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Click to view USCCB video on Human Trafficking
Pick Your Issue: Human Trafficking
(Life and Dignity of the Human Person)
January 2020 is “Slavery and Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month" in Iowa. Though it may be tempting to think of trafficking as a problem that occurs only in other countries, the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops (USCCB) tells us "almost every nation is affected by trafficking, as a country of origin, transit or destination for victims—the United States is no exception." While trafficking does occur in the sex and drug trades, nearly 81% of the 24.9 worldwide victims are in forced labor in industries such agriculture, domestic house work, health and beauty services.
Pray
The Key That Opens Every Cage. (Click for full size.)
Learn
Lunch and Learn at the Clinton Chamber. Be empowered to prevent human slavery - Gretchen Eubanks, trafficking survivor and advocate, will deliver “Human Trafficking 101" on Friday, January 10 from 12:00-1:00 PM at 721 S. Second Street, Clinton. Free and open to the public. Please RSVP by Wednesday, January 8, by calling 563-242-7611. Lunch will be provided.
Attacking Trafficking's Annual Prayer Service on Human Trafficking. Sunday, January 26, 2:00 PM at St. Alban’s Church, 3510 West Central Park, Davenport. A local survivor will share her story as part of the program. Music from Community Sings.
Act
Contact your state representative and ask for support of HF455 in the new legislative session. This would require state government agencies to use only hotels and motels where staff have received anti-human trafficking training. The goal is to train all hotel/motel employees to recognize and report trafficking.
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Recommended Viewing: Your Census 2020 Information
(Call to Family, Community and Participation)
Bishop Zinkula is stressing the importance of everyone participating in the 2020 census. You might wonder how all the information gathered will be used. This 30-second video covers the highlights.
Some may be concerned about the privacy of their information. By law, all responses to the U.S. Census Bureau are kept confidential. They can only be used to create statistics.
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Simple Solution, Profound Effect(Option for the Poor and Vulnerable)
What does it take to keep families at home and their children in school when extreme drought or flooding make migrating seem like the best option? Wheat, split peas and cooking oil – with these simple foods, Catholic Relief Services stabilizes life for many who would otherwise have to leave their homes simply to live. Read more here.
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Civic Duty with Civility
(Call to Family, Community and Participation)
What are you doing now to prepare for the February 3rd Iowa caucuses? Our Catholic faith calls us to responsibly participate in our democracy, applying Catholic Social Teaching principles to our decisions. In their seminal document, Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship: A Call to Political Responsibility (English | Spanish), the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops (USCCB) urges all “to use this statement to help form their consciences; to teach those entrusted to their care; to contribute to civil and respectful public dialogue; and to shape political choices in the coming election in light of Catholic teaching.“ At the USCCB Faithful Citizenship page, you will find a comprehensive list of resources for both personal and group reflection.
The bishops also remind us to "focus on the dignity of all people, even when we disagree, and to put faith in action by bearing witness to a better way forward." Through their Civilize It! campaign, they offer resources to help us ensure all feel welcome and heard.
Bishop Zinkula's message on Faithful Citizenship
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Call to Action
(Care for God's Creation)
From Catholic Climate Covenant: We are excited to announce the launch of the Catholic Climate Project, an intergenerational Catholic initiative. Catholic youth and young adults are increasingly embracing the call to care for our common home and vulnerable neighbors, and for climate action. Now is the time to start planning events around the times of the 50th anniversary of Earth Day (April 22nd) and the 5th anniversary of Laudato Si’ (May 24th). If you would like to learn more or volunteer to lead or guide a local event, click here.
You can register here to attend a launch webinar on January 23rd at 1:00 PM (Cental) to learn about this exciting new initiative to gather Catholic faithful from across our Church to mobilize and take action. The webinar will describe the vision and goals of the new U.S. Catholic Climate Project, explain how Catholics of all ages can collaborate to galvanize action, organize activities, and especially inspire Catholic youth and young adults to guide/lead this transformational effort.
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