Capital Quote 6/25/08

June 25, 2008

We all know that much work remains to meet the needs of refugees, and to deal with the violence and the persecution that causes the displacement in the first place. We’re improving our refugee programs, and we’re looking for the most effective ways to help those who seek resettlement in the United States. And we’re standing in support of human dignity and the rule of law in countries from Burma to Zimbabwe.

- First Lady Laura Bush, speaking in honor of World Refugee Day on June 20, 2008.

To learn more: view Mennonite Central Committee‘s recently relased report on political unrest and displacement in Zimbabwe.  Visit Refugee Council USA, a coalition of NGOs that provides advocacy on issues affecting the rights of refugees and displaced persons.

Leave a Comment » | Africa, Asia, Capital Quotes, Immigration | Permalink
Posted by Krista Zimmerman

MCC Women and Migration Learning Tour Announced

June 23, 2008

The Women’s Advocacy Program of Mennonite Central Committee is sponsoring a 10-day learning tour to Mexico and the Southwestern United States to study the social realities of women in neighboring countries, the causes of immigration and the migrant journey.  The trip will take place on October 12-22, 2008.  Individuals committed to sharing, learning and advocating for justice are encouraged to be a part of this experience.   More information is available online and registrations are needed by July 15. 

 http://mcc.org/learningtours/Women%20and%20Migration%20Flyer.pdf

Leave a Comment » | Immigration, Latin America/Caribbean | Permalink
Posted by Krista Zimmerman

MCC releases immigration listening project report

June 23, 2008

Mennonite Central Committee U.S. recently conducted a nation-wide listening project to learn more about Anabaptist attitudes and responses to immigration in the United States. Staff members facilitated discussions about immigration in more than 30 Anabaptist congregations in 10 states and Washington, D.C. About a third of the congregations were made up primarily of people whose families immigrated within one generation.

The MCC U.S. Listening Project report is now available (electronically and hard copy) to members of the public at mcc.org/us/immigration.

Leave a Comment » | Immigration | Permalink
Posted by Krista Zimmerman

Will the United States please ban cluster bombs?

June 19, 2008

Over 111 governments agreed on May 28th to ban the production, use, stockpiling and export of all existing cluster munitions. This new international treaty commits theses governments to stop using these weapons and to destroy their existing stockpiles within eight years.

Unfortunately, the U.S. government did not attend the negotiations. Instead, it has lobbied hard against the treaty.

“I think [the international treaty] has real value and can be used as a strong vehicle to urge the US and other governments to get on board,” shares Titus Peachey, Director of Peace Education for MCC US, who is hopeful for the treaty. Peachey attended the meetings in Dublin, where the treaty was signed.

Dublin ConferenceIn fact, the treaty has already born some fruit. Soon after the treaty was signed, Senators Dianne Feinstein (CA) and Patrick Leahy (VT), and Representative Jim McGovern (MA) introduced a joint resolution calling on the United States to sign on to the Convention on Cluster Munitions when it becomes open for signature in December 2008.

To read more thoughts from Titus Peachey, please see: http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/222823

1 Comment | Militarism, News Stories | Permalink
Posted by Valerie Ong

PBS to Show New Documentary about Slave Trade

June 19, 2008

Watch Traces of the Trade: A Story from the Deep North on PBS’s P.O.V. (Tues, June 24 at 10 PM – local times may vary)

Traces of the Trade Logo

After watching a screener for the documentary Traces of the Trade, I recommend watching it when it is broadcasted next week.  Here’s an excerpt from the synopsis on the film’s website:

Slavery InstrumentsKatrina Browne tells the story of her forefathers, the largest slave-trading family in U.S. history. Given the myth that the South is solely responsible for slavery, viewers will be surprised to learn that Browne’s ancestors were Northerners. The film follows Browne and nine fellow family members on a remarkable journey which brings them face-to-face with the history and legacy of New England’s hidden enterprise.

Read the rest of this entry »

1 Comment | Civil Rights | Permalink
Posted by Gabe Schlabach

Capital Quote 6/19/08

June 19, 2008

“What makes politics great is that it connects us to one another, the medical student with the migrant farmworker, enables us to make the sacrifices that improve the lives of those who need it and ennoble us all. Politics connects the privileged to those who struggle to make house payments, or put food on the table.”

– Kathleen Kennedy Townsend speaking at the Newseum in Washington, DC – May 27th, 2008

To learn more about Kathleen Kennedy Townsend and the legacy of her father, Robert F. Kennedy, visit the RFK Memorial Center for Human Rights.

Leave a Comment » | Capital Quotes | Permalink
Posted by Krista Zimmerman

MCC workers attend congressional hearing on the border fence

June 19, 2008

By: Tammy Alexander

WASHINGTON – Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) staff from the MCC Washington Office and MCC Central States attended a congressional field hearing in Brownsville, Texas, April 28 on the impact of the U.S.-Mexico border fence on the environment and local communities.

The April 1 announcement by the Department of Homeland Security that it would waive 37 laws to expedite construction of the border fence prompted the hearings. The lack of consultation with sanctuary managers, local communities and Native American communities regarding this action is of particular concern.

Read the rest of this entry »

Leave a Comment » | Environment, Immigration, News Stories | Permalink
Posted by Krista Zimmerman

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