You are invited to an evening exploring opportunities for “Doing Justice” in the areas of Gun Violence, Human Trafficking and Child Poverty.
Have you been meaning to get more involved in justice issues? Are you looking for ways to act or “Do” more about the issues that keep you up at night? The diocesan Justice Board is a group committed to justice issues that is issues that affect the life and dignity of any person. Moreover, we are committed to helping people throughout the diocese learn more and get more involved in local work that helps bring us closer to a more just world. Because justice issues are numerous, we have identified three main areas of focus: Gun Violence, Human Trafficking and Child Poverty. Join us for an evening exploring these three topics with area experts involved in the work.
This event is co-sponsored by the Engaging Action Team of Diocesan Council.
Agenda
5:30 - 6:30 p.m. - Light Supper and Opening Remarks by Bishop Beckwith
6:30 - 9 p.m. - Presentations and Discussions
Presentations
Sex Trafficking: Why Does It Still Exist and What Can We Do About It?
Presenter: Laura Russell, Esq.
The presentation will focus on various issues of human trafficking, such as: Defining human trafficking, both psychologically and legally; Linking gender based discrimination, poverty and armed conflict to trafficking; Understanding domestic and international trafficking; Recognizing where the demand is, and why; Learning why people become victims of trafficking; Classifying trafficking as a human rights violation; Discussing what role you can play in eradicating trafficking and empowering women; Comprehending the link between trafficking and prostitution; Recognizing why the faith community must respond.
Children & Poverty
Presenter: Cynthia E. Lamy
Children growing up in poverty are often surrounded by a complicated knot of dangers, toils and snares - otherwise known as risks to child development. We know of some programs and policies that are successful in untangling that knot. To keep poverty from ruining a child's potential is to free that child from poverty. Accomplishing that on a broad scale would end poverty as we know it in this country.
Gun Violence
Presenter: TBA
Every year 32,000 people are killed by guns in America each year. Since the tragic deaths in Newton, the diocese has participated in many ways in efforts to curb gun violence. This discussion will focus on the New Jersey Together Against Gun Violence campaign. The campaign brings together religious leaders and concerned citizens encouraging dialogue with officials at all levels of government, gun manufacturers and firearm vendors to explore ways of reducing gun violence in America. Since after the U.S. military and other federal law-enforcement agencies, state and local police form the largest single group of gun buys in the United States, this campaign engages, empowers and challenges local communities and local community advocates.
Cost
Event including supper: $7.00
Presentation only: Free
Registration
RSVP no later than 5 p.m. on Thursday, June 19 to the Rev. Deacon Diane Riley at dianenriley@yahoo.com.
