JPANet January 2021 Newsletter

JPANet January 2021 Newsletter

January Newsletter

Getting to the Root of It

There are few words that can cover the violent attack we collectively witnessed yesterday at the Capitol building in Washington D.C. What we can say, is that immediate steps must be taken to strengthen and repair our democracy. For this month’s Getting to the Root, Washington D.C. Office Director, Sandy Sorensen, and Domestic Policy Advocate, Katie Adams, teamed up to tackle this massive and pertinent issue. 

A Fraying Rope: Steps to Repairing Democracy

The 2020 elections reminded us in stark terms of the fragility of our democracy. As former President Obama remarked in his eulogy for the late Rep. John Lewis last year, “democracy is not automatic. It has to be tended. You have to work at it.” And there is important work to do. Not only are we challenged with long-neglected steps to strengthen our democracy, but we are also challenged to address direct threats to voter rights and election integrity in recent years. Too often we set aside the critical work of democracy reform when we are not in the midst of a midterm or presidential campaign, and this has serious repercussions. Read more…

Justice Events

Human Trafficking Awareness Day – January 11

Human trafficking, or trafficking in persons, is one of the world’s largest organized criminal enterprises. Millions are held against their will for slave labor and/or sex work, including tens of thousands in the US. Use the Sunday close to January 11 to learn about trafficking in persons and discuss how to become advocates for those victimized by such human rights abuses. Find resources and information from Global Ministries here.

UCC Webinar: What’s Possible? — Faith and Climate Policy in 2021

With the current legislative landscape of Congress, what’s possible for advancing climate policy? Aside from congress, what might President Biden accomplish through executive orders? What can faith communities do to secure policies that reflect our values. Even if you can’t make the webinar’s scheduled time on Wednesday, January 13th at 1 pm ET, still sign-up, and we will send you a recording. Register now!

Justice in Action

Immigration Update

As we prepare for a transition in administrations, there is hope that the immigration system can be rebuilt with a humane and compassionate way, especially for those who are currently claiming Sanctuary to keep their families united. Please join this faith leader/ lay leader sign on letter to tell the Biden-Harris administration to free people in Sanctuary by granting relief from deportation. January 11-13, the Interfaith Immigration Coalition is hosting days of action to amplify our immigration-related policy recommendations to the new administration and urge them to enact justice. View the Social Media Toolkit to learn more, see sample posts, and download graphics.

Thursdays in Black

In every country, gender-based violence is a tragic reality. This violence is frequently hidden, and victims are often silent, fearing stigma, and further violence. We all have a responsibility to speak out against violence, to ensure that everyone is safe from rape and violence in all places in our societies. You can find more information, resources, and ways to act on our webpage.

Justice Resources

The Pollinator

The Pollinator is a digital platform of the UCC for the sharing of ideas and inspiration. Its focus is the building of a faith-filled and faith-rooted movement for the care of creation

Witness for Justice
Looking for up-to-date social justice commentary? Check out Witness for Justice, a weekly editorial opinion column written by the staff of Justice and Witness Ministries.

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