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Interfaith Investors Issue Statement on the 5th Anniversary of Rana Plaza Tragedy April 25th, 2018
The Rana Plaza building collapse in Bangladesh in 2013 resulted in over 1,100 garment workers killed and 2,600 injured. This massive tragedy drew attention to the systemic human rights abuses in the garment sector, as well as the failure of the Bangladesh government and corporate compliance programs to create safe and healthy workplaces that respect and protect the lives of workers and mitigate the risk to companies and their investors.
To mark the 5th anniversary of this disaster a coalition of investors, including the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, and led by the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility (ICCR) issued an investor statement appealing to over 60 companies sourcing in Bangladesh to assume responsibility for helping to transform the Bangladesh apparel sector. In their statement the coalition proposes four main recommendations.
View the full statement with signatories here.
Earth Day 2018: End Plastic Pollution April 16th, 2018
“Bring the whole human family together . . . for we know that things can change.”
(Laudato Si’, 13)
International Mother Earth Day or Earth Day, first observed in 1970 is the largest secular observance in the world. According to the United Nations, this observance ‘recognizes a collective responsibility, as called for in the 1992 Rio Declaration, to promote harmony with nature and the Earth to achieve a just balance among the economic, social and environmental needs of present and future generations of humanity.’
This year’s theme, End Plastic Pollution, is to raise awareness about the exponential growth of plastics now threatening the survival of our planet and to get people involved in this effort.
All week you can find Climate Action activities by visiting the Faith Climate Action Week website.
Want to learn more about plastic waste? Read this article: Where does your plastic waste go?
Watch a video by the Catholic Climate Covenant Reducing Plastic Waste and Moving Beyond a Throwaway Culture
TAKE ACTION
Take personal responsibility to end Plastic Pollution
Read more about the issue and find more resources at these links:
Catholic Climate Covenant
UN International Mother Earth Day 22 April
Earth Day Network
Catholic Health Association
Earth Day Reflection
Ours is a planet filled with wonder. It was only a few decades ago that for the first time in history, thanks to groundbreaking advances in technology, humans were able to view planet earth from space. In the eighties a spacecraft called Voyager captured an image of our solar system from 11,100,000,000 miles away, depicting it as a tiny grain of sand so tiny it was barely detectable. Yet there it was, that planet we call home, not only beautiful but filled with wonder, a home that provides all we need to live: oxygen, water, food, etc.
Looking at these images it is hard not to be moved with admiration, respect and amazement. It should make us feel privileged to inhabit this earthly place given to us by God. We now know there are not only trillions of planets in the universe but trillions of galaxies out there. Yet, as far as we know, not even one other is brimming with life like ours. This makes our home Mother Earth and us very unique and special.
What should our response be to such a gift from God, such a blessing? How are we to treat and care for our common home, for one another, and all living things that share this space? What comes to mind when we reflect on these questions? This: have we been mindful and grateful enough for the blessing of this beautiful home? On Earth Day 2018 let us experience, enjoy and thank God for Creation.
Oblate JPIC is Hiring! Apply Today. April 6th, 2018
Job Opening
Office Coordinator – Part Time
Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate – Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Office is seeking a part-time Office Coordinator. The Office Coordinator will provide administrative and coordination tasks for a small office; Assist with faith consistent investment and engagement ministry, office communications, and other projects. Effective written communication skills and a strong understanding of financial and bookkeeping transactions are a must.
Job Time: Part-Time (20 hours per week) Location: Washington, DC
Essential Job Function
- Assist in preparing and filing of corporate resolutions.
- Maintain records of corporate engagement actions
- Process checks, invoices and manage office bill payments
- Prepare financial reports as requested by the director
- Participate in staff meetings and record meeting minutes.
- Provide assistance with newsletter production
- Other administrative and clerical duties as assigned
Qualifications
- Associates degree required
- Strong understanding of financial and bookkeeping transactions
- Excellent written communications and administrative skills
- Research skills preferred
- Ability to work well in a team and independently
- Proficient in Microsoft Office 365, Excel, and PowerPoint
- Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and manage workload efficiently
- Administrative office experience preferred
Download the announcement here. Please send your resume to: jpic@omiusa.org
Missionary Oblates Join Investors Calling for Corporate Action to Address Gun Violence April 3rd, 2018
Missionary Oblates JPIC has joined the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility (ICCR) and over 140 institutional investors in a statement calling on gun manufacturers, retailers and distributors, as well as companies with ‘financial ties to these industries, to review their operations, supply chains, and policies and take meaningful action on this public safety concern.’
The recent Parkland, Florida school shooting has ignited robust calls for action on the issue of gun violence. As an organization committed to justice and peace, we pray for victims and their families and join this rallying cry for immediate action on gun violence.
The investor statement was issued on March 29th and contributors to the statement include members of ICCR who have led engagements with gun manufacturers and retailers for several years. The letter outlines specific measures companies can immediately put in place, to reduce the risk of gun violence. Some of these recommendations were adapted from the Sandy Hook Principles, a set of guidelines aimed at curbing gun violence and coming out of the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy,
You can read the full statement here.
Have a blessed Easter! March 29th, 2018
“May the light of Christ rising in glory dispel the darkness of our hearts and minds,” and enable all of us to relive the experience of the disciples on the way to Emmaus. By listening to God’s word and drawing nourishment from the table of the Eucharist, may our hearts be ever more ardent in faith, hope and love. (Pope Francis, 2018 Lenten Message)
