Annual Report 2015-2016
The Network That Networks for Justice
Rev. Timothy Kesicki, S.J.
President, Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United States
Brendan Underwood was one of many powerful speakers to reflect on the Teach-In theme “Bridges.” 1,700+ participants from the U.S. as well as Canada, El Salvador, and Mexico considered the “Bridges” that need to be envisioned, mended, and built to let hope and light shine forth amid a world scarred by injustice—including racism, which Brendan addressed while reflecting on violence directed at young black men. Capitalizing on the energy of the Pope Francis’s visit to Congress, over 1,200 Ignatian advocates took to Capitol Hill to call for humane immigration reform human rights in Central America, and environmental justice.
Other Highlights
The “Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future” Fund was announced in 2014, established to further ISN’s programs and initiatives in commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the Martyrs of El Salvador and the 10th anniversary of ISN’s founding. The financial goal of the fund is $100,000, with $75,000 raised to date.
On April 27, 2016, ISN honored Fr. Michael Garanzini, S.J., with the 2016 Robert M. Holstein Faith Doing Justice Award at a cocktail reception on the campus of Loyola University Chicago. A celebrated university administrator, professor, and author, Fr. Garanzini has a long history of merging higher education and a commitment to act for justice.
In partnership with Jesuit Volunteer Corps, ISN hosted Solidarity on Tap events in Philadelphia, Chicago, San Francisco, Cleveland, Baltimore, and Detroit. Hundreds of young alumni and former Jesuit Volunteers gathered to socialize, network, and reflect on the relationship between faith and justice.
In partnership with Solidarity Ignite, ISN hosted apparel workers from the Dominican Republic based Alta Gracia Living Wage clothing factory. Reaching 12 states and 27 schools, the tour raised awareness about ethical consumerism and the positive implications of “a salary with dignity.”
During our Pope2Border campaign, dozens of institutions watched a livestream of Pope Francis’s mass near the Mexico-U.S. border, attended solidarity masses, and secured thousands of signatures on a letter to Catholic members of Congress urging humane policies toward migrants.
In October of 2015, ISN presented the Legacy of the Martyrs Award to Kevin and Trena Yonkers-Talz, co-founders/co-directors of the El Salvador-based Casa de la Solidaridad study abroad program sponsored by Santa Clara University.
Publications
Online Lenten Series: “Repentance is a discipline Americans have never been good at practicing.” Kaya Oakes’ words, from her Ash Wednesday reflection, served as a powerful commencement of Lift Every Voice, ISN’s Lenten blog series addressing America’s original sin of racism through the lens of Ignatian spirituality and the daily readings.
Stay in Love: Online and print guide for recent alumni seeking to stay involved with the Ignatian network—parishes, retreat centers, formation and networking opportunities, and service and justice related advocacy
Advocacy 101: Advocacy training guide providing step-by-step direction for planning and implementing legislative advocacy meetings, with a distinctly Ignatian approach to reflection and discernment