Action Alert: Support Debt Relief for Nepal!

Action Alert: Support Debt Relief for Nepal!

• Presbyterian Office of Public Witness
• 
  
• Today at 12:46 PM

To

• Patty Sanders

Action Alert: Support Debt Relief for Nepal! Over the course of three weeks, two major earthquakes struck Nepal, taking over 8,000 lives and injuring countless others. Nepal is one of the most impoverished countries in the world today. Over 30 percent of Nepalese live on less than 14 US dollars per person, per month[1], and recent events have left many more vulnerable to the devastating effects of poverty. Nepal is desperately in need of a recovery plan that will provide adequate shelter, food, water and healthcare for its citizens. Each day, however, the Nepalese government is responsible for paying nearly $600,000 in debt payments. More than ever, Nepal needs the ability to free up  funds for the rebuilding and restoration of communities across the country. Sign a petition and tell the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to cancel Nepal's debt. In partnership with Jubilee (USA) and other faith-based organizations, the Office of Public Witness is calling on the IMF to use resources from Catastrophe Containment and Relief Trust to cancel debt Nepal owes over the next two years. Additionally,  we are calling on the World Bank to cancel Nepal's debt. Together, we can be advocates our neighbors around the world who need a assistance.   The 208th Presbyterian General Assembly adopted the following principle around debt relief: The repayment of debts and interest at the expense of the basics of life raises serious questions of justice. The burden of debts must be shared equitably in ways that reduce poverty, protect the environment, and avoid perverse incentives in the future (Minutes, 1996, p. 539).    The Assembly went on to specify policy options: The terms of debt relief need to be examined through an ethical lens to determine legitimate and illegitimate conditions, and to provide international protection against political and economic exploitations of indebtedness by creditor nations and financial institutions.  ...Debt service should be limited to a reasonable percentage of national budgets or national production...In some cases, payments should be reduced and rescheduled over a longer time span, depending on the consequences for the poor and the economic potential of the nation... In other cases, lenders should give debt relief in whole or in part – particularly for the poorest countries...Debt cancellation can be accompanied by conditions that clearly promote human development: reduction of military expenditures, enhanced expenditures for basic human needs, reduction of income disparities, respect for human rights, an equitable system of taxation, and sustainable environmental practices (Minutes, 1996, p. 540).   Our faith calls us to care for those in need - and our Nepalese brothers and sisters are worthy of this charge. Act today, and urge the World Bank and IMF to cancel Nepal's debt. For more information on how you can further support Nepal, visit the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance webpage here.  [1] http://www.ruralpovertyportal.org/country/home/tags/nepal
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ACTION ALERT: "We need Milk with Dignity!"

ACTION ALERT: "We need Milk with Dignity!"

• Coalition of Immokalee Workers
• 
  
• May 22 at 6:41 AM

To

• pattyRedwoodsHAE@sbcglobal.net

ACTION ALERT: “We need Milk with Dignity!” Vermont dairy workers declare June 20th as national Day of Action, launch petition in support of brand-new Milk with Dignity Campaign! Last week, we shared the exciting news — via an excellent article in the national hub for food movement news, Civil Eats — that Vermont dairy workers had created the Milk with Dignity Program and are calling on one of Vermont’s biggest milk buyers, Ben & Jerry’s, to support their worker-driven social responsibility plan.  Drawing on the CIW’s groundbreaking Fair Food Program, Milk with Dignity offers a concrete, enforceable solution to the dangerous working conditions, wage theft, poor housing, and other abuses that Vermont dairy workers say have plagued the industry for decades. When Migrant Justice, the dairy workers’ organization, first launched their new initiative, they thought that ice cream giant Ben & Jerry’s — renowned for its socially responsible business agenda, commitment to seeking fair trade ingredients, and great love of the state of Vermont — would welcome the opportunity to partner with Mountain State farmworkers.  However — much to the workers’ surprise — Ben & Jerry’s has thus far refused to join the Milk with Dignity Program and instead has chosen to pursue its own “Caring Dairy” initiative, which Migrant Justice representatives describe as a voluntary program that calls on farmers to self-monitor with no mechanisms for real worker participation in oversight or enforcement.   So dairy workers are turning to the people Ben & Jerry’s cannot afford to ignore — you, their customers!  Migrant Justice is calling on anyone who enjoys the occasional cup of Half Baked ice cream or cone of Cherry Garcia to take action to support Vermont dairy workers’ human rights today... Read about the national Day of Action, the Milk with Dignity online petition, and more over at the CIW website!

You are subscribed to the CIW Mailing List. To unsubscribe, please email us at workers@ciw-online.org.  Coalition of Immokalee Workers • PO Box 603, Immokalee, FL 34143 • (239) 657-8311 • workers@ciw-online.org

Helping in a disaster - Presbyterian Peace and Justice Close Up

Helping in disaster | Presbyterian Justice and Peace Close-Up

• Compassion, Peace and Justice Ministry, Presbyterian Mission Agency
• 
  
• Today at 6:10 AM

To

• pattyredwoodshae@sbcglobal.net

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Connect:

Please add "info@info.pcusa.org" to your contact list to ensure email messages are delivered to your inbox.    Forward to a Friend   Donate to CPJ    Big Tent Information and Registration

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) is the disaster response program of Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Since 1946, PDA has provided emergency relief, volunteer work, financial assistance and help with restoring livelihoods for those caught in the wake of natural or human–caused disasters. PDA works alongside the local church, affirming its role as the primary agency of mission and evangelism, affirming our unity in Christ in times of disaster. This month, we share some of PDA's recent and upcoming work. We invite you to learn about this work and how you can help those who are experiencing trauma and suffering in the wake of disaster. Blessings, Laurie Kraus Coordinator Presbyterian Disaster Assistance

June is Disaster Preparedness Month We’ve all heard the adage, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” This can mean many things but is very appropriate when talking about disasters. Being prepared and having a disaster plan will lessen the impact of potential disasters and go a long way in minimizing the damage they can cause. Learn more

World Refugee Day – June 20 Part of the General Assembly mandate for PDA is “…..aid to refugees and displaced persons….” World Refugee Day invites people of faith to prayerfully reflect on the lives of refugees. We are called to honor the courage, strength and determination of the women, men and children who are forced to flee their homes under threat of persecution, conflict and violence. Learn more

Spiritual and Emotional Care-critical for disaster recovery The special ministry of spiritual care following a disaster is important, not only for the victims but for the caregivers who spend days, months or even years helping people cope emotionally with what has happened. One way PDA is helping people cope is through Healing Camps. Spiritual care will be one of the topics at this year's Big Tent. Learn more

Volunteer work teams needed Volunteer work teams are needed to help with recovery efforts throughout the United States. Your service will not only help families rebuild their homes, but indicates the commitment to walk beside people as they seek to rebuild their lives. Won’t you prayerfully consider serving in some of these communities struggling to recover? Contact the PDA Call Center at (866) 732-6121 or email pda.callcenter@pcusa.org.   United Nations’ World Environment Day is June 5 Churches and individuals will celebrate World Environment Day on June 5. Presbyterians are engaging in caring for God’s creation as a part of their Christian faith. How might you celebrate the beauty and goodness of God’s good world? Learn more

You are receiving this email because you signed up for information and resources about Compassion, Peace and Justice.  Presbyterian Mission Agency, an agency of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) 100 Witherspoon Street Louisville, KY 40202 800-728-7228 | 502-569-5000 Website | Email Manage your subscription | Unsubscribe | Privacy

Aspen Institute puts Fair Food Program center stage...

Video short: Aspen Institute puts Fair Food Program center stage…

• Coalition of Immokalee Workers
• 
  
• May 20

To

• pattyRedwoodsHAE@sbcglobal.net

Video short: Aspen Institute puts Fair Food Program center stage…   “For the first time we as workers have a voice…” Last month, the Aspen Institute’s Economic Opportunities Program held a public forum in Washington, DC, entitled “The Future of Worker Voice” with a distinguished panel of speakers.  Included on that panel were two representatives of the Fair Food Program, Cruz Salucio of the CIW and Judge Laura Safer Espinoza, Executive Director of the Fair Food Standards Council.   The Aspen Institute is an organization that, for over 60 years, has worked to foster “enlightened leadership, the appreciation of timeless ideas and values, and open-minded dialogue on contemporary issues,” with perhaps its best known event being the annual “Aspen Ideas Festival,” which has become a much-respected marketplace of new ideas on the social, economic, and cultural issues facing the world in the 21st century.  The panel discussion last month in DC focused on the challenges facing workers today as they seek to have their voices heard at work and protect their fundamental human rights... Watch highlights from the Fair Food Program's contribution to the conversation over at the CIW website!

You are subscribed to the CIW Mailing List. To unsubscribe, please email us at workers@ciw-online.org.  Coalition of Immokalee Workers • PO Box 603, Immokalee, FL 34143 • (239) 657-8311 • workers@ciw-online.org

Hunger doesn't take a vacation - Bread for the World

Hunger doesn't take a vacation

• Christine Melendez Ashley, Bread for the World
• 
  
• May 19

To

• pattyredwoodshae@sbcglobal.net

Act Now!

Dear Patty, Call (800/826-3688) or email Jared Huffman today. Tell Jared Huffman that hunger doesn't take a vacation! Across the country, children are counting down the days until summer. Most children look forward to a summer filled with vacations and fun. Yet for some children, summer vacation means long months without nutritious school meals. Call or email Jared Huffman today. Tell Jared Huffman that child hunger doesn't take a vacation. Urge Jared Huffman to support legislation that gives hungry children access to meals during the summer months, like the Summer Meals Act (H.R. 1728). Here in Washington, D.C., Congress is busy examining and considering child nutrition programs. This week, the House committee responsible for writing a new child nutrition bill will meet. Its hearing is blatantly titled "Addressing Waste, Fraud, and Abuse in Federal Child Nutrition Programs." In other words, they will consider ways to cut and gut these programs at a time when our children need these services most. Do they care more about waste, fraud, and abuse or getting children the meals they need? Your representative needs to hear from you. Children are more likely to be at risk of hunger during the summer months. Six out of every 7 low-income children lack access to regular, nutritious meals during the summer. We can't allow Congress to take even more away from children who already lack so much. Call Jared Huffman today. Urge Jared Huffman to support legislation that will feed our children — in the upcoming summer months and all year long. Thank you for your faithful advocacy! Sincerely, Christine Melendez Ashley Senior Policy Analyst, Bread for the World P.S. Join us in Washington, D.C., on June 9 for Lobby Day! Registration is free, but space is limited. Register today!

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