Newsmakers
May 18, 2010.
Collaborating to Stop Human Trafficking
CORPORATE STATEMENT Against HUMAN TRAFFICKINGThe charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph is one of unity: "that all may be one." We strive to build loving, compassionate and right relationships with God, our neighbor and ourselves. In the twenty-first century, slavery and bondage still affect the lives of millions of people, but the greatest challenge is the trafficking of women and children (primarily), and men. Victims of human trafficking are taken across borders world-wide and subjected to force, fraud, or coercion, for the purpose of sexual exploitation or abusive labor. Their humanity is destroyed and terror becomes a way of life. The United States (and the New York City area) has the largest demand for this criminal activityThe charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph is one of unity: "that all may be one." We, Sisters of St. Joseph, abhor the trafficking of persons, all of whom are our dear neighbor. We are committed to educate ourselves and others about this destructive behavior, to speak out for the truth in order to heal and support victims of this injustice, and to promote life through systemic change for justice.**********************************************************************************
WHAT WE HAVE DONE... - As a CongregationWe have authorized the Intercommunity Peace and Justice Center to list our Congregation as an official endorser of the Commitment to End Human Trafficking. We have pledged to address human trafficking with the following actions: + Learn about the situation and demand of human trafficking
+ Pray for trafficked persons and for an end to human trafficking
+ Educate others about the reality of human trafficking
+ Advocate for legislation that will address root causes and assist
trafficked persons
+ Support local safe houses and shelters for trafficked persons Sister Jean Amore signed this Commitment on Jan. 27, 2010 _______________________________ We have joined the NY Coalition of Religious Congregations - To Stop the Trafficking of Human Persons (NYCRC-STOP). Sister Constance Kennedy is representing us and co-ordinating our efforts. _______________________________ Updates By Sister Constance KennedyI have been giving talks to our Sisters at the Assisted Living Convents, to a parish group in Queens, and to St. Joseph H S Faculty. The purpose was to raise awareness about Human Trafficking and the need for greater education of the issue and the terrible suffering this Modern Day Slavery is having on women, children and men all over the world. We have a TOOLKIT to help ourselves and others to becoming more aware and would like to share it with as many as possible. Our TOOLKIT consists of : A poster and small brochure – Look Beneath The Surface Ceative Ideas to End Human Trafficking from IPJC Litany for a Hopeful Tomorrow A list of Resources with ideas for free materials, websites, and readings
to raise awareness. All we ask is that you do something…one little thing…hang up a poster, talk to a friend about what you know, say the Litany for a Hopeful Tomorrow, go to a website that looks interesting, write a letter. Be creative but do something!!! The TOOLKIT is a commitment to do one little thing to help yourself or someone else become more aware of the 27 million women, children and men who are enslaved in forced labor, prostitution and debt bondage in our world today. "The important thing is that when you come to understand something you act on it, no matter how small that act is. Eventually it will take you where you need to go."
Helen Prejean, CSJ Please let me know what you have done with this TOOLKIT - for your self or others -
e-mail me at ckennedycsj@aol.com ************************************************************************************************ Sisters Gathered at "HIGH TEA FOR THE DEAR NEIGHBOR"..JPG)
All three Assisted Living Houses hosted a High Tea as a beginning to raise awareness about Human Trafficking among our Sisters. They came with openness and a listening heart to learn about this modern day slavery that is hurting so many of our Dear Neighbors. Our High Tea started with a DVD about the DEMAND that is fueling the need for forced labor and prostitutes. The discussion that followed and the information shared enlightened us all of the depth of suffering that women and children are being subjected to and so much of it in our own neighborhoods. We focused in particular on the upcoming Olympics that are being held in Canada. At these world events there is a greater need for prostitutes and human trafficking satisfies that need. They eagerly joined together to write postcards to the Ambassador of Canada to the US to "Keep the Olympics Clean"!! WE will continue to work and pray for those caught in this modern day slavery…  
The conversation continued at the tables as the Sisters  shared tea, scones, cookies and their desire to do more. The days ended with a great spirit of Caring and Hope. PLEASE JOIN US IN PRAYING THE LITANY FOR A HOPEFUL TOMMOROW WHICH HAS BEEN POSTED ON THE MEMBER PAGE OF OUR WEB SITE. ******************************************************************************************************************WHAT CAN YOU DO? ++ Pray daily for victims of trafficking ++ Fast one day a month ++ Address the issue in your place of ministry ++ Talk to your friends, family, co-ministers about this issue ++ Check out the resources listed below _____________________________________ RESOURCESIntercommunity Peace &Justice Center – www.ipjc.org
An excellent website to get started – and to connect to other organizations working for justice – click on Human Trafficking…gives access to other websites… Blue Heart Campaign – www.unodc.org
Part of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime… click on Human Trafficking… the intention is that the Blue Heart becomes the symbol for human trafficking as the red ribbon is the symbol for HIV/AIDS. SAVE – Salvatorian Advocacy for Victims of Exploitation – www.sdssisters.org
A great resource to find out what others are doing in their own "neighborhoods" to raise awareness… books to read, actions in classrooms, with friends, sharing of resources, etc…very helpful…websites are provided… MVP StrategiesA gender violence prevention ,education and training organization.
Poster – 10 Things Men Can Do to Prevent Gender Violence
Email: MVPStrategies@aol.com Stop Trafficking –Anti-Human Trafficking Newsletter –www.stopenslavement.org Monthly newsletter – sponsored by the Sisters of the Divine Savior…colorful, informative sections on Awareness, Advocacy, Action... www.stopenslavement.org A coalition of 16 congregations of women religious and their partners in mission on all continents…associated with UN Department of Public Information...-Packet – Stop the Demand for Trafficking in Women & Children- with CD – Email: fergcf@earthlink.net or call NY office – 212-370-0075 Shared Hope International – www.sharedhope.org
DVD Demand in. version for schools and parishes – and another 9-part DVD containing documentaries on Demand –Email: brianne@sharedhope.org Need for Emergency Safe Housing We, as a member of the New York-Coalition of Religious Congregations to Stop Trafficking of Persons have been asked to consider providing some emergency safe spaces in our houses for victims of Human Trafficking. The Host Communities offer Emergency Safe Space for 2 or 3 nights. There are already religious congregations that have welcomed women into their homes but there are times when they have not had room to receive a "Guest". I will be working with any Sister or groups of Sisters who would like to consider this work of hospitality. Please call or email me: Connie Kennedy, CSJ ckennedycsj@aol.com 347-545-2201
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