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Greetings!
You must register by 8:00 A.M. this morning (Thursday, 11/8) to see and hear a webcast, Strengthen the "Circle of Protection" After the Election, organized by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishop's Office of Justice, Peace and Human Development.
At a time of persistently high poverty and joblessness, programs that serve poor and vulnerable families in their time of need must be protected. Shortly after Election Day, Congress will return to the Capitol to complete its work for the year. Tune in to the post-election webinar on Thursday, November 8 at 11:00 AM Pacific Time to hear what's at stake and what we need to do to ensure that Congress helps, rather than hurts, people at home and abroad struggling to live in dignity.
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You are especially invited to give attention to the article "The Increasing Hardships of Part-Time Workers" and examine the entries under "Brief Links".
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The Increasing Hardships of Part-Time Workers
For decades employers have gradually been increasing their reliance of part-time workers rather than full-time workers. The trend accelerated greatly with the downturn of the U.S. economy in 2008. Workers are being given shorter hours and the start-times and end-times of their work periods are changed more frequently with shorter notice. More and more workers are falling into poverty.
A front-page article in the New York Times for Sunday, October 28, had the headline, "A Part-Time Life, as Hours Shrink and Shift", NY Times article.
Jamba Juice uses sophisticated software in scheduling tomorrow's work assignments based on hour-by-hour weather forecasts for each store's location
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Action Alerts
Sign a petition to urge Congress to pass a new farm bill this year for the sake of our nation's health, our farmers, and our natural resources Click here
Send email to Secretary Clinton urging U.S. support for refugees of Syrian conflict Click here. For more information click background.
Tell Congress Cuts Cost Lives. Your legislators need to hear from you that careless cuts to poverty-focused international assistance will cost lives. Background
Send email
Urge Secretary of State Clinton to reject actions that will undermine Holy Land peace.
Background
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Brief Links
Catholics Confront Global Poverty (CCGP): new website and new resources New CCGP website
Four minute video from the Catholic Campaign for Human Development video
New summary of Catholic Social Teaching CST
Ethics of Eating: Menu of Articles and Other Items
"Eating is a Moral Act" Link 1
"Live Your Faith, and Eat it Too" Limk 2
Church and Community Supported Agriculture Link 3
Food and Faith ~ Imagine Link 5
Placards for a Just Food System Link 6
Principles for Ethical Eaters Link 7 The Permanent Militarization of America (Op-Ed article) Militarization |
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Upcoming Events
Thursday, November 8, 11:00 A.M. - 12:00 Noon, Pacific Time
Webcast: Strengthening the "Circle of Protection" after the Election
Register before 8:00 A.M. at REGISTER.
Meet in front of Pleasanton Museum, 603 Main Street, Pleasanton
Wednesday, November 28, 6:00 P.M.Pleasanton Energy and Environment Committee meetingCity of Pleasanton's Operations Services Center, 3333 Busch Road, Pleasanton. See EEC
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Lockout of Castlewood Country Club Workers Has Ended
The long awaited end to the lockout of the food, beverage and janitorial workers at the Castlewood Country Club has finally arrived. After an administrative law judge ruled that the lockout has been in violation of labor law since August 10, 2010, the workers were allowed to return to work under their old contract. Most of the locked out workers went back to their jobs at the club starting on October 16th.
Our Catholic Social Teaching tells us to respect both the dignity of the person and the dignity of work, including the right of workers to organize. As Pope Benedict says in his encyclical, Caritas in Veritate, "the repeated calls...for the promotion of workers' associations that can defend their rights must therefore be honoured today even more than in the past, as a...response to the urgent need for new forms of cooperation at the international level, as well as the local level."
Unfortunately, the club and union have still not agreed on a new contract, which means that the issue has still not been fully resolved, even though it has caused financial distress for both parties. Negotiations are continuing, so prayers for reconciliation from our community are encouraged.
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Preparing for Thanksgiving: The Ethics of Eating
As a way of showing that we are truly thankful we can do our part by showing our concern for farmers, food-workers, and the environment. The following was copied from the National Catholic Rural Life Conference website, www.ncrlc.com..
The ethics of eating is about food choices, but much more than choosing vegetables over snack foods or a home cooked meal over fast food. Yes, part of this is choosing foods that are nutritious and healthy for us, then enjoying such food with family and guests. But just as important is choosing those foods that are grown and processed in responsible, sustainable and just ways.
One measure is to grow foods in a way that are good for the earth.
As consumers, we can support the efforts of all those who practice sustainable agriculture and land stewardship. They make sure soil and water quality remain optimum for years to come.
As consumers, then, we should eat those foods that are good to grow.
We do this not only for the good of the earth, but also for the good of those who tend the earth and harvest our food. Our food choices can support the kind of food production that fairly compensates farmers and workers, and ensures their health and safety.
We serve the common good by eating what is good for the earth and good for farmers and workers. That is why we say eating is a moral act.
Needless to say, not all foods are produced in sustainable, fair or just ways. The industrial food system is based on intensive productivity that can and does have adverse impacts on farmers, process line workers and the environment. When we buy and eat foods produced
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