Jubilee Act proponents seek slot on Obama agenda
WHEATON—Although Jubilee Act, S 2166/HR 2634, has cleared numerous hurdles since its inception four years ago to provided immediate debt cancellation for developing nations, it has yet to go up for a vote before the full U.S. Senate.
The bill, which urges Congress to authorize a plan to provide for grater responsibility in lending and expanded cancellation of debts owed to the United States and the international financial institutions by low-income countries, was amended in August 2008 to reflect a desire among its bipartisan supporters on Capitol Hill.
In November, Sr. Sheila Kinsey, OSF and Leader of the Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) Office of the Wheaton Franciscans, participated in an information update session on the state of achieving Jubilee Act justice. The Jubilee USA Network organized a three-day meeting beginning Nov. 17 in Washington, D.C. Members of the Jubilee USA Network reflected and reviewed emerging issues in relation to Jubilee work and efforts to pass the legislation. They planned strategy for next four years, beginning in January 2009. The Jubilee USA Network agreed to focus on measures that would eradicate global poverty and promote sustainable development by building a strong movement and political will for the cancellation of unjust debt for countries of the global south. In addition, the group took a stand against inappropriate development—development programs must be viable without causing harm to current economic conditions in those countries.
Neil Watkins, national coordinator for Jubilee USA, updated participants on a variety of related matters. Speakers discussed in a series of breakout sessions the topic of illegitimate debt and responsible financing, climate justice and debt and International Monetary Fund reform measures in light of the global financial crises. Meanwhile, Jubilee USA campaigners presented their overarching plants to adapt to the style that best suits the new administration in Washington.
Sr. Sheila Kinsey, OSF and Leader of the JPIC Office, spoke at the conference. She spoke about the efforts of the Wheaton Franciscans and the DuPage Glocal AIDS Action Network (DGAAN), which is an advocacy group organized for the purpose of gaining nonpartisan support for issues that impact the poor and marginalize, including people living with HIV/AIDS. DGAAN members, including Sr. Sheila, and Jubilee Act campaigners, Ron Durbin and Dan Driscoll Shaw, were mentioned for their achievement in gaining Congressional support for future Jubilee legislation. U.S. Rep. Judy Biggert of Hinsdale along with 15 other Illinois congressmen were convinced of the merits and appropriate administration of the Jubilee legislation after a groups of DGAAN and ONE Campaign members approached them for their support. The groups were lauded at the Jubilee Network conference for their compassionate persistence in promoting debt cancellation.
Top on the list is a campaign by Jubilee USA to alert the newly designated US Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner about the issues as they relate to cancellation of the debt. The newest campaign is called “What’s on Your Heart?” It highlights six objectives:
For information on the “What’s on Your Heart?” campaign, visit the Jubilee USA Web site at: http://www.jubileeusa.org/heartcampaign. The site offers detail about the promotion process. It relies on a Valentine’s Day theme and calls for homemade heart-shaped cards adorned with messages promoting any one of the six key points presently highlighted by Jubilee USA. Campaigners suggest that each card be signed and include the sender’s address, phone number and e-mail address. They should be mailed to Jubilee USA Network, 212 E. Capitol St. NE, Washington, DC 20003. Advocates can also send a supportive online message to www.jubileeusa.org/heartcampaign.They will be gathered by campaigners and used to demonstrate tangible support for Jubilee justice.
Finally, advocates can order postcards with pre-written messages directly from Jubilee USA at carly@jubileeusa.org or by calling 202-546-4470.
All messages will be delivered directly to the new Treasury Secretary after the Jan. 20, 2009, Inauguration. Thank you to those advocates who already have demonstrated their support for Jubilee justice, and specifically, for those whose involvement includes the most recent heart campaign.