Mission Statement
Partnership for Global Justice is a network of religious congregations, other groups and individuals grounded in Gospel values. We stand in solidarity with those who are oppressed, foster justice for earth, and reverence the diversity of world cultures. Therefore we commit to develop a global consciousness through educational programs, advocacy and participation with the United Nations.
(read more)

ABOUT THE PARTNERSHIP FOR GLOBAL JUSTICE

Mission StatementBoard of Directors Meet the Director

PROGRAMS

Annual Meeting Education Programs for Schools and Teachers UN Orientation daysGlobal Economics WorkshopGlobal Spirituality WorkshopCulture of Peace WorkshopPoverty WorkshopWorkshop PricingUpcoming Events CalendarLeadership Seminars/Reception Teachers' Fellowships

COMMUNICATIONS

Our Blog Annual Reports

SUPPORT THE PARTNERSHIP

Membership Information Alternative Investments

2011 Annual Meeting

---

Partnership for Global Justice: June 2008 Alert

Thank you so much for your donations to the Good Shepherd Sisters in Myanmar. To date, we have collected $13,645 for their crisis ministry. Please see attachment to this email for more information.

This month we are collaborating with the Sisters of Charity Federation and examining the World Food Crisis.

Root Causes and Contributing Factors in the World Food Crisis

• Weather: Weather related droughts, crop failures and erratic temperatures reduce yields and restrict supply, driving prices up.
• Weak U.S. Dollar: A weak dollar is increasing commodity speculation driving up prices. Also, U.S. food aid dollars don’t go as far.
• Trade Policies: Export demand and growing cash crops for export leave people in developing countries at greater risk of hunger.
• Rising Fuel Prices: Record-high prices for oil increase farming and transportation costs, which are passed on to consumers.
• Increased Poverty: More people are seeking food assistance and are very vulnerable to price fluctuations.
• Biofuels: More farmers are growing crops for fuel rather than for food. Demand for corn as fuel continues to increase and restricts the amount of corn used or exported for food.
• U.S. Crop Subsidies: Subsidies make it impossible for farmers in developing countries to compete with U.S. food commodities. They stop growing their own food supplies and rely on imports. Farmers leave the farm in search of work.
• Trade Restrictions: Some countries ban exports of certain crops in order to keep domestic prices low. This restricts supply on the world market.
• Inflation: Globally, an increase in the money supply pushes prices upward. In several developing countries, inflation has been a growing problem, pricing food out of reach. (Bill Griffin, CFX from www.educationforjustice.org)

SUGGESTED ACTIONS - Choose one or more of the following:

• Organize a food drive for your parish or in your neighborhood.
• Volunteer at a local soup kitchen.
• Go to www.freerice.com . For each vocabulary word you get correct, this site donates 20 grains of rice to the UN World Food Program.
• Read Mark 6: 33-44 and reflect on the following:
  1. In light of the recent food crisis, what are you hearing in a new way in this passage?
  2. How can you be bread for others? What actions can you take to respond with a gospel vision to those who are hungry in your own community and around the world.
• Learn more about world food distribution, agricultural policies, global trade and what is happening to farmers in your country. Suggested sources of info: www.fao.org (UN Food and Agriculture Organization), www.washingtonpost.com/wp-rv/world/globalfoodcrisis/ and crs.org (Catholic Relief Services)
• Send a donation to a Sister in your congregation who works directly with the poor