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50th Anniversary of the March on Washington August 21st, 2013

mlk-speech-i-have-a-dreamOn August 28, 2013 citizens from across the United States will converge on Washington to commemorate and celebrate the historic March On Washington that took place 50 years ago on August 28, 1963.

Following the March for Jobs and Justice, President Obama will speak to the nation from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, the same spot from which Dr. Martin Luther King issued his famous “I had a dream” speech. The Lincoln Memorial Commemoration activities are designed to commemorate and continue the pressure for civil rights and economic justice pursued by Dr. King and civil rights advocates 50 years ago. Information for the celebration can be found on the 50th Anniversary March on Washington website.

We invite your reflections on this historic day. Were you present at the March in 1963? We are collecting stories from people who were there to march for jobs and freedom. Send your recollections and reflections to jpic@omiusa.org in the JPIC Office and we will post them to the website.


2013 Labor Day Statement & Resources by U.S. Catholic Bishops August 20th, 2013

Screen-Shot-2013-07-01-at-7.09.45-PM-620x412Every human being enjoys a basic right to be respected, not because of any title, position, prestige, or accomplishment but first of all because we are created in the image and likeness of God. From an ethical and moral perspective we embrace the exhortation of St. Paul “to anticipate one another in showing honor” (Rom 12:10).

Labor Day is an opportunity to take stock of the ways workers are honored and respected. Earlier this year, Pope Francis pointed out, “Work is fundamental to the dignity of a person…. It gives one the ability to maintain oneself, one’s family, to contribute to the growth of one’s own nation.”

Unfortunately, millions of workers today are denied this honor and respect as a result of unemployment, unjust wages, abuse, and exploitation.

2013 Labor Day Statement by Bishop Stephen Blaire

Resources:

Thanks to the National Catholic Rural Life Conference for this alert.

 


Polaris Project Pushes States to Combat Slavery August 14th, 2013

state-ratings-gif-fixed5The Polaris Project works to end modern slavery. An important way to do this is by passing laws at the State level: Laws that explicitly outlaw sex trafficking and labor trafficking; Laws that treat child victims of sexual exploitation as kids, not criminals; Laws that establish vital assistance programs for all survivors of human trafficking.

To encourage greater attention to what needs to be done, the Polaris project has released a tool to measure States’ performance in combatting slavery. Their 2013 State Ratings on Human Trafficking Laws give two states (Washington and New Jersey) perfect scores. Mississippi, Arkansas and Wyoming have made important strides towards that goal. However, they note that a majority of states still lack basic victim assistance protections.

To see how your state rates, scroll down or download the information at www.polarisproject.org/2013stateratings

Please share this information widely.

 


Join the 8th Day Center Celebration: Revel in the Revolution! July 31st, 2013

Revel-2013-logo-sidebarSave the Date: 8th Day Center for Justice invites you to their annual celebration, Revel in the Revolution, on Saturday, September 21!

The theme for the revelry is Roll Away the Stone, featuring Sr. Pat Farrell, OSF, who will share her thoughts on how we roll away the stone during these times of austerity in the Church and the world.

The 3rd Annual Mary Elsbernd, OSF Award will be presented to immigrant justice and anti-torture activist Sr. Benita Coffee, OSB.

There are many ways to support the event…

Click here to make your reservation today or to get more info! 

Tickets: $60 | $30 for student/limited income.

Volunteer Tickets: $15 suggested donation. 
Contact maryellen@8thdaycenter.org to volunteer.

Can’t make the event? Consider a donation! 

Click here to purchase raffle tickets and participate in the online silent auction! 

Revel in the Revolution: Living Out Loud

Presented by 8th Day Center for Justice

Saturday, September 21, 2 – 5pm

Irish American Heritage Center

4626 N. Knox Ave Chicago 60630

Contact: Joyce (joyce@8thdaycenter.org, 312.641.5151)

 


Make Wall Street Accountable to Main Street July 15th, 2013

derivative-bombTell New York Senators Gillibrand and Schumer that derivatives regulation should not be delayed!!

Five years ago, unchecked derivatives trading in the U.S. threatened the entire global financial system. Countless citizens lost their jobs, homes and pensions, as risky lending fueled by unregulated derivatives fomented the mortgage crisis. 

Join the Missionary Oblates and other members of the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility (ICCR) in demanding derivatives reform now.

Sign on (as an individual) to the petition available at change.org:  http://chn.ge/11GhghC

Please post to your Facebook site and Tweet to spread the word.

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