| | | |  | In response to requests from FJC members for action opportunities, we have developed this monthly digest with information on some upcoming actions taking place. We encourage you to use this 1) to take action as an individual where possible, and 2) as inspiration to plan and take part in supporting actions in your area with your Justice Circle. | | | | Support the Truth and Healing Commission In February of this year, the co-chairs of the Congressional Native American Caucus, reintroduced the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies in the United States Act (H.R. 7227). This legislation would establish a commission to investigate, document, and acknowledge past injustices of the federal government’s Indian boarding school policies. We have a responsibility to tribal nations as the first inhabitants of this land and passing the Truth and Healing Commission would begin the healing process. As this legislation advances in Congress, we must continue to raise our voices to ensure it is swiftly passed in both chambers and enacted this year. | | | | | | | | | | Urge Congress to Protect Families Against Plastics Pollution Plastics industry lobbyists are promoting a decades-old incineration method as a new way to solve the plastic pollution crisis. They are calling the process “chemical recycling” or “advanced recycling,” even though nothing gets recycled. Instead, the trash that enters a so-called “chemical recycling” facility is burned, creating harmful air pollution, contaminated oil, and toxic ash. Moms Clean Air Force has developed an action urging Congress to protect our families from plastic incineration pollution. | | | | | | | | Continuing Advocacy to End Gaza War You are encouraged to continue reaching out to the White House by telephone and your members of Congress by email to call for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza war, the release of all hostages, ending export of offensive weapons to Israel, and increased humanitarian assistance to alleviate starvation. Calls for a ceasefire from many quarters are increasing. Click here to find the White House comment phone number and a sample script to use when calling, use the button below to send emails to Congress, and sign up for updates from the Christians for Ceasefire campaign, which will continue with in-person events and congressional advocacy meetings in Washington DC. | | | | | | | | | | Hold firearms industry accountable for marketing and business practices Repealing the gun industry’s special immunity from liability is one of the most important reforms we can pass because survivors of gun violence deserve their day in court against firearm manufacturers and dealers who have not acted with safety in mind.Why is this important? In the late 1990s and early 2000s, cities were taking action against the gun industry and gun violence survivors were winning lawsuits. All that progress and momentum ended when The Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA) became law. Since then, the industry has continued to design and sell incredibly dangerous products and act negligently. Repealing this liability shield will pressure gunmakers to create safer products, and make sellers think twice about selling guns to “straw purchasers,” which can end up in the hands of criminals. Use this link to check if your senator has not signed. | | | | | | | | Take Action for Sudan: Sign the Petition Since April 2023, the ongoing fighting in Sudan between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has devastated the country. Eight million people have been displaced, humanitarian need is growing, and the international community’s response remains woefully inadequate. As the one-year anniversary of the war approaches, the situation remains dire. Please sign the petition to President Biden urging him to take action. | | | | | | | | | | At the monthly national FJC call, Cincinnati FJC member, Bob Gedert, an adjunct professor at Xavier University on climate change gave an informative and inspiring talk about the impact of plastics on the planet and what we can do. Here is the recording on YouTube of Bob Gedert's 15 min. talk on Plastics: Climate and the 3 R's. | | | | The Rochester, NY Franciscan Justice Circle hosted two guest speakers at their March meeting in order to learn more about the experiences of people immigrating to the U.S., both at the border and once they are living in the interior. FAN immigration advocacy associate Merwyn De Mello and a policy analyst at Hope Border Institute shared stories and perspectives on the support offered at the southern border, what happens once people cross the border, accompaniment within the country, challenges, and policies impacting each part of an immigrant’s journey. It was an opportunity to hear perspectives difficult to find in mainstream media and invited the FJC members to further encounter and consider how to be in solidarity with families in transit and seeking stability. The recently formed Chicagoland Franciscan Justice Circle has been reflecting on ways they experience and contribute to crucifixion and resurrection in their local contexts. They’re learning about the pollution a local community is experiencing due to a local coal tar plant. In March they also discussed the Farm Bill and the importance of supporting public food assistance to people in need. Those who were interested were also invited to participate in a letter-writing campaign to local lawmakers. After the November decision was made that Ohio would open up its state parks and designated wildlife areas to fracking, members of the Cleveland Franciscan Justice Circle expressed great concern. Recently the companies that were awarded the bids became public and members of the Circle have connected with other groups in the state who are also concerned and advocating to protect these public lands from fracking. Members of the NYC-Area Franciscan Justice Circle who are also part of their parish Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation Committee, are actively organizing a Care for Creation Fair on April 20-21 at Holy Name of Jesus - St. Gregory the Great parish in New York City. The Fair will focus on various aspects of ways to better “care for the earth and care for the poor” as Pope Francis encouraged us all to do in his encyclical Laudato Si’. At the Fair, the Circle members will also be sharing information about the Franciscan Justice Circle, inviting visitors to get involved. Continuing with past public health advocacy at the state level, the NYC-Area Circle is considering their current advocacy strategy in relation to the Predatory Marketing Prevention Act which passed the NY State Senate but needs to get through the State Assembly. The bill concerns sugar content in soft drinks and food from major corporate chains, and the impacts they have on people’s health. | | | | | | | | Questions? Contact the Director of Franciscan Justice Circles, Nora Pfeiffer, at FJCinfo@franciscanaction.org Peace and all good. | | | | | | | | Franciscan Action Network
1400 Quincy Street NE, | Washington, District of Columbia 20017
202-527-7575 | info@franciscanaction.org | | | | | | | | | |
