Interfaith Coalition for Worker Justice of South Central Wisconsin

A message for Lent from ICWJ!

ICWJ — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 16:33:32 +0000

Check out the reflection below on the connection between Lent and worker justice, written by Pastor Ron Adams of Madison Mennonite Church. For similar reflections on other holy days see the resources page!

In the gospel reading for the 4^th Sunday of Lent (John 3: 14-21), the author describes the coming of Jesus as light coming into the world. But, the author notes, not all welcomed that light. For some, the coming of the light was not good news at all. “For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed.”

Much injustice is done in secret, hidden away in the dark. Sweatshop owners depend upon their ability to keep the exploitation of workers out of the public eye. Corporations count on the same when stealing labor from their employees by forcing them to work off the clock. Much evil is done under cover of secrecy.

Change can only come when unjust practices are brought out into the light and revealed for what they are. Only then can employers be held accountable. Only then can workers be protected from exploitation. It is only with the coming of the light that justice can be done.

As people of faith, we are called to be light-bringers. We are called to shine the light in otherwise dark places, and so reveal the truth of what goes on in secret. We are called to expose injustice and to insist that employers behave in ways which don’t require closed doors and dark corners. We are called to demand that workers be treated fairly, and that they receive a just and living wage.

As John writes: “Those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God.” As light-bringers, we not only serve those exploited in dark places. We also call unjust employers to “do what is true” and so offer a word of hope even to those whose works are done in darkness. We offer them an invitation to come out into the light.

Share this:

Solidarity Events on Valentine’s Day!

ICWJ — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 16:17:08 +0000

On Valentine’s Day 2012

Wisconsin still loves Justice!

Tuesday, February 14 is

the One-Year Anniversary of the Wisconsin Uprising.

Participate in an Act of Solidarity:

The faith and labor communities are joining together to call for the restoration of collective bargaining rights and funding for education. The Interfaith Coalition for Worker Justice, MTI and TAA will each be leading solidarity actions that will conclude with the delivery of valentines of protest at the Capitol.

8:00 to 10:00 a.m.: Interfaith Coalition for Worker Justice hosts the 12^th annual Faith-Labor Breakfast: “Solidarity in the Heartland”. Pastors Harrison and Jackson, leaders in Ohio’s successful campaign to overturn their state’s union busting bill will be the keynote speakers. Event will take place at First United Methodist Church, 203 Wisconsin Avenue, Madison. Cost: $25. Join faith leaders from Ohio and Wisconsin as they march from the ICWJ breakfast to the Capitol to deliver valentines in protest to Governor Walker’s office.

12:15 p.m.: Teacher Assistants’ Association “I ♥ UW” Rally. Meet in front of the Memorial Union and march to the State Capitol. The march will join the Solidarity Sing Along in the Rotunda and speakers will address the current lapse and what we need to do to defend public education in Wisconsin.

4:15 p.m.: “Show the Love, Save Our Schools” Rally – MTI. The courageous teachers, support staff and even the students of Madison’s schools were central to last year’s demonstrations. Please join them at the corner of Mifflin and Wisconsin Avenue at 4:15 p.m. for a march, some inspirational speeches and a Solidarity Sing Along! Support our public schools and the people who dedicate their working lives to improving our communities.

If you aren’t able to come to an event, stop by the Capitol to sign a Valentine!

For more information contact:

ICWJ: Rabbi Renée Bauer,director@workerjustice.org, 608-255-0376.

TAA: Alex Hanna, alex.hanna@gmail.com, 608-466-0790

MTI:Jeff Knight, knightj@madisonteachers.org, 608-257-0491

Share this:

ICWJ’s 12th Annual Faith-Labor Breakfast!

ICWJ — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 17:46:06 +0000

Valentine’s Day 2011 the ‘Wisconsin Uprising’ began -

This Valentine’s Day we celebrate

Solidarity in the Heartland!

Tuesday February 14th, 2012 ▪ 8:00-10:00am ▪ Cost $25

First United Methodist Church ▪ 203 Wisconsin Avenue, Madison

Solidarity march to the Capitol will follow the breakfast!

Keynote Speakers

Pastor Troy Jackson, an evangelical pastor in Cincinnati,

OH, served as the faith outreach director for the We Are

Ohio campaign to repeal SB 5.

Pastor Michael Harrison, a Baptist pastor in Youngstown,

OH, is the president of the Ohio Baptist State Convention

and was a leader in campaign against SB 5.

**Join Wisconsin Uprising leaders from the Teaching Assistants Association and Madison Teachers Inc. in welcoming Ohio to Wisconsin. Pastors Jackson and Harrison will inspire us with stories of how faith leaders helped overturn Ohio’s anti-union bill.**

Please RSVP your name, e-mail, address, phone number and organizational affiliation by e-mailing intern@workerjustice.org and sending a $25 check to ICWJ at 2300 S. Park St. Madison, WI 53713.

PLEASE CONSIDER BEING A SPONSOR! Sponsors will be recognized on breakfast materials and ICWJ website. Sponsorship at the
occupier level includes 1 ticket and all other levels include 2 breakfast tickets. Visionaries: $1000, Organizers: $500, Activists: $250, Protestors: $100, Occupiers (individuals only): $50.

Share this:

Another great Christmas reflection for our Christian Supporters!

ICWJ — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 16:30:40 +0000

Here is another great reflection on worker justice and the Christmas holiday written by Sister Maureen McDonnell. For similar reflections check out our resources page!

Christmas, great Feast of Light, is here! “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shown.” (Isaiah 9:1)

Jesus of Nazareth identified himself with Isaiah and other great Hebrew prophets, growing to know himself as Bringer of Light and fulfillment of ancient prophecies … the One (among many) whose mission was to denounce injustice and announce a new way of being.

From his extraordinary life and teaching, those who call themselves Catholic, have evolved a long tradition of Catholic Social Teaching, articulated and summarized in modern times through a number of official teaching documents of Church leaders. The first of these was written by Pope Leo XIII in 1891, titled Rerum Novarum (On the Conditions of Labor). In it, he “laid out the rights and responsibilities of both owners and laborers, promoting workers’ rights to organize into associations to seek just wages and improve working conditions, and called for a more equitable distribution of property and goods.” (JLeonard document cited above)

Major themes of these teachings, up to and including the 2009 document by Pope Benedict XVI on Integral Development of People in Charity and Truth , encompass the dignity of the human person, solidarity of the human family, option for the poor and vulnerable, the common good, the sacredness of work, creation, and ecological responsibility.

Darkness and gloom seem to cover our Earth at times. But at Christmas we focus on the light that can come through each of us living according to our “best lights,” gleaned from our complementary traditions and the many strong witnesses who show us how to kindle that light … that fire, which warms and illuminates our world. May we strive to be faithful to incarnating/enfleshing the challenges of our traditions. Pope John Paul II in 1981 expressed part of the Catholic commitment in this way: “We must …study the situation of the worker. There is a need for solidarity movements among and with the workers. The Church is firmly committed to this cause, in fidelity to Christ, and to (being) truly the “Church of the poor.”

An excellent resource on implementing Catholic Social Teaching is www.paxchristiusa.org

May our Light shine!

Share this:

Merry Christmas from ICWJ to our Christian Supporters!

ICWJ — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 22:43:19 +0000

The following reflection on the connection between Christmas and worker justice was written by Pastor Nick Utphall of St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church. For similar reflections on other holy days see the resources page of our website.

The familiar words of the Christmas story say, “In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see– I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.” (Luke 2:8-11)

The first to hear this “good news of great joy” were shepherds. These shepherds were working long hours, diligent through the night. They were out in the dangerous wild, facing all sorts of inclement conditions. Shepherds tended to be the outcasts of society, stuck doing the work that others did not want to do, avoided doing. Their job could be romanticized from the past, in line with Moses and King David, even while they were contemporaneously shunned. Though they were important to the functioning of their culture, these humble shepherds were often excluded and ignored. But when the heavenly messenger shows up, the good news is proclaimed first to these workers.

It says they were terrified. I imagine that relates in part to their position; they were not in a place usually to expect good news. Like many of us, the shepherds perhaps expected more bad news, more demands, a harder life. Yet they instead hear a hopeful message. And this is some of what continues to make this angelic announcement good news in our world today. This is a promise “of great joy for all the people.” God’s ongoing work in our world will not leave out those who have been pushed to the margins, who struggle with hard and difficult lives in trying to make a living. Far from the lying lip service that continues to abound, God keeps striving to bring good news to shepherds, to the regular workers, to those who seem so far from the places of power. Thank you for your role in bringing good news and sharing God’s work in our society.

Share this:

Solstice Greetings from ICWJ!

ICWJ — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 18:26:46 +0000

The following reflection on the connection between Solstice and economic justice was written by Rev. Darrel Richey of James Reeb Unitarian Congregation. For similar reflections on other holy days see our resources page.

Winter Solstice—The Birth of Religion

We are in the time of the Winter Solstice. Solstice, which from Latin means “sol” (sun) and “stitium” (stoppage) occurs twice a year; one in winter and one in summer. The winter and summer solstices and the spring and fall equinox (equal light) are formational for religion itself and every religion has had to find a way to incorporate the primal essence which is reflected in humanity.

Christianity, Judaism, Mithras, Zoroastrian, Hinduism, as well as early religions from Greece to Japan have created “Holy Days,” or holidays, in order to honour the importance and the impact that these times have upon humanity.

As we enter into this multi-holiday season I invite you to consider engaging the foundational human experience of Winter Solstice. As the days begin to get longer and nights shorter the symbols of rebirth, new beginning, coming out of the cave, etc. beckon each of us to re-evaluate our relationship with ourselves, our spiritual traditions, the greater community, and all of creation.

As the Winter Solstice prepares us for the New Year, may we prepare ourselves to continue our personal journeys of ever becoming the best that we can be and more fully realize the depth of our connection to each other and to this place we call Earth! I invite you to consider radically standing in solidarity with the oppressed, the homeless, and sadly this year, the oppressed includes working families. The transformation time of Winter Solstice can be foundation for making a difference in the New Year.

Happy Solstice!
Rev. Darrel

Share this:

Happy Hanukkah from ICWJ to our Jewish Supporters!

ICWJ — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 18:24:28 +0000

The following reflection on the connection between Hanukkah and worker justice was written by Rabbi Jonathan Biatch. For similar reflections on other holy days check out our resources page!

As Hanukkah approaches (the holiday begins at sunset on December 20), Jews remember the oppression under which their ancestors of the ancient land of Israel lived, and which they sought to overthrow. In the years around 165 before the Common Era, they were subject to the repressive rule of the Selucid dynasty, which imposed its pagan Greek religion upon the Jews. The Jews’ holy places were demolished, and their religion was ridiculed throughout the society. Hanukkah represents a celebration of the eventual defeat of the Selucids at the hands of the Macabees, a band of Jewish activists who fought for the preservation and purity of their religion.

For the ancient Israelites, this victory represented the triumph of religious freedom. For us, the larger lesson can be seen in the dedication of a people in their struggle, whatever it may be. When a significant goal must be achieved over a long period of time, it is possible to lose sight of the objective, or get lost amid distractions. Some may lose energy, or become discouraged when short-term objectives appear out of reach. Yet when the cause and goal are righteous and honorable; when a group of individuals strive together to achieve a just and noble purpose; when, even through defeats, the group maintains a sense of optimism: These are conditions that will, eventually, lead to success.

As we consider the needs of those in our state who struggle for worker rights and economic justice, we should also bear in mind the example of the Maccabees, which was to struggle even when the odds seem to be against us. The Maccabean army fought for religious freedom against a foe ten times their size. The forces against economic and social justice may seem to be of similar proportions, yet the struggle for doing what is right is just that: right and proper, and supported by people of good faith.

Share this:

ICWJ is hiring for Field Organizer position

icwj — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 03:13:51 +0000

Were you inspired by the Wisconsin uprising? Do you want to continue the fight for justice?

The ICWJ of South Central Wisconsin is seeking a candidate for the new Field Organizer position. The Field Organizer will be involved with the Faith-Based Labor Rights Organizing Initiative, a project that will strengthen the relationship between organized labor in Wisconsin and the faith-based organizations that work for social justice. Rather than simply work on a case-by-case basis, we will expand permanent capacity to foster and grow long term relationships between faith communities and labor organizations. The faith based organizer will sustain and enhance the current organizing initiatives of the Interfaith Coalition of Worker Justice (ICWJ). This initiative will allow ICWJ expand both its influence and its geographic reach. The initiative will provide a structure through which the faith community and the labor community can think and work together in ways that enhance the self-interest of each and secure a more just, safe and equitable future for all Wisconsinites.

Candidates should possess strong oral and written communication and organization skills, be comfortable communicating with labor union leaders and religious clergy, and have strong multi-tasking skills. The position is funded for 6 months, with a goal of securing permanent funding. The candidate will report to the Executive Director. Some travel throughout south central Wisconsin is required. The candidate will work 10 hours per week, with the hourly wage starting at $15 per hour

Tasks for the Field Organizer may include (in no particular order):

Conduct face to face outreach meetings with labor and religious leaders.
Update the ICWJ website
Update the ICWJ Facebook fan page
Maintaining the ICWJ database of supporters
Assisting in the coordination of fundraising events
Send out action alerts via email when needed
Coordinate newsletter production
Research new legislative policies, current events
Organize and coordinate public displays
Represent ICWJ at rallies/events
Coordinate rallies, events
Coordinate the creation of publicity material, fliers, sign up sheets, etc
Facilitate organization and distribution of mailings
Participate in outreach with other organizations
Work with Director to plan and prioritize tasks
Work with board to complete projects and prioritize tasks

Other requirements include:

Familiarity with Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access)
A bachelors degree is preferred, but not required
Access to a reliable automobile for some travel throughout south central Wisconsin – all travel expenses will be reimbursed

Questions to answer during the application process:

What motivates you to apply for this position?
What role do you see the religious community playing in advocating for justice in the workplace?

A cover letter, resume and answers to the above two questions should be submitted to:

Field Organizer Search
ICWJ of South Central Wisconsin
2300 S Park St #109
Madison, WI 53713
director@workerjustice.org
(No phone calls, please!)

Share this:

ICWJ wishes our Christian supporters a meaningful Advent!

ICWJ — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 16:24:58 +0000

One of our board members, Jerry Folk, wrote some words on worker justice in Wisconsin during a time of reflection.

November 27, four Sundays before Christmas, the Christian season of Advent begins. The first day of Advent is the Christian Rosh Ha’shanah, the Christian New Year. Like the Jewish High Holidays, there is a penitential quality to Advent. But the dominant mood is expectation and longing for the coming of a new world, the world the Bible calls the Kingdom or Reign of God. Advent is also a time during which Christians prepare for the coming of this world and for the birth of Jesus, who announced that the kingdom was near, indeed that it was already among us and sought to demonstrate by acts of mercy and love what the Kingdom of God is like.

Truth, justice and mercy are marks of God’s kingdom. The Advent season challenges the church to confront the lies and half-truths which lead so many astray with the word of God’s truth. It challenges the church to speak out against the injustices which condemn billions of people to destitution, hunger, disease and an early death and allow others to amass enormous fortunes. It challenges the church to perform works of mercy and forgiveness that reflect the presence and power of God’s Kingdom among us. What better way to prepare for the coming of the Kingdom and the birth of Jesus than by speaking Truth, serving justice and doing works of mercy for all.

Share this:

Statement on Collective Bargaining Rights

icwj — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 23:41:32 +0000

As people of faith we affirm the teaching of our religious communities that all workers have the right to safe working conditions, wages and benefits sufficient to ensure reasonable financial security and provide a life that of dignity and the right "to form and join trade unions for the protection of their interests."* Workers possess the rights to exercise their equal voice in the workplace and to bargain for fair wages and safe working conditions. We believe the right of public and private employees to collectively bargain must be safe-guarded.

Therefore we urge our legislators to pass a constitutional amendment to ensure the protection of these rights.

Please fill in this information to add your name to this letter from Wisconsin religious leaders.

Title
Name*
FirstLast
Email*
Enter EmailConfirm Email
Phone (mobile)
Phone (other)
Address
Street AddressAddress Line 2CityStateZip Code
Congregation or faith-organization (will be listed with a note for identification purposes only)
I give permission to use my name in a letter to my State Senator*
- Yes
- No
I give permission to use my name in the publication of this letter in a paid advertisement.
- Yes
- No
This letter will be delivered to your State Senator from the clergy who sign in his or her district. It may also be run as an advertisement in local newspapers.

Share this: