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.