*(Please continue to check the Social Justice Actions which are updated every Friday). Our petition corner is now located http://www.wheatonfranciscan-jpic.org/currentactionalerts.html

JPIC Office Blog

March 2, 2010

Dear Friends,

“If you’re not worried, you’re not awake.”    So said Mary Ellen Durbin at a recent DGAAN meeting.  I think this might become the new un-official motto of the JPIC.  Worry, of course, is not enough.   When we worry over, and contemplate the troubling issues of our times, we are moved to action.  Then we can proudly say that we are indeed awake.  

I offer the following topics for you to pray about, consider, and act upon.

DGAAN meets with ONE
IL Budget Crisis
Green Living – two new Websites
CRS support of Congolese peoples
Jubilee USA Network - Vulture Funds
Guest Blog

DGAAN (DuPage Glocal AIDS Action Network) – meets with ONE

On February 22nd, DGAAN members were treated to a lively presentation by Maura Daley, Field Representative from the organization, ONE.  You may remember, it was with ONE that the musician Bono came to Wheaton College, who then worked with Sr. Sheila in her efforts in Africa.

Maura shared information about three new ONE initiatives:

• ONE Campus Challenge
• Women ONE2ONE
• ONE Sabbath

Here are direct links to the three initiatives that ONE is focusing on in 2010:

ONE Campus Challenge
http://www.one.org/campus/

Every year, ONE hosts the ONE Campus Challenge (OCC): a friendly competition to determine which university's student body has the most effective global poverty-fighting campaign.

College students work together -- with others on their campus and across the country -- to learn about global poverty and preventable disease, and to achieve change on behalf of the world's poorest people through advocacy, action and awareness-raising.

During the school year, students earn points and recognition for their schools by participating in different actions and monthly challenges, including advocating for important legislation, educating people on campus about challenges to international development, and raising the visibility of ONE and the issues we champion. The schools accumulating the most points in monthly challenges and throughout the season are eligible for exciting prizes and national recognition for their efforts in the fight against global poverty. For monthly challenges visit http://www.one.org/campus/about.html

Women ONE2ONE
http://www.one.org/women/

Who we are: Women ONE2ONE is a growing voice made up of people who know that maternal health, girls' education, economic opportunity and women's empowerment are key to fighting poverty and preventable disease for everyone. This campaign recognizes women as change-makers, community-builders and peace builders. Together, we will harness our power to connect, take action and shape the future.

What we do: Women ONE2ONE is about connection and change. We apply pressure during key political moments, raise awareness of how poverty and preventable disease affect women, and lay out the remaining challenges and steps needed to accelerate action. We report on what's working and push for policies central to empowering women worldwide.

How we work: Our campaign will harness this power to recruit more than one million women in the fight against poverty and preventable disease. We will connect and take action online through innovative means and create new tools to engage others and tell stories of the results we see when we invest in women. We will continue this conversation offline through awareness-raising events, engaging our political leaders and convening our powerful coalition to make change.

ONE Sabbath
http://www.one.org/us/onesabbath/

What is ONE Sabbath?
ONE Sabbath - along with its companion Muslim and Hindu programs ONE Sadaqa and ONE Seva - rallies individuals and congregations of all faiths to raise awareness and advocate on behalf of people living in extreme poverty and struggling against preventable diseases. Using ONE Sabbath tools, churches and houses of worship respond through advocacy to such global challenges as AIDS, malaria, lack of clean water and children out of school.

How do we get started?
Go to http://www.one.org/us/onesabbath to learn more and sign up.
ONE offers participating individuals and congregations the tools to respond and make a difference within their own faith tradition. These tools, which can be found at ONE.org/onesabbath, include:

• Worship service planning kit
• Small group study guides
• Prayer guides
• Scripture readings
• Youth group toolkits
• ONE sign-up sheets

Additionally, Maura was interested in how she can support DGAAN and be involved in our activities.  In particular, she’s interested in meeting Sr. Florence Muia and exploring ways ONE might collaborate with Upendo Village.  Sr. Theresa Langfield and I will continue to connect with Maura about this exciting opportunity.

To learn more about ONE’s current Hot Topics visit http://www.one.org/c/us/policy_news/  such as President Obama’s FY11 Budget Request, Eradicating Polio and Real Help for Haiti-just to name a few.

IL Budget Crisis

Also speaking to DGAAN was Pete Subkoviak of the Chicago AIDS Foundation.  Pete presented an informative, yet sobering look at the IL Budget Crisis.  HIV/AIDS healthcare and prevention programs in Illinois are some of the best in the United States.  However, all the existing programs are in jeopardy, and some have already had to shut down, due to cuts in the IL State budget.  

The Chicago Aids Foundation is supporting the initiatives of The Responsible Budget Coalition, which brings together many diverse organizations that represent and serve millions of Illinois residents. They are committed to building the support needed to solve Illinois’ budget crisis, prevent harmful cuts to essential public services, save jobs, eliminate the state’s long-term structural deficit, and make taxes more fair.

“The state has a moral and legal obligation to protect public safety, safeguard public health, strengthen our economy, and ensure that individual has the opportunity to thrive. The current Illinois budget fails that test. It threatens or has already forced deep and damaging cuts to education, health care, human services, and public safety—the core responsibilities of state government—and undermines economic recovery by throwing thousands of Illinoisan's out of work.

We call on every elected official in Illinois to acknowledge that this fiscal crisis, brought on by a long-standing structural budget deficit and an economic downturn, cannot be solved without significant new revenue. The revenue mix contained in HB 174—a comprehensive tax-reform package passed by the Illinois Senate and approved by a committee of the Illinois House—is the most responsible framework for such a solution.

RBC supports comprehensive tax reform, including a revenue increase at least equal to that proposed in HB 174; which would:

• Raise $5.6 billion to $6 billion in new, recurring tax revenues, expand tax credits for homeowners and low-income families, and provide additional funding for education, health care, human services and public safety.
  Increase the individual income tax rate from 3% to 5%, and raise the corporate income tax rate from 4.8% to 5%. +$6.4 billion
• Increase the personal exemption from $2,000 to $3,000. -$1.05 billion
• Double the property tax credit from 5% to 10% (capped at $1,500). Make this credit refundable, ensuring that homeowners receive its full value even if it exceeds their income-tax liability. -$493 million
• Triple the state Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for low-income working families from 5% to 15% of the federal EITC claimed. -$167 million
• Apply the state sales tax to luxury services previously untaxed in Illinois but already taxed by neighboring states. +$450-600 million

Pete has created a visual aid to indicate how this tax increase will actually affect average IL citizens.  This is worth viewing!

As Illinois residents we can make a difference. Please go to http://www.abetterillinois.com/ to learn more about the coalition and its campaign.

Green Living

The Sierra Club has launched two new websites offering great information for living a more earth conscious lifestyle.

ClimateCrossroads is described as a social network for people in search of climate change solutions.  The site http://climatecrossroads.sierraclub.org/offers articles andinterviews by prominent voices in the field of global warming, tips for greener living, opportunities to connect locally and online, recipes and more.

Associated with ClimateCrossroads is the “Good Guide.”  This site http://www.goodguide.com/ allows you to find safe, healthy, green products both in local stores and online.  They offer reviews of household cleaners, personal care products and foodstuffs.  The site also provides information about organic foods and recipes.  Finally, they rate major corporations and their green efforts – allowing you to make good choices about which companies to support.

Each of these websites offers weekly Enewsletters for which you can sign-up.

Action Alert from Catholic Relief Services

Urge Congress to support S. 891/H.R. 4128 to help improve the lives of our Congolese sisters and brothers.

Take Action Now! Urge your members of Congress to help stop the violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) by co-sponsoring H.R. 4128 in the House of Representatives or S.891 in the Senate. We need to ensure that these bills move forward quickly.

Why is action important now? The violent conflict in the Eastern DRC has by some estimates killed more than five million people - most from malnutrition, disease, and lack of access to health care - and has currently displaced more than 1.7 million people from their homes. Related to the conflict, an estimated 400,000 women and girls have been raped in the Eastern DRC in the past ten years. Humanitarian assistance is vitally needed to support the DRC’s victims of violence and displacement, but we must also address its causes, including the trade of so-called “conflict minerals.”

Much of the instability, displacement, conflict, and sexual violence in the Eastern DRC is financed by armed groups’ control over lucrative mines and mineral trade routes. One of several such “conflict minerals” is coltan, a critical component for the production of cell phones, laptops, and other electronics. Much of the DRC's coltan is being illicitly mined in conflict zones and illegally exported through neighboring countries. We can help the people of the DRC by reducing the ability of armed groups to finance violence with illicitly mined conflict minerals.

Jubilee USA Network – Working to End Vulture Funds

As supporters of Jubilee USA and its efforts, we have been following the legislation,  Stop VULTURE Funds Act (HR 2932), a bill in the House of Representatives that would prevent vulture funds from making excessive profit off the debt of the world's poorest nations. The bill was re-introduced this spring by Representatives Maxine Waters (D-CA) and Spencer Bachus (R-AL).

Jubilee USA, together with Africa Action and TransAfrica Forum, continues its campaign to stop Vulture Funds from preying on impoverished countries.

BBC News recently reported on this issue, stating “Over the last five years the UK, US and other countries have written off billions of dollars in loans to the world's poorest countries in an attempt to make poverty history.  But a small group of ruthless financiers - the vulture funds - have been trying to divert that money into their own pockets. Greg Palast reports on their latest target, Liberia, and on moves by UK MPs, prompted in part by a previous Newsnight investigation, to outlaw such funds.”

You can watch the video by clicking here.  (Please note, the piece is 11 minutes long, but well worth the time!)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/newsnight/8538889.stm

Guest Blog

Last month I invited any Wheaton Franciscan to contribute a piece for the JPIC monthly blog (this is an on-going, open invitation!).  I’m pleased to bring you a familiar voice on this Blog  ---  Sr. Sheila Kinsey, currently serving in Rome.

Dear Wheaton Franciscans and Friends,     
                                                           
As the Congregational JPIC Coordinator, I am delighted to share with you the networking possibilities in Rome for social justice efforts.  There are opportunities for prayerful reflection, participation in working groups, and meetings with influential persons. I have been inspired by the JPIC efforts here in Rome.

The prayerful reflections are timely and thoughtful. Recently offered, were prayers for: the people of Haiti and all those involved in the life saving efforts; the UN Social Justice Day (Feb 20); and International Women’s Day (March 8) Copies of these prayers are available at http://jpicformation.wikispaces.com/.

I belong to the JPIC Promoters whose purpose is to animate the Gospel mission in our religious congregations. Our focus is on healing and reconciling relationships at every level. In addition to regular meetings of all the promoters, the following working groups meet: Anti-trafficking, Africa, JPIC Training, Economic Justice (Fair Trade), Integrity of Creation, and Peace Initiatives.  I am most involved with the Peace Initiatives and the Integrity of Creation groups, although I receive the minutes from all the working groups.

The Peace Initiatives group has focused efforts on nuclear disarmament and the peace building process. Our role is to find ways to involve Church leadership in public support of this process. We have met with Dave Robinson, Executive Director of Pax Christi USA, who described the Church’s statements regarding this concern.  We have also facilitated sessions on ecumenical peace building.

The Integrity of Creation Working Group has created a booklet, Earth Community: Through the Integrity of Creation Justice and Peace for All.  A number of the religious congregations have taken seriously the responsibility for care of the earth and have shared their results in a survey.  Some of our members participated in the UN Summit on Climate Change. Resources from this group are available at http://jpicformation.wikispaces.com/EN_creation.

The JPIC Promoters have also developed an inspiring booklet, Guide Us in Your Justice: A Formation Itinerary for a Prophetic Religious Life which is based on the Gospel, relevant Church resources, and Catholic Social Teaching.    Sr. Cunera Hasugian and I attended the session at which one hundred and sixty persons from seventy-five congregations discussed this booklet.  The first draft was very well received.

The final version of this booklet will be available on the JPIC Promoters website, http://jpicformation.wikispaces.com/

JPIC Promoters also met with U.S. Ambassador, Miguel Diaz.  Sr. Mary Lou Wirtz and I, along with forty-two other religious from the U.S., met with the ambassador at the Generalate of the Precious Blood Sisters.   He spoke of his theological and social justice background, and the opportunities afforded him in his position.  A lively discussion ensued around the tragedy of Haiti, ecology, and nuclear disarmament, after which, the ambassador welcomed questions.

Know that I am listening for information that will be helpful for you and that I share our experiences with the other JPIC Promoters. I value your prayerful support of our social justice efforts.    

 Peace and all good, Sr. Sheila

In closing…

As you may know, under Sr. Sheila’s leadership, a Congregational JPIC Team is being formed.  The Council has appointed me to this team as the US province representative.  I am pleased and excited to work with Sheila, and am truly looking forward to networking with the other provinces as we learn from one another’s experiences and explore joint initiatives.

I will be attending the LCWR Think Tank March 1-5. Forty-two JPIC Coordinators from around the country will be discussing “The Evolution of Human Thought and Religious Life, for the Life of the World.”  A heavy topic – but exciting and interesting!  I’m sure I’ll have great things to report back next month!

Thank you for all your efforts – for worrying and being awake! 

Blessings and Peace,

Sr. Glenna Czachor, OSF
JPIC Office Coordinator
Wheaton Franciscans

DATES TO REMEMBER

• Monday March 8, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m– Dinner and Dialogue-Explore the Climate Contract: the St. Francis Pledge to Protect Creation and the Poor with Covenant Member Mary Ellen Durbin, Executive Director of People’s Resource Center, and co-leader of the “JustMatters: God’s Creation Cries for Justice” at St. Joan of Arc Parish and Sr. Pat Irr, OSF, M.A. in Sacred Science, Spiritual Director Supervisor with the Institute for Spiritual Leadership, facilitator of retreats and workshop presenter.
• Thursday June 24 – An Evening with Sr. Florence Muia of Upendo Village
• Canticle Ministries will be hosting a Garden Party on Sunday April 25; also on Friday May 14 and Saturday 15 will be their annual Plant Sale. For information on both events please contact Jeana Stewart @ 630-588-9165.

DEADLINE for Guest Blog submissions…Friday March, 26th

Blog Archives

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