Alvernia University Students Learn What It Is like “To Be a Refugee”

For the second year, Alvernia University students and the school’s department of Campus Ministry facilitated an interactive event aimed at offering participants a glimpse of what refugees might experience. “To Be a Refugee” is a simulation in which participants receive an identity card that lists the name, country of origin and background of a typical refugee. The students assume this role for the experience and move around the quad to learn about common problems refugees face when emigrating. Student participants were told disease, inadequate shelter, lack of nutrition and insufficient education for school-age children often riddle refugee camps. To raise awareness about these experiences, the facilitators offered interactive activities. In one of these activities, participants were encouraged to lie down on a tarp the same size as the tents many refugee families might occupy while in resettlement camps. The tarp, 5 feet wide and 7 feet long, could barely fit three people and when told that families with multiple children will often have to inhabit a tent this same size for months at a time- many students were struck.

“To Be a Refugee” was developed by an Alvernia alumna, and hosted for the first time, last year. One difference in this year’s program was that it incorporated a prayer vigil for all those affected by the recent violence at a Pittsburgh synagogue. Those gathered prayed for all who face religious violence and discrimination. This impactful event proved successful again and prompted students to think critically about what they can do to support refugees in their struggles.

To read more about “To Be a Refugee” click here. Also, please visit the website of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ office of Migration and Refugee Services to access additional information about the issues surrounding migration and resettlement.

 

CSMG Diversity Outreach Initiative- Apply Now for a Scholarship!

The Diversity Outreach Initiative of the 2019 Catholic Social Ministry Gathering, has extended the Diversity scholarship application deadline until Monday, November 26.  Those selected to participate in the Diversity Outreach Initiative bring a richness of perspectives, skills, voices, and vision to the gathering, and enhance the overall experience of the CSMG for all participants. Those who are eligible, are encouraged to apply now for this scholarship opportunity. For more information about eligibility and the application process, visit the CSMG Diversity Initiative Website. For specific inquiries, contact Nicole Germain at ngermain@usccb.org

Gonzaga University Paves Way to Care for Creation

Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA was recently praised by the city’s mayor, for it’s collaborative efforts in improving the city’s safety and environment. Working with the city officials, civil engineering students and faculty at the Jesuit university helped improve a busy city roadway by developing a solution that will not only benefit pedestrians and drivers, but will also benefit the environment- specifically the Spokane River. Sharp Avenue is now paved with porous asphalt, a material that decreases the environmental impact of heavy rain or snow. By allowing the run off to be filtered of toxins and returned to the earth through a more natural process, this type of paving will “[ultimately] protect the health of the Spokane River.” said Spokane Mayor David Condon at a ceremony inaugurating the reopening of the street. The improvements also include various new safety measures, aimed to protect users of this high-traffic area.

One aspect of Gonzaga’s overall mission is to care for the planet “with responsible stewardship of our physical, financial, and human resources.” The installment of this safer and more environmentally sustainable road, is a great example of members of the Gonzaga University community innovatively carrying out that mission.  To read the full story, visit Gonzaga University’s website here.

Global Solidarity Grant Deadline Extended- APPLY NOW!

Is your campus advancing Catholic mission through a globally focused project? Apply now for a 2018 Global Solidarity Grant!

Campus initiatives addressing societal issues such as, but not limited to issues surrounding migration, human trafficking, or global sustainability may be eligible to receive a 2018 Global Solidarity Grant.

Sponsored by the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities and Catholic Relief Services, Global Solidarity Grants aim to support projects that are innovative and high-impact, that combine prayer, spiritual development, and the examination of values with educational objectives. ACCU member institutions working creatively to advance Catholic mission through global solidarity are encouraged to apply now and be considered for an award of up to $3,000.

The deadline to apply for a grant has been extended to Friday, November 9! Visit the ACCU website for more details about how your campus can receive a Global Solidarity Grant!

For questions, please contact njalandoni@accunet.org.

Benedictine College Reminds Students “Slavery Still Exists;” Educates on Human Trafficking Issue

In a partnership with the Kansas Association for Family & Community Education (FCE), Benedictine College brought a diverse panel of attorneys, experts, and those who have personally experienced sex trafficking to campus on October 10 to educate the campus community on the issues surrounding human trafficking. The title of the event was “Human Trafficking: Slavery Still Exists” and the evening included a discussion on the history of human trafficking as well as education on how it is present in the local area. Located in Atchison, KS Benedictine College is very close to the large metropolitan area of Kansas City, which like many other urban areas has been identified as a major center of trafficking.

The panel aimed to raise awareness of the overall issue as well as education on the warning signs of victimization and possible ways to help combat human trafficking. This panel offered participants a way to learn more about a crisis that impacts people globally as well as in their own cities. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops offers additional resources for learning more about this issue through their Anti-Trafficking Program.  Benedictine’s panel is a great step in helping people become informed, which the USCCB identifies as an important way to help fight human trafficking.

Another way to join the fight is by becoming an ethical consumer. To find out how your actions contribute to or reduce the demand for human trafficking, visit www.slaveryfootprint.org and www.knowthechain.org. To continue learning about human trafficking and how the Church is called to respond visit the USCCB Anti-Trafficking Program website, here.

University of Dallas’ Annual Charity Week Raises Funds and Fun

On October 15, the University of Dallas kicked off its annual tradition- Charity Week. The week long community event is a series of different programs aimed at raising funds for designated charities chosen by the student organizers. This year, proceeds from the week will be going toward two different Texas charities- Guide Dogs of Texas which helps provide the visually impaired with guide dogs at almost no financial cost, and Rays of Light which is a provider of respite care to Dallas families with children who have special needs. “These charities align well with our UD mission to respect all life because they minister to the disenfranchised and their caregivers in essential, practical ways.” said Charity Week committee co-chairs Lim and Christensen in an email earlier this week to the UD community.

The events throughout the week offer students creative ways to give back to their Dallas community. The week will include Glow-In-the-Dark Capture the flag, a “UD’s Got Talent,” a karaoke night, and a 5K race- just to name a few! To participate in each event, students must contribute a small financial donation. This event is a great example of Catholic college students living out the Call to Family, Community, and Participation. Catholic Social Teaching urges all to participate actively in their community and society and to strive toward the common good and well-being of all, especially the poor and vulnerable. The University of Dallas’ Charity Week not only helps students care for those in their greater community of Dallas, by offering ways to support these charities, but it also provides a great opportunity for students to grow in their own understanding of community as they participate and have fun together.

Manhattan College to Host Conference on Refugee and Migrant Education- REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

On November 15-17 the Peace Studies Program at Manhattan College will be co-hosting an on-campus conference that will center on the “responsibility and roles of universities and other institutions in light of the Global Compact on Refugees emerging from the United Nations.” The network Refugees and Migrant Education (MRE) hosted the first conference in Rome last year. The 2017 program ended with a personal audience with Pope Francis, who recognizes the important role of universities in studying the underlying causes of migration as well as “educating consciences” on how to respond to the issues surrounding migration.

The programming will include leading experts from around the world who will present papers, participate in panel discussions or lead workshop sessions. Keynote speakers from Iraq, the United States, Lebanon, the Holy See and other parts of the world will reflect with participants on how to unite universities and NGOs in providing education and resources to, and about, migrants and refugees.

Along with the Manhattan’s Peace Studies Program, which is one of the oldest of its kind in the United States, the event is being co-sponsored by the Holocaust, Genocide and Interfaith Center and the Catholic Relief Services Faculty Taskforce.

Register here!

For more information, contact Kevin Ahern, Ph.D., assistant professor of religious studies, at kevin.ahern@manhattan.edu or (718) 862-3865.

2019 Catholic Social Ministry Gathering

Join the 2019 Catholic Social Ministry Gathering for the Young Leaders Initiative!

“Let Justice Flow (cf. Am. 5:24): A Call to Restore and Reconcile”

February 2-5, 2019 Omni Shoreham Hotel, Washington, DC

 

In recent years, over 40 colleges and universities joined hundreds of national Catholic social ministry and advocacy leaders at the Catholic Social Ministry Gathering, an annual event sponsored by 16 national Catholic organizations.

 You and your campus can be part of the action at CSMG 2019, February 2-5, in Washington, DC!

• Meet national Catholic social ministry and advocacy leaders.
• Build knowledge of current Catholic social ministry priorities and initiatives.
• Develop advocacy skills to empower students to call for positive change.
• Voice concerns with legislators on issues of human life and dignity in the United States and internationally.
• Discover new ways to grow in faith, studies, and vocational discernment through Catholic social ministry and advocacy.

Watch this video of what students had to say about CSMG 2018.

The deadline for receipt of participation forms is November 28.  You can indicate your interest in the Young Leaders Initiative for CSMG 2019 by completing the Young Leaders Initiative Interest Form or get more info at www.CatholicSocialMinistryGathering.org.

We look forward to seeing you at CSMG 2019! 

Carroll College hosts “Sun Run” in conjunction with new solar energy project

Carroll College hosted its second “Sun Run” on October 6^th in an effort to increase the size of a planned solar array that will soon be installed on the roof of the Campus Center. The 38 kilowatt solar array installation is made possible through a grant received from NorthWestern Energy. This grant offers its recipients a $48,000 incentive to bolster their renewable energy sources. The solar panels that will be installed are approximately equal to eight residential solar arrays and will supposedly generate $6,000 worth of electricity per year. In recent years, many Catholic colleges and universities have taken up the role as “stewards of God’s creation” with a renewed vigor, especially in the wake of the publishing of the encyclical “Laudato Si.” The encyclical offers insight pertaining to caring “for our common home.” Eric Hall, Associate Professor of Theology, and Archbishop Raymond G. Hunthausen Professor of Peace and Justice at Carroll College says of the solar initiative that “Such a project could create a strong witness to a Catholic vision of higher education and the value it places on the natural world.”

The new on-campus solar array will be the largest of its kind in the state of Montana, but the Carroll College community hopes to make their impact even bigger, by attempting to increase funds for the project. The “Sun Run” 5k race was hosted for a second year to raise money for the solar project with the goal of hopefully increasing the size of the solar array to 50 kilowatts. The race brought in over 300 participants from the Carroll College community as well as members of the greater Helena community. To learn more about the solar project at Carroll College, or to consider making a donation to boost their efforts visit https://www.carroll.edu/solar.

Santa Clara University partners with community mothers to bring hope to neighborhood

In 2015, Santa Clara University partnered with a group of San Jose immigrant mothers and formed The Madres Emprendedoras: Mosaicos de la Communidad- Spanish for Entrepreneurial Mothers: Mosaics of the Community. On September 21, 2018 a mural symbolizing two years of tireless work was unveiled at Washington Elementary School. The “Madres” initiative aimed at solving, what the community identified as their three largest social issues- public safety, housing insecurity, and special needs education. The program was supported by SCU sociology professor Laura Nichols and ethnic studies assistant professor Jesica Fernandez, who headed a group of students in researching and investigating solutions to the problems identified by the mothers.

One section of the mural that depicts the mothers’ “10 themes of hope for the future.”

Through this program the mothers and students and faculty at SCU were able to work together to compile useful resources for tackling issues in the community. SCU students also helped connect members of the community to school administrators and officials who could provide additional support in responding to the needs of the community. One recent graduate from the Jesuit university, Alma Orozco, who worked on the “Madres” initiative, stated that the program validated the importance of empowering community members to be “the leaders of their own change.” The recently unveiled mural is filled with vibrant colors and imagery that depicts the mothers’ vision of hope for the future.

You can read more about Santa Clara University’s work in the San Jose community here.