Washington Memo Blog
Visit the Washington Memo Blog to stay informed about Washington Office activities, publications, events, action alerts, and news regarding the issues we cover. The Washington Memo Blog is frequently updated, so you do not have to wait for the next issue of the Washington Memo to find out what is going on. The following are excerpts from recent blog posts:
In My Shoes: Pedro Gonzalez
“MCC has published a 7- minute audio slideshow about Pedro Gonzalez, one of the 10 MCC participants in the 2007 Migrant Trail. Pedro talks about his life experiences—growing up in Mexico, traveling to the United States in the early 1990s and struggling to get by, raising a family, and ultimately ending up with MCC in Houston. It’s a really great story, and one that highlights the challenges (and identity issues) that many immigrants face when coming to the United States.”
The post links to the Pedro Gonzalez slideshow.
“The Road from Guantanamo”
“President Barack Obama officially banned torture… [and we must urge him to] go even further in protecting human rights. This will mean ending ‘extraordinary rendition,’ whereby prisoners are sent to detention facilities in other countries to be harshly interrogated and tortured. Ultimately, it will mean endorsing human rights in fact as well as rhetoric, a result that Anabaptists, who have a history of being unjustly persecuted, tortured and killed by the state, should welcome…”
Website Resource Highlights
The MCC Washington Office website provides information about the office, action alerts, upcoming events, and resources on domestic and international issues. Recent highlights include:
Days of Prayer and Action for Colombia
This will be taking place April 19–20 this year. Join with other churches in the United States and Canada to pray, worship and act for policies that promote peace and justice in Colombia. Learn how your church can get involved.
A Guide to Predatory Lending
This new guide has been created by the Washington Office to demonstrate how biblical principles can be applied to the situation. The brochure suggests ways to be an advocate for the victims of predatory lending, and it outlines policies which should be supported. Guides for other Washington Office issues, as well as a general advocacy guide and a record of how your representatives have voted can be found here.
Issue Pages: Immigration
The Washington Office website includes more materials related to immigration. Click here to find background information, prayer and reflection resources, personal stories, action alerts, and links to articles and other websites which are useful for gaining a better understanding of the issue and the Mennonite role in welcoming newcomers.
Action Alerts
Sign up to receive emails notifying you when your voice can make a difference in legislation and government policies. You can choose to receive alerts for particular issues (e.g., immigration, civil rights, the environment) and/or regions (Latin America, the Middle East, Asia, Africa) which you care about.
Compiled by Kaia Vereide, MCC Washington Office intern.
