Here is some information about organizations that you will hear about on our pilgrimage, along with some reflection questions. It may be helpful to write your reflections and responses to the questions, talk about with others, or simply give time to ponder.
Equal Justice Initiative
From the Equal Justice Initiative website:
The
Equal Justice Initiative is committed to ending mass incarceration and excessive punishment in the United States, to challenging racial and economic injustice, and to protecting basic human rights for the most vulnerable people in American society. EJI works with communities that have been marginalized by poverty and discouraged by unequal treatment. We are committed to changing the narrative about race in America.The United States incarcerates its citizens more than any other country. Mass incarceration disproportionately impacts the poor and people of color and does not make us safer. EJI is working to end our misguided reliance on over-incarceration.
The opposite of poverty is not wealth. The opposite of poverty is justice.
How have you seen or experienced discrimination, unjust policing, prosecution, and incarceration practices that unfairly impact people of color?
How do you imagine any reform?
What questions do you have?
What is our role in building a just system?
How is your perspective of poverty changed in light of these statistics?
NAACP
From the NAACP website:
In 1909, a civil rights organization was formed to oppose racial segregation and discrimination by nonviolent means. It was called the
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.The challenge
Environmental and climate justice is a civil rights issue. We all depend on the physical environment and its bounty.
Toxic facilities, like coal-fired power plants and incinerators, emit mercury, arsenic, lead, and other contaminants into the water, food, and lungs of communities. Many of these same facilities also emit carbon dioxide and methane — the No. 1 and No. 2 drivers of climate change. But not all people are equally impacted. Race — even more than class — is the number one indicator for the placement of toxic facilities in this country hit by climate change.
What is your understanding of environmental and climate justice issues today?
How has history enabled these issues to exist today?
Describe thoughts you have on how we might implement change for the common good.
