Action Alert

August 2013

Charity Federation Focus on Climate Change

International Day of the World’s Indigenous People is on August 9.  This day recognizes the global communities’ responsibility to promote and protect the rights of Indigenous Persons.  Yet, when it comes to climate change and its effects on those living in poverty, the global community is in need of much growth. 

 

A recent article highlights a 15-year-old from Tami-heruwa village in India’s north-eastern state of Assam who has seen her life reduced from lessons and homework to household chores.  This is due to the consequences of recurrent droughts and floods of which has destroyed their farm land home; they depend on agriculture as a means to sustain their family and of which experts attribute to climate change.  She is among thousands in the geographic area who have been forced to drop out of education and either work in the home or become daily wage laborers to support their families.  According to Centre for Environment, Social and Policy Research (CESPR), girls and women have suffered the most negative consequences from climate change.  The research group noted that when a mother decides to go out in search of work, the responsibility of the house usually falls to the girl and she is asked to leave school. 

 

This story and many others from around the world related to climate change, challenges individuals and groups to reflect and act more intentionally.  The U.S. and Canadian Congregations of the Sisters of Charity Federation of North America social justice representatives and recently the Vincentian Family of North America have been collaborating on justice issues since January.  The group acknowledges that individual congregations continue to put forth efforts around the issues related to Climate Change.  Thus, the following statement:

 

The social justice representatives for the U.S. and Canadian Congregations of the Sisters of Charity Federation of North America as well as the Vincentian Family Collaborators of North America invite us all to respond to the crisis of global climate change as one of the central ethical issues of our time. Vincent de Paul challenged us to see persons living in poverty as the presence of Christ.

 

Faithfulness to our charism challenges us:

• To efficacious compassion toward the brokenness of Earth and its life systems;
•  To recognize that persons living in poverty and on the margins suffer first from the effects of global climate change;
• To learn to discern and celebrate the presence of God in Earth;
• To evaluate our lifestyle choices; 
• To integrate this heightened awareness in our consciousness, congregational documents and actions.        (June 2013)  

In the story above, it is evident to see that not just those currently living in poverty but also those living semi-comfortably likely won’t have the economic or technological resources to adapt to the impacts of climate change.  In addition to addressing the short-term solutions of those living in poverty, long-term solutions also need to be addressed in the form of sustainability.  

 

Does sustainability refer to sustained economic growth, and an environment that is able to maintain the status quo with our energy-intensive, consumer driven needs? Or does sustainability refer to the whole ecosystem, an interconnected web of life with its vast and rich diversity of species? What is the relationship between sustainability and the economy? 

 

According to Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee (editor of Spiritual Ecology: The Cry of the Earth), deep ecology maintains that the idea of endless economic growth is unsustainable, and that business as usual will destroy the beauty and diversity of our world. It calls for new economic models, which respect and support the ecosystem of which we are a part.”  Wendell Berry challenges individuals to consider the more spiritual dimension of ecology stating, “that which has long been understood by indigenous peoples is that our relationship to the Earth is spiritually as well as physically sustaining.”  Many individuals are at a disconnect wtih Earth; this is implied in the many ways individuals, businesses, groups, and communities live their lives.  Satish Kumar states, "the contemporary environmental movement, in the main, follows the path of empirical science, rational thinking, data collection and external action. This is good as far as it goes but it doesn't go far enough. We need to include care of the soul as a part of care of the planet."   

 

Reflections/Actions:

• While members of the Sisters of Charity Federation have made commitments around many of the challenges in the statement above, it is imperative to ask, what more can I/we be and do?  
•  Be with these Scripture passages and listen to their voice: Mark 10: 17-22; Luke 6:20-25; Luke 16:13-15. 
• Thich Nhat Hanh asks, “Have I heard the bells of mindfulness through Earth’s experience of floods, droughts, wildfires, and other disasters?”
• How might my/our life/lives change if we were to be in solidarity with the hardships of those struggling as a result of climate change?
• How does my life demonstrate the reality, "the world is not a problem to be solved; it is a living being to which we belong.” 
•  U.S. citizens are invited to call President Obama urging him to reject the Keystone XL pipeline.
• The Earth Charter Initiative continues to call individuals to greater action.
• Scientists continue to share climate change information and its’ socio-economic impacts.
• JoannaMacy has some excellent reflections.
• CatholicSocial Teaching on climate change, the St. Francis Pledge and many other resources.
• The Do The Math documentary is a 42-minute film about the rising movement in the United States to change the terrifying maths of the climate crisis and challenge the fossil fuel industry.  You can find the video on youtube.  More information is here.  
• ChasingIce is the story of one man’s mission to change the tide of history by gathering undeniable evidence of our changing planet. 
•  The Forum of Religion and Ecology at Yale is international and inter-religious in scope.
• Three magazine websites that continue to highlight the issue include Orion, Yes, and Mother Jones.            
• Consider praying with this ecological examen
• All creation (i.e. all that is of Earth) reflects the beauty and blessing of God’s image.  Where am I most aware of this today?
• How am I currently making a conscious effort to care soulfully for any aspect of God’s creation? 
• What challenges and joys do I experience as I become more interdependent, physically and spiritually, with all creation?
• In what aspects do I maintain an unspoken sense of superiority with creation?  What might I do to repair these broken aspects of relationship? 
• In what areas do I ask for grace to be more mindful of the Incarnate Christ in my relationship with all creation?
• Prayer: The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one.  I in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.  (adapted from Joseph Carver, SJ)

Immigration Legislation Update

While the Senate passed one piece of legislation in June, the House has yet to pass any piece of legislation and certainly does not desire the Senate version (S.744).  The House Judiciary Committee recently held hearings with undocumented youth in an effort to examine a pathway to citizenship for those who were brought by their parents.  No path has yet been set out for undocumented adults.  As a result, it appears as though the House is going to piece-meal immigration reform.  Will coalition pressure, the solidarity of undocumented youth who may have a path to citizenship or the economy persuade House leaders to embrace a pathway to citizenship for all?  

Farm Bill Update

Both the Senate and House have passed their version of the Farm Bill.  Missing in the House bill was domestic (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP) and international food aid.  The House Farm Bill was sent back to the House to decide if a separate nutrition bill will be taken up or if they wish to negotiate off the Senate bill.  SNAP  is permanently authorized and will not be in any danger until September 30 as is the current Farm Bill.  If no decision is reached, congress does require SNAP to continue being funded through annual appropriation bills. 

Reflections/Actions:

• Watch and take the latest action for comprehensive immigration reform at Justice For Immigrants and watch the SCN Newsline for further action.
• NETWORK has a fact sheet on immigration and a site to urge Congress that immigration reform is needed now at this location. 
• Urge U.S. Representatives to strengthen programs that reduce hunger and improve nutrition in the U.S. protecting SNAP from any cuts and structural changes.  Additionally, urge them to sustain robust international food aid and to improve the nutritional quality of food aid. 

Weekly Justice Highlights

The Updated SCN Process for making a Corporate Stance is located here.    

Immigration: Urge Speaker Boehner and Majority Leader Eric Cantor to move swiftly forward on immigration that includes a pathway to legalization and eventual citizenship for the undocumented, reforms the family and business immigration system and provides visas for Irish workers by calling 1-866-940-2439 or visiting their contact pages at http://www.speaker.gov/contact and http://majorityleader.gov/Contact/   

Immigration: Tell Speaker Boehner and Judiciary Chairman Bob Goodlatte how unacceptable Representative Steve King’s remarks likened DREAMers to drug mules.  

Promoting Peace: Urge U.S. Senators to support and sign the Feinstein letter to President Obama supporting diplomacy with Iran.  

Sign a petition urging state legislators to say NO to the American Legislative Exchange Commission (ALEC).  

Urge U.S. Representatives and Senators to support the Fair Minimum Wage Act.    

Urge U.S. legislators to oppose the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement fast track.   

Urge Governor Beshear to work to oppose the Bluegrass Pipeline and include it in the August 2013 special session of the General Assembly.  

An economic toolkit containing messages for legislators on the budget is located here.    

A toolkit on immigration containing legislative messages is here.  

Weekly Justice Highlights

The Updated Process for making a Corporate Stance is located here.   
Immigration: NETWORK staff Ashley Wilson, after visiting Representative offices states that, “U.S. Representatives need to hear Catholic values from constituents in their efforts at comprehensive immigration reform.”  It is imperative that individuals call (1.202.224.3121; charges apply) or write on a regular basis in the upcoming month.  

In the Spirit of St. Vincent:  U. S. citizens are urged to contact U.S. Representatives telling them that: As people of faith, we urge our members of Congress to enact a farm bill this year that alleviates hunger and malnutrition, supports vibrant farms and healthy communities, and protects God's creation.  Please support a full, multi-year reauthorization of the farm bill that alleviates hunger and malnutrition protects and strengthens programs that reduce hunger and improve nutrition in the United States through SNAP and sustains a robust international food aid and improves nutritional quality of this food aid.  Individuals are also invited to send a message to your Senators and Representative and tell them to protect this vital program.

Promoting Peace: Urge Members of Congress to support a just resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as many are working nonviolently for peace.

Urge U.S. Senators and Representatives (1.202.224.3121; charges apply) to co-sponsor the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2013 that would raise the federal minimum wage from $7.25 to $10.10 per hour to keep pace with cost of living increases.    

Urge State Legislators to REPEAL “Stand Your Ground” laws or similar laws in states that currently have these.  

Urge Governor Beshear to work to oppose the Bluegrass Pipeline and include it in the August 2013 special session of the General Assembly.  
Louisville:  Urge Mayor Greg Fisher and LG&E to move Louisville beyond coal to clean energy. 

Corporate Stance Process for Sisters of Charity of Nazareth

Definition:  A corporate stance of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth is a public statement or action made in the Congregation’s name, on behalf of and with the informed consent of a simple majority of community members, polled in regard to a major issue of concern resulting from individual/group study, networking partners (i.e. LCWR, CRI, Charity Federation, etc.) and/or prayerful reflection.

Rationale:  As Sisters of Charity of Nazareth we hold values in common which may be acted upon to live out our Charism and simultaneously to build the Reign of God.  We also look for ways of furthering our Mission Statement and opportunities to bring about systemic change.  Moreover, a corporate rather than an individual stance is more effective in addressing public policy or an issue calling for a public response.  

Process for taking a Corporate Stance:
Step 1    An individual and/or group identifies and documents an issue for a corporate stance. 

The issue should meet the following criteria:

à        External to the Congregation

à        Relevant to the Mission Statement, Gospel and/or Catholic Social Teachings

à        Affect human rights and/or the integrity of creation

Step 2    Having met the criteria, the individual/group brings the issue to the Executive Committee.  The Executive Committee decides:

à        Does the issue meet the criteria for a corporate stance?

à        Is the issue appropriate for congregation-wide discernment?

Step 3    The Executive Committee appoints a committee composed of:

à        Members who have submitted the issue

à        Additional persons if deemed appropriate

à        Director of Office of Global Ministries as ex-officio member

 

A chairperson can be decided by the committee.

Step 4    The Executive Committee announces the process to the congregation.

Step 5      The responsibilities of the committee:

à        Prepare and distribute a process and materials for theological reflection around the issue to congregational members and associates

à        Prepare and distribute the Corporate Stance for congregational members and associates

à        Prepare a ballot.

Step 6     The committee distributes the ballot to Congregational members after sufficient time has been provided for study, reflection, discussion and prayer on the issue.

Step 7      Ballots are completed and returned to the committee.

Step 8       A corporate stance is made if returned ballots show a simple majority with a “yes”.

Step 9       The Executive Committee:

à        Communicates the results of the ballot to members and/or refer to Provinces (When Congregation does not adopt as Corporate Stance, provinces are free to follow a process for Provincial Corporate Stance)

à        Distributes the Corporate Stance publicly

à        Promotes continued education and advocacy with regard to the Corporate Stance through the Office of Global Ministries

à        Monitors the Corporate Stance on an ongoing basis

Revised February 2013

Weekly Justice Highlights

July 2013 Stop Trafficking newsletter co-sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth is located here   

Care of Earth:  Urge Secretary of State John Kerry to reflect the truth in the Keystone XL Pipeline report at  Individuals are also invited to tell President Obama to reject the Keystone XL.   

Death Penalty: New Dead Man Walking resources for teachers are available here.  

Challenging Unjust Systems: Denounce the murder of a peaceful indigenous protestor in Rio Blanco, Honduras (Tomás García) who was participating in a peaceful demonstration, was shot and killed by members of the Honduran Army.    

Empowering Women and Girls: This past week Malala spoke at the United Nations with regard to education for girls.  Her testimony would be excellent for girls around the world to see.      

Urge U.S. legislators to oppose the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement fast track.    

Urge the United States to participate in the new multilateral disarmament forums.   

Sign a petition and add a message to the Bureau of Land Management urging Public land be protected from hydraulic fracturing.  

Urge Louisiana officials to release Herman Wallace, a 71 year old prisoner with advanced liver cancer who has been held in solitary confinement longer than anyone else in modern U.S. history (41 years).   

Urge President Obama and members of Congress to close Guantanamo.   

U.S. citizens are invited to download, sign and deliver a letter to Wendy’s encouraging them to join the Fair Food Program where farmworker rights are protected. 

Weekly Justice Highlights

Nuclear Weapons: Sign a petition to eliminate nuclear weapons.  

Immigration: U.S. citizens are invited to call toll free 1.866.940.2439 and urge U.S. Representatives to support immigration reform that creates a path to citizenship and reunites families.  The SAFE Act, Border Security Results Act, Agricultural Guestworker Act, and SKILLS Visas Act are not real reforms to our broken immigration system. 

Care of Earth: Tell President Obama that natural gas is not a solution to U.S. future energy, especially when the industry of fracking is not held accountable for pollution.   

Call and urge U.S. Representatives (1.866.940.2439; no charges apply) to vote for the Quigley amendment to the Energy and Water Appropriations bill that would cut excess funds for the B61 nuclear bomb.

Sign a petition urging CEO’s of public television to keep Koch money from influencing public television programming.   

A resolution to action on Immigration Reform published by LCWR is located here.    

U.S. citizens are invited to download, sign and deliver a letter to Wendy’s encouraging them to join the Fair Food Program where farmworker rights are protected.

The Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement continues without transparency.  Urge Congress to expose the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement details.  Please scroll down.

 Urge U.S. Senators to co-sponsor the State Energy Race to the Top Initiative Act that would engage states in a friendly competition to find the best ideas, strategies and innovations for increasing energy production.     

Plastics turned into oil? Why are we not doing this?  Check this five minute video out here. 

Educational resources on the topic of peace are located here. 

The 2013 Trafficking In Persons Report can be read and/or downloaded here. 

January to June 2013 Legislative Accomplishments

In February, the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) was re-authorized and sent to the President including an amendment reauthorizing the Trafficking Victims Protection Act. 

In March, Kentucky passed HB 3, The Human Trafficking Victims Rights Act which strengthens state law for fighting human trafficking and provides more services for victims. 

In March, Whole Foods took a huge step towards giving its customers the right to know what they are eating. By 2018, it will require any product containing GMOs sold in its stores to be labeled.

In March, the bipartisan Levin-Hatch Amendment 708 to the Budget Resolution was passed that that works on curbing corporate tax avoidance and stopping corporate offshore tax loopholes!

In April, delegates from 154 nations voted to adopt the first-ever international Arms Trade Treaty!  This treaty will help monitor and control the flow of arms and ammunition across borders.  Work continues on the adoption of this treaty by each nation. 

In May, the Senate Judiciary passed S. 744, immigration legislation out of committee.  It is now expected to go to the Senate floor in mid-June.

In June, Connecticut is the first in the nation to pass a strong GMO labeling bill that will require genetically engineered foods to be labeled. 

In June, the House defeated the Farm Bill that would have cut over $20 billion to SNAP (formerly food stamps), $2.5 billion in cuts to food aid, and policy changes that would have substantially increased hunger for years to come.

In June, the Louisville Metro Council passed a FY 2013-2014 budget that included $1 million in funds for the Louisville Affordable Housing Trust Fund that will begin to address housing needs of working families. 

In June, the U.S. Senate passed immigration legislation by a vote of 68-32 that includes a path to citizenship as well as further border security.