We must be the hope we wish to see in the world –Mahatma Gandhi
Below is a list of resources to help inspire hope and encourage you to put your faith into action.
Peace and Conflict resolution
Pax Christi MI - They are committed to working for peace locally, nationally, and globally through prayer, study, and action.
Dispute Resolution Center - They provide mediation services to the Washtenaw community. Individuals can receive training in mediation and conflict resolution skills.
Interfaith Youth Core - In a world of religious pluralism, IFYC works to empower people of faith to bridge differences and serve together for the common good.
Community of Sant’Egidio - Founded in Rome in 1968 by young people committed to living the Gospel, it has grown to over 5o,000 members in over 70 countries. They are committed to prayer, communicating the Gospel, building communities without borders, friendship with poor people, and service for peace. Community members have acted as mediators in world conflicts.
Christian Peacemaker Teams - Motivated by their motto “Getting in the Way”, Christian Peacemaker Teams are witnessing for peace and non-violence in war zones around the world.
The Forgiveness Project - Through outreach and the sharing of stories, the Forgiveness Project explores alternatives to revenge and helps to build a world free from conflict and committed to peace and forgiveness.
The Carter Center - Founded by former president Jimmy Carter and his wife, Roslynn, the Carter Center works around the world for human rights, conflict mediation, and a secure and healthy life for all humanity.
Catholic Peace Fellowship - The CPF is committed to supporting conscientious objectors through education, counseling, and advocacy.
Food , hunger, and the environment
Farms without Harm - They are a network of small farmers and concerned citizens working for safe, sustainable farming in Michigan.
Growing Hope - Growing Hope supports and builds community through sustainable gardening and food distribution.
Michigan Catholic Rural Life Coalition - Through workshops and resources, the MCRLC highlights the moral issue of caring for creation.
National Catholic Rural Life Conference - NCRLC promotes and protects the dignity of rural people and advocates for the care of creation.
Oxfam - This international relief agency creates lasting solutions to poverty, hunger, and injustice.
Catholic Relief Services - Through education, advocacy, and direct service, CRS works to alleviate suffering and injustice around the world.
Food Gatherers - Food Gatherers alleviates hunger in the Washtenaw community and works to eliminate its causes through the distribution of food, the education of the public, and the development of sustainable food resources.
Human Rights
Human Rights Watch - Human Rights Watch “speaks truth power” and stands with victims and activists to end human rights abuses around the world.
Workers Rights Consortium - Founded by university administrations, students, and labor activists, the WRC works to protect the rights of workers producing clothing and other goods especially those that carry college names and logos.
United Students Against Sweatshops - This international student movement works for sweatshop free labor conditions and worker rights.
Mennonite Central Committee - MCC supports the dignity of all through direct aid and service, development, advocacy, and education.
Catholic Campaign for Human Development - “CCHD addresses the root causes of poverty through the support and promotion of community controlled, self-help organizations and transformative education.”
Education
Education for Justice - This website helps people learn about Catholic Social Teaching and builds a greater awareness for social justice issues with the hope of creating solidarity with the oppressed and marginalized.
Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns - This office provides and serves Maryknoll missioners and concerned citizens with analysis and advocacy on social justice issues.
Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good - Their mission is to be a prophetic voice for Catholic Social Teaching especially in how it relates to participation in civil society and to promote structures and groups working for the common good.
Office for Social Justice - This website provides excellent resources on Catholic Social Teaching, social justice issues, action alerts, and advocacy.
Volunteering
Catholic Network of Volunteer Service - CNVS is a membership organization of two hundred domestic and international volunteer and lay mission programs. Their excellent website can connect you to these programs and help you find ways to serve.
