Thinking Globally
Acting Locally
"We will hold the promotion of Justice
as top priority in every area of our Congregation."
(Caldwell Dominican Vision Statement)
Caldwell
Commission on Global Issues:
Sub-Committee on Local Issues
Subcommittee on Migration:
Immigration/ Human Trafficking
“At what cost…?”Take a moment - reflect on these phrases:
Justice for Immigrants,
A Journey of Hope,
Look Beneath the Surface,
Human Trafficking = Modern Day Slavery.These programs and documents guided our work in the area of Migration. For the past two years, the Commission on Global Issues has focused its attention on the dual critical human rights issues of Immigration and Trafficking. In order to do this, we adopted a threefold approach proposed by the Dominican Leadership Conference Call to Action: Education, Advocacy and Network.
EDUCATION of us as a Commission and the community continues to be an important goal. Self awareness is foundational in order that we preach the word and heighten the knowledge and observations of those with whom we work. Since 2005, we have engaged in study, reflection, and discussion of US laws governing Immigration and Trafficking, noted articles, TV films and videos on Trafficking, e.g., Dying to Live, workshops, and shared expertise through guest speakers.
Major events attended by our members include:
• Trafficking workshop at Sparkill, NY, presented by Sr. Clare Nolan from the UN Committee on Human Trafficking and Prostitution;
• Workshop on Immigration/Trafficking at Seton Hall University presented by Avaley Haynes Lanning, MSW, from the International Institute of New Jersey;
• Haven: A drama with music about refugees and America, presented at Caldwell College and co-sponsored by the Social Concerns Committee of St Thomas More Parish and the CGI. Haven’s author and actress, Ms. Sara Kahn, presented stories of persons who come to America through the experiences of exploitation and despair. There were persons in the audience who gave personal witness to their life stories of abuse and abduction.ADVOCACY demands that we insert ourselves and our talents and take action on behalf of those who are denied their human rights. Newspaper articles recently told of several specific locales in the state of New Jersey where human trafficking is practiced.
We ask ourselves: “What can we do?”
1. First we must recognize the signs of trafficked persons and get help from qualified agencies, e.g. Bishop Francis Center for Immigration Services of the Archdiocese of Newark. This agency offers a three fold program: Immigration Assistance, Rescue and Restore, Refugee Resettlement. Connecting the individual in need of assistance with social agencies is critical. Reporting the situation with sensitivity is required so that the victim can be assisted with dignity, kindness and compassion.
2. We actively support the 300 people in the Elizabeth Detention Center in NJ who are seeking political asylum here in America. In collaboration with the “First Friends” volunteers, we sponsor outreach events to provide stamped envelopes and special phone cards so the detainees can keep in touch with their families and friends.
3. We contact State and National Congressional in an on-going effort to advocate for justice. Information concerning crisis-level Calls for Action comes to us through the Northeast Dominican Justice Promoters, Maryknoll, Catholic Charities, e-mails and newsletters from various organizations with whom we network. It is encouraging to know that Caldwell Dominican Sisters and Associates have responded to these Calls for Action so enthusiastically.
CGI Sub-Committee on Migration:
Immigration and Human Trafficking
reviews programs and resources
before forming their action plan
for elimination of this global injustice.NETWORKING with agencies furthers our study and awareness and gives CGI energy that comes from connecting with other groups and encourages our voice and action to stop this heinous and criminal human nightmare.
Northeast Dominican Justice Promoters provide insights, direction and challenge.
The work of the NGOs at the UN supports the networking of religious groups committed to justice and human rights.
At the local level, we contact with the Archdiocese of Newark to receive information, literature and assistance. Their two-pronged approach involves education in parishes and direct assistance to persons being exploited.
