Office of Social Justice News | May 2016

New Advocacy Resource

As Christians we work toward a just world in which structures and institutions give every person the opportunity to thrive. Providing direct assistance to people in need is vital, but it is also important to guard against policies that oppress, to partner with marginalized communities for long-term change, and to speak up for policies that empower all people.

Interested in practicing advocacy and in learning how to steward your voice more effectively? You can learn the basics of advocacy for any issue by using our new Biblical Advocacy 101 resource. Click here for the U.S. version or here for the Canadian version.

Forward

CREATION CARE

New Climate Change Film

Micah Challenge released a new film on climate change. For The Love Of follows prominent Christian worship leaders as they learn about climate change at the Paris Climate Talks.The film can be streamed for free and is great for youth groups, small groups, or an evening of reflection with friends and family.

IMMIGRATION

Wear the Blessing Not Burden Message

Do you have a Blessing Not Burden t-shirt and tote yet? Many have signed the pledge, and others have shared the message on Facebook—and now you can wear the message. These t-shirts ($10) and totes ($5) are a great way to spread the message that immigrants are a blessing. Order here.

INDIGENOUS JUSTICE

New Do Justice Series

As the CRC prepares to discuss the Doctrine of Discovery at Synod 2016, both Indigenous people and descendants of European settlers will dig into the ways racist assumptions underpinning this doctrine continue to impoverish us all in a new Do Justice blog series. We'll learn from the perspectives of Indigenous peoples and celebrate the ways we're unlearning this doctrine together.

DO JUSTICE

Advocacy Works!

“The majority of members advocated by OSJ voted in favor of the act—some changed their previous positions on the legislation.” Our Policy Analyst Sophia Henager writes about her experience advocating for the Global Food Security Act—and seeing it pass! Read about her experience here.

RESTORATIVE JUSTICE

Obama Commutes Sentences of 58 Prisoners

Earlier this month President Obama commuted the sentences of 58 federal prisoners convicted of drug crimes. Obama hopes that exercising his clemency power will shine a spotlight on the issue of criminal justice reform, which has slid into the background due to the upcoming presidential campaign.

ACTION ALERT

Support the People Most Affected by Climate Change

People who are most vulnerable are disproportionately affected by climate change, and the Green Climate Fund helps to address their needs. Congress is currently discussing next year's budget, and President Obama has requested $750 million for the Green Climate Fund. Write to your members of Congress today and ask them to fully fund the Green Climate Fund.