the Koch brothers, and the coal industry and to renew the American Wind Power Tax Credit.   

Challenging Unjust Corporations: Walmart associates and warehouse workers are still working under unsafe working conditions.  Sign a petition urging Walmart and Rob Walton to take action to remedy this situation. 

Empowering Women: Sign a petition against the closing of the Grameen bank that has enabled millions of women to lift themselves out of poverty by giving them tiny loans to invest and start earning money. 

Urge Trader Joe’s to support GMO labeling. 

Thank Interior Secretary Salazar who stood up for the Reserve in Alaska to maintain natural resources and prohibit industrial development. 

Louisville: On October 16 at the Muhammad Ali Center (144 N. Sixth Street, Louisville) at 7 p.m. MensWork will host a community discussion, “Men Respond to the “War on Women.”” The event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Erin Herbert: Eherbert@alicenter.org or 992.5341

Louisville: Rabbi Jeremy Milgrom, Israeli peace and justice activist, will tell his story and share his vision for Middle East peace on October 16 at 7:30 p.m. at the Clifton Unitarian Church (2231 Payne Street, Louisville). The event is free and open to the public with an audience discussion following the event.

Prayer is vital to our election process and discernment for choosing candidates. Resources exist here.    

Elections 2012: President Obama and Governor Romney share how they will help hungry and poor people.  Individuals are encouraged to view these videos and let them know that eliminating hunger and poverty is an important election issue.

2012 Election: Debate Curriculum Daily Lesson Guide developed for the debates is located here.

Weekly Justice Highlights

In the Spirit of St. Vincent:  In the US, up to 40% of our corn crop will be used for ethanol production this year despite the drought and rising food prices, diverting food for fuel.  Urge U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to stop fueling the food crisis through the promotion of biofuels like corn ethanol that push up food prices across the globe. 

Water:  Tell the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that everyone should know their drinking water is safe and that you desire all companies to provide everyone with accurate information about the purity of the local water supply not just those with internet access (EPA is considering terminating the mailing of these).    

Immigrants:  Tell Governor Jerrry Brown that it’s unacceptable that immigrants and Latinos in California will continue to live in fear of attacks like Arizona’s SB 1070. It’s appalling that 200,000 domestic workers will continue to work without rest or meal breaks. It’s outrageous when abuse of a farm animal is taken more seriously than abuse of a farm worker.     

Individuals are invited to sign a petition for a ban on depleted uranium weapons.  

Share your commitment to Indigenous People around the world by reading and signing the Declaration of Commitment to Indigenous People.  This declaration was presented in a ceremony to six of the 13 Indigenous Grandmothers recently.   (International action is available)

Fracking for natural gas is a big issue in South Africa as in many places around the world, the South African Faith Communities Institute website and September newsletter highlights the issue.  Their website and the September newsletter share this information and much more.    

Greenpeace and Amnesty have collaborated on a disturbing document entitled, The Toxic Truth.  In this rather long report, we learn where from and where to this illegal toxic waste is dumped and the lack of investigation in such practices.       

Want to be a leading change maker or encourage others, view the Storyof Change by Annie Leonard.  Check out the quiz after the video to see what type of activist you feel most comfortable being.      

The Jan Satyagraha 2012 March campaign is a large non-violent walk that will be carried out in India and in many other countries across the globe in October 2012. It begins on UN International Non-Violence Day, October 2nd, and will carry on for one month. In India, where the main event is being held, 100,000 people, representing different rural communities, especially tribal, landless and small farmers, will walk in formation together 350 kilometers from Gwalior (near the Taj Mahal) to New Delhi. The people will raise the issue about land being a key asset in development and poverty reduction, and that high levels of landlessness and deprivation need to be reduced for achieving positive national and global development. In effect, land and livelihood rights are instrumental to all people’s freedom.   Information is located here.  

Pax Christi has a page of election resources located here.

Prayer is vital to our election process and discernment for choosing candidates.  Resources exist here.   

Want to have a bit of fun with others or make the debates a bit more exciting?  Network has available a bingo card for the debates. 

October 2012

International Day of the Girl

The first International Day of the Girl will be celebrated throughout the world on 11th October 2012. In December 2011, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution to establish this day. According to the UN General Assembly, “this day is about “helping galvanize worldwide enthusiasm for goals to better girls’ lives, providing an opportunity for them to show leadership and reach their full potential.”

Do you know some of the major crises facing girls? (Taken from the Day of the Girl website)

1. By 2015, females will make up 64% of the world’s (adult) population who cannot read.
2. Only 30% of girls in the world are enrolled in secondary school.
3. One in seven girls in developing countries is married off before age 15.
4. Worldwide children as young as 11 are forced to work as prostitutes.
5. More than half (57%) of music videos feature a female portrayed exclusively as a decorative, sexual object.

And yet, according to the website Day of the Girl, the rights of girls are clearly established by law in the following:

• United Nations Declaration of Human Rights – Article 26
• Millennium Development Goals – MDG # 2,3,4,5, 6
• Convention on the Rights of the Child – Articles 12, 19, 24, 28, 31
• Beijing Platform for Action – Sections L.4, L.5, L.7, L.8
• Commission on the Status of Women 51st session

In addition to girls being challenged by individual discrimination, they face institutional discrimination. According to dayofthegirls.org, these include missing girls, non-registration at birth, early marriages, domestic labor, trafficking of girls and being pressured to undertake housework and caring duties in the home. Furthermore, parental attitudes, media, peer group pressure, social norms, cultural traditions and lack of awareness promote gender biases and stereotypes.

So, what are we to do? The first step is to be aware and acknowledge what individual and institutional barriers exist for the girl child in my own country. Secondly, be knowledgeable with regard to international and national laws that deprogram gender bias and stereotypes. Lastly, with voice and action, promote greater gender equality in solidarity with girls.

Reflection/Action:

• The Day of the Girl Summit has a lot of information inviting girls to organize events. The Virtual Summit is an accessible digital space where girls can celebrate the first ever Day of the Girl.
• Many videos are included about girls’ issues by girls. (Scroll Down)
• Miss Representation is in the media center after October 16 for checkout. (This is a sexist portrayal of girls and women in the media)
• Read about 10 girls in 10 countries who struggle to get an education here.
• Urge your local leadership to proclaim October 11 as International Day of the Girl (for youth who desire to work on this, they can visit www.dayofthegirl.org/actnow for a 3 minute video)
• Working Group on Girls Fact Sheets are located here. (poverty, education, violence and other issues that affect the lives of girls)
• For educators, you may wish to use the following journal activity: Write an essay or a list of what it would be like to be the other gender. How would life be different? How would it be the same? Would you have different responsibilities?
• View the video, The Girl Effect. (girls need to be part of the solution to global poverty)
• Urge legislators to support gender friendly legislation for women and girls.
• Choose suppliers, distributers and business partners that promote women as leaders and challenge those that do not.
  

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World Food Day and International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

World Food Day is October 16. According to Oxfam one in seven goes to bed hungry every night in our world. While it is often disputed as to whether there is enough food in the world, most experts agree that there is enough and that it is a matter of access for many individuals and families, especially women. If this is true, then might hunger be rooted in inequality and thus be determined by power as Oxfam suggests in their GROW campaign that aims to grow food and justice without wrecking the planet?

The number of individuals who suffer from chronic hunger has increased over the long-term as did the requests for emergency food aid. Climate change is playing an ever increasing role in price volatility. Furthermore, price volatility influences one’s ability to feed her/his family. All appears to be a vicious cycle of need. To better understand those people who are hungry and malnourished, individuals are invited to reflect upon the patterns of ownership and decision-making when it comes to the production, distribution and consumption of food. Who owns? Who controls? Who pays? Who gets?

Jesus reminds us that one of the basic measures of how we live our lives will be how we cared for people in need, “For I was hungry and you gave me food” (Matthew 25:35; last judgment). Yet, according to Oxfam, about 80% of the world’s hungry people live in rural areas where most of them work as farmers, herders, fishers, or laborers. How is it that we can begin to address the neds of the millions of people who still do not have food on their plates?

Might this awareness also call us to action on the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty that is observed on October 17? This observance can be traced back to 1987, more than 100,000 people gathered in Paris, France, to honor the victims of extreme poverty, violence and hunger. The eradication of poverty calls for redistribution of many of Earth’s resources including an examination of individual resources and the sharing of these to those in greater need.

Reflection/Action:

• Practice the GROW method (Oxfam) of reducing food waste to make the most of the precious resources we have. (prepare meal plans ahead of shopping, save and eat leftovers, etc.)
• Purchase products from small-scale food producers locally and from other countries. (purchase fair trade products and local farmers’ markets, advocate for small farmer and farm workers)
• Cook smart to cut down on wasted energy and water usage. (use just enough water to cover vegetables on stove, use oven for baking more than one item at a time, unplug microwave/other appliances or place on switch to reduce electrical usage)
• Purchase food that is in season to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions. (what food is in season now? How am I planning to expand my vegetable garden next Spring?)
• Eat less meat and dairy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reduce water use.
• Urge governments and companies to make smarter investments in agriculture and climate. preparedness through purchasing power or in conversation.
• Visit the Oxfam World Food Day website for more resources. (videos, faith group materials, discussion guide, etc)
• Sign a petition to end world hunger. (Petition reads, “We who support this petition find it unacceptable that close to one billion people are chronically hungry. Through the United Nations, we call upon governments to make the elimination of hunger their top priority until that goal is reached.”)
• Take time to educate yourself about the realities of those living in poverty or who suffer from hunger in your neighborhood.
• Host a simple World Food Day dinner or fast and donate the proceeds to someone in need of food in your local area.
• Arrange a food drive for a local pantry if your local area has such places.
• Pray, remembering the 1.2 billion people in the world who live in extreme poverty (less than $1.25/day). A prayer service for potential editing is located here.

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U.S. Elections, Faithful Citizenship and Framing – Part II

This is the second part of this series. The first part was located in the September 2012 Action Alert.

As U.S. elections draw closer, citizens contemplate their decisions before going to the voting booth. In the first part of this series, two of the most dominant ways of framing were addressed, that of the strict father and the nurturing parent.

While knowledge of these models is important, there are also some lessons from cognitive science about these frameworks. These are taken from the book, Thinking Points by George Lakoff (cognitive linguist and professor of linguistics at UC Berkeley, where he has taught since 1972) and include:
1. The use of frames is largely unconscious.
2. Frames define common sense.
3. Repetition can embed frames in the brain.
4. Activation links surface frames to deep frames and inhibits opposition frames.
5. Existing deep frames don’t change overnight.
6. Speak to “biconceptuals” as you speak to your base.
7. The facts alone will not set us free.
8. Simply negating the others side’s frames only reinforces them.

Bridging the gap in these frameworks consists of being grounded in love and reaching out with compassion. Perhaps the bridging is best reflected upon through the following questions:

• What is it that matters to me? (Define my values.)
• What makes me care so passionately about an issue or piece of legislation? (What value is most important?)
• What is most important will be that which touches my heart.
• How do I step back and listen to the individual person who doesn’t think like me and ask, “What experiences led you to this?” (Listen for truth of person I am in conversation with.)
• How is genuine empathy exhibited in the grounding of my curiosity of other persons’ values? (How am I meeting the other as person?)
• Where is the common ground in values as I listen to our dialogue?

While bridging may be the goal, it is imperative to be mindful of self throughout this process. When there is agitation, invite self to step back and soften heart. It can be challenging to practice looking and listening with eyes/ears of compassion. As individuals stir up the “political bases,” there appears to be a greater divide between framework models. As followers of Jesus, individuals are called to exert energy in the balance of these frameworks because we care about one another as persons and have a responsibility for oneself and others.

Reflection/Action:

• Spend some time reflecting in prayer with the above material. What insights have I gained? What is this calling me to in action?
• What is the current reality of bridging that exists within self? The national government? The Catholic Church? Media? The environment where I minister?
• How does my language (voice and body) and my depth of compassion or lack thereof speak to the bridging that is needed within our nation and world?
• What elements for bridging the gap exist in the document Faithful Citizenship? What value does this have for the common good?
• The document from the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops entitled Faithful Citizenship and materials for use in a variety of settings is located here.
• Worship materials for the weekend prior to elections is located here.
• Notable quotes on Catholic Social Teaching are located here.
• The Frameworks Institute is located here.
• The book, Thinking Points: Communicating our American Values and Vision by Lakoff (George) and The Rockridge Institute is located here.