Ignatian Solidarity Network

Jenn and Lauren with fellow students and staff from Loyola Maryland on Capitol Hill

written by: Lauren O’Brien and Jennifer Ruckel, Loyola University Maryland ’14

On February 26, we were privileged to use our knowledge of comprehensive immigration reform to advocate with students from other Jesuit universities through the Ignatian Solidarity Network. Advocating was a new experience for many of us, and it was certainly rewarding to directly engage in the political process after studying an issue we are all incredibly passionate about. In the morning, presentations on the experiences of undocumented student added a new dimension to our understanding of immigration. Not only were we given the chance to be informed about a study by Fairfield University’s Center for Faith and Public Life examining the experiences of undocumented students at Jesuit universities, we also heard from Mary Small, a woman who works with Jesuit Refugee Services/USA.

It was an educational experience both through the presentations but also through the hands on experience advocating. Although it was frustrating at points to see the realities of politics, ultimately, the day was a reminder that our voices are powerful and that there are many ways we can use them to advocate and serve. Advocating for comprehensive immigration reform made strive to be women for others in a new way through the public expression of solidarity. In partnership with students from all over
the country, we re-energized our dedication to work for equality. It gave us both such joy to see a room full of people who were willing to work from the ground up and from the top down to enact a lasting change to the experience of immigrants in the U.S.

We left D.C. that day feeling both educated and challenged. We felt compelled to do something with the stories we had heard, continue using our voices in political processes, and remain informed on the issue as it progresses. Now that we have seen, we are responsible. It is our responsibility to remain actively engaged in politics surrounding not only this issue, but also many others that encompass the principles of Catholic social teaching. As Ghandi once said, “In a gentle way we can shake the world.”

Loyola University Chicago students and staff were recently featured on the university news blog for their involvement in the Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice.  In addition to hearing keynote speakers, attending workshops, and networking with other students, the Loyola group also participated in the advocacy day on Capitol Hill on November 14.

Read the story on the “Inside Loyola: News Blog”.

The Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice moved from Georgia to Washington, DC, in 2010, to respond to the growing interest in integrating legislative advocacy into the teach-in experience.

Commenting on the Teach-In’s second year in Washington DC, ISN executive director Christopher Kerr said, “This year’s teach-in offered powerful experiences of learning, networking, and prayer, but also empowered 800+ members of the Ignatian family to be voices for human rights and social justice on Capitol Hill.  These experiences of advocacy can be especially formative for young people who will become the leaders of our communities and our Church in the years to come.” Read more about the Ignatian Family Teach-In.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 20, 2011
www.ignatiansolidarity.net
Contact: Christopher Kerr, Executive Director
O – 216-397-2088
C – 216-410-7351
ckerr@ignatiansolidarity.net

“Jesuit Institutions Across U.S. join together

in Washington DC to Learn, Pray, & Advocate for Justice”

WASHINGTON, DC – Over 1,000 students, teachers, parish members, and others passionate about faith-inspired social justice will gather in Washington, DC, from November 12-14, 2011, for the 14^th annual Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice (IFTJ) sponsored by the Ignatian Solidarity Network.

The Teach-In is an opportunity for members of Jesuit institutions and partners to gather for learning, prayer, networking and legislative advocacy on Capitol Hill.  Teach-In attendees represent twenty-eight Jesuit universities, over twenty-five Jesuit high schools, Jesuit parishes, Jesuit volunteer communities, and many other Catholic institutions and organizations. 

Started in 1997, in Columbus, Georgia, the IFTJ takes place in mid-November to remember the Jesuit martyrs of El Salvador. The six Jesuit priests and their companions were murdered on November 16, 1989, in El Salvador for their work advocating on behalf of the economically poor of El Salvador.  The IFTJ moved from Georgia to Washington, DC, in 2010, to respond to the growing interest in integrating legislative advocacy into the teach-in experience.

Keynote speakers include Rev. Agbonkhianmeghe Orobator, S.J., Provincial of the East African Province of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits); Jim Keady, activist and executive director of a labor rights advocacy organization focused on Nike factory workers in southeast Asia; Colman McCarthy, former Washington Post journalist, author, and college professor; Br. Mickey O’Neill Mcgrath, OSFS, artist and director of Bee Still Studios; and Jennfier Smyers, an immigration and refugee policy advocate at Church World Service.  On Sunday (11/13) evening at 6:30 PM a Eucharistic liturgy will be celebrated, the principal celebrant will be Rev. Don MacMillan, S.J., a campus minister at Boston College and long-time peace and justice advocate.

The theme of IFTJ 2011 is “The Gritty Reality: Feel It, Think It, Engage It,” derived from a speech given by former Jesuit Superior General, Rev. Peter-Hans Kolvenbach, S.J., in 2000 entitled, “The Service of Faith and the Promotion of Justice in American Jesuit Higher Education.” Kolvenbach said, “Students, in the course of their formation, must let the gritty reality of this world into their lives, so they can learn to feel it, think about it critically, respond to its suffering and engage it constructively.” 

Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice SCHEDULE - more details available at: http://tinyurl.com/IFTJ-schedule

Saturday, November 12, 2011
Georgetown Hotel and Conference Center (3800 Reservoir Road, NW, Washington, DC 20057)
4 PM – 10 PM

Sunday, November 13, 2011
Georgetown Hotel and Conference Center (3800 Reservoir Road, NW, Washington, DC 20057)
9 AM – 9 PM (includes liturgy at 6:30 PM)

Monday, November 14, 2011
Capitol Hill Advocacy Day (various locations – more information available upon media request)
9 AM – 3 PM

MEDIA NOTE: Teach-In, Liturgy, and Advocacy includes photo, video, and interview opportunities

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The Ignatian Solidarity Network (ISN) promotes leadership and advocacy among students, alumni, and other emerging leaders from Jesuit schools, parishes, and ministries by educating its members on social justice issues; by mobilizing a national network to address those issues; and by encouraging a life-long commitment to the “service of faith and the promotion of justice.”  ISN is an independent 501c3 non-profit organization.  Additional information can be found at: www.ignatiansolidarity.net

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