The Anti-Racism Issue Team did an extensive evaluation process using the Appreciative Inquiry process at their meeting June 17-18. They are planning several projects focusing on: 1) promoting cultural diversity within the Marianist Family, 2) helping Marianists address the systemic nature of racism, and 3) offering workshops on overcoming racism to Marianist Family members. Pictured above is the team in Dayton.
Front: Paul Marshall SM, Nancy DeHonores, Jesse Hernandez
Back: Len Roberts, Pati Krasensky, Rudy Reyes, Jr., Ted Cassidy SM, Bob Wiethorn SM

Resource Packet on the Marianist Pledge to Eliminate Racism – click here . To get a copy by mail, email apsjustice@hotmail.com

STARVIN' FOR JUSTICE 2006, The Annual Fast and Vigil to Abolish the Death Penalty will be held outside the US Supreme Court from June 29 to July 2. To see a blog for sharing news, events and people from the Fast, click here

Impending Executions
As of publishing date, the July executions were not available. To find out the latest execution alerts click here

Moratorium
Members of the Issue Team are assembling resources to help others in the Marianist Family to promote the Moratorium Campaign in their own state. Information will soon be available on the Issue Team's Web page.

Do Healers Have a Place in the Death Chamber? A thoughtful article from the Dallas Morning News looks at both sides of the question. To read more, and download the entire article click here

The Death Penalty is Unfair - to Victims' Families. When Lorry Post says "There is no closure when someone you love is murdered," he speaks from experience; his daughter was murdered by her husband. To read more, and download his entire article, find it on the DPIT website in the Death Penalty Files section by clicking here

From the National Labor Committee – A delegation recently returned from Jordan where they witnessed the human trafficking of foreign guest workers in Jordan and the Jordanian Government's efforts to reform conditions in the country’s garment export factories, which produce largely for the U.S. To read their report The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly: A New Jordan Report click here

The Adele Social Justice Project will hold its 2nd immersion weekend for young adults October 6-8, 2006 in Washington, DC. Registration coming soon. For more information, email Laura Libertore asjplibertore@yahoo.com

The MSJC Steering Committee will be meeting prior to the MLNNA Continental Assembly. If you have questions, topics, or themes you would like for them to consider discussing, please email Andrea Stiles, apsjustice@hotmail.com

The Anti-Racism, Death Penalty, and Sweatshop Labor Issue Teams and the Adele Social Justice Project will be hosting Focus Groups during the Assembly. Be sure to check them out.

The International Day of Peace - September 21
Click here to see how your local parish, school, or community may be involved.

Social Action Summer Institute
July 16-21, U. of Dayton. Click here for more information.

The National Council of Churches has released a new issues article - “How ONE Can Make a Difference in Ending Extreme Poverty.” To read click here

The National Interest Spring issue article “Leveraging Islam” discusses the importance of supporting moderate Islamic groups in the US. Thanks to Fr. Paul Fitzpatrick, SM for sharing this article with us. To receive a copy, email Jim Vogt jimvogt2@yahoo.com

The Institute for Peace and Justice offers an Independence Day reflection “Reclaiming the Soul of America.” To read click here