The Teach-In is a space for prophetic voices for solidarity with the economically poor, the marginalized, and the Earth who have an openness to an Ignatian approach to faith and justice. Get ready to be challenged, engaged, and inspired to be agents for justice and solidarity.
Saturday, 11/3, 8:20-9:10PM
Sunday, 11/4
With over 25 presenting organizations in each of the Sunday breakout sessions, you’ll be able to connect with the justice issues you’re most passionate about.
Sunday, 11/4; 10:40-11:30 am
Intersections: Mental Health and Catholicism | St. John’s College High School – Steven Patzke >> Examine how mental health influences homelessness, racial injustice, marginalization of veterans, criminal justice, youth suicide, and gun violence in the U.S. Participants will learn about the Catholic call to destigmatize mental illness as a human dignity issue and examine personal and social activism and advocacy strategies. |All Groups| Alexandria
Peeling the Onion: Social Analysis | Jesuit Social Research Institute, Loyola University New Orleans – Fred Kammer, S.J. >> Join this introduction to the Pastoral Circle, which implements a faith that does justice though experience, social analysis, reflection, and action. Explore two approaches and sets of questions for addressing social, economic, and environmental challenges in education and pastoral ministry. |All Groups| Fairfax Boardroom
Equity and Inclusion #notdiversity | University of San Francisco – Jane Bleasdale >> This session will share data that reflects the experience of students of color, particularly Black and Latinx students in Jesuit schools. In a discussion-based setting, participants will hear from an educational researcher and a school leader—both committed to creating communities that are equitable and inclusive. |HS*-US*-P-AFVF| Jackson
Caring for All God’s Creation | St. Francis Alliance – Liz Holtz >> In light of Pope Francis’ call in Laudato Si’, how can small changes in our diet, along with activism, make a difference in the fight to protect all of God’s creation? This session focuses on the devastating impacts of factory farming on the environment, animals, and workers. |US-US*-P-AFVF| Jefferson
Dios y la Tierra “Woman: Ally of God and of the Earth” | Maria Christina Herrera >> In this session, break down patriarchal models and violence to establish spaces of safety, affirming of the power of women. |All Groups| Lee
Are Jesuit Schools Perpetuating Systems of Oppression? | Bellarmine College Preparatory – Carlos Jimenez >> Many Jesuit schools engage in significant fundraising to allow students from low-income backgrounds to afford tuition. While this is a worthy cause that builds inclusion and equity, students receiving financial aid often have extra responsibilities to “repay the school’s generosity.” Collaboratively analyze whether these practices perpetuate systems of oppression that predominantly affect students of color. |HS*| Madison
Catholic Women Preach on Justice | Catholic Women Preach – Jocelyn Collen, Cecilia González-Andrieu >> Catholic Women Preach has raised a range of diverse voices—each sharing from her own experience as a gifted Catholic woman—engaged in a variety of vocations across the globe. This session highlights ways CWP preachers have called us to act with and preach for justice. @joce4justice |All Groups| Manassas
Murdered and Missing Indigenous People | Red Cloud Indian School >> In British Columbia, Canada, more than 40 Native women are missing or have been murdered along “The Highway of Tears.” On the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota, murders jumped 90% in 2016. Reports are often ignored and these cases are not prioritized. How can we take action on behalf of missing and murdered Indigenous People in the U.S., Canada, and the First Nations? |All Groups| McLean
Stories from Returned Volunteers | Catholic Volunteer Network – Mike McCormick, Katie Strosnider >> During this panel session, engage with former international volunteers and lay missioners who will share discernment stories and speak to the growth they experienced as individuals, community members, and returned volunteers who have transformed their experiences into diverse professional paths. |US| Mt. Vernon
Seeking Dialogue and Peace in Nicaragua | UCA Nicaragua – Jorge Huete-Pérez >> Since April 2018, the people of Nicaragua have experienced repression at the hands of government-sponsored paramilitary groups, leading to the deaths of more than 300 individuals. The Jesuit’s University of Central America in Managua has played a vital role in calling attention to the violations of human rights and the blatant destruction of democratic structures. Learn more about the situation and how you can be an agent of solidarity amid this human rights crisis. |All Groups| Rosslyn 1
L’Arche: Courage to Be | L’Arche GWDC – Crisely Melecio-Zambrano >> Using interactive elements of song, art, storytelling, and small group discussion, explore a call to courage—to be in a community of intersectionality and “journeying together” through discipleship at the margins. |All Groups| Rosslyn 2
2020 Initiative: Ban Assault Weapons | Loyola University Maryland – Timothy Brown, S.J. >> If 20 actions are taken by enough people, enough times, then by 2020 ordinary people will create the climate for change we need—at least 20 states where we see assault weapons of war banned and universal background checks mandated. |All Groups| Salon 1/2
Finding God in Your Day: Learning to Pray the Examen | America Media – James Martin, S.J. >> Learn how to discover God in your daily life in just a few minutes. Fr. Martin has called the examination of conscience the “easiest prayer ever.” So even if you think prayer is beyond you, come and see!
|All Groups| Salon 3/4
Criminal Justice Reform in Action: Stories from the Jesuit Restorative Justice Initiative | Jesuit Restorative Justice Initiative – Robert Garcia >> The Jesuit Restorative Justice Initiative (JRJI) is a ministry of restorative justice that strives to heal broken relationships with those who are incarcerated, their families, and victims of crime and their families through prayer, education, and advocacy. Hear from Robert Garcia, JRJI’s assistant executive director, about his own incarceration story and his advocacy work. |All Groups| Salon 5/6
Seamless Garment: The Foundation of Our Work for Justice | Xavier High School – Jack Raslowsky >> This session will examine Joseph Cardinal Bernardin’s seamless garment teaching as a way of understanding the church’s commitment to a consistent ethic of life from conception to natural death that respects the dignity of all persons in all stages of life. As Catholic Christians working for justice, we have an obligation to move beyond political positions/labels. How might our work for justice better witness to the sacredness of all human life? |All Groups| Salon A
Finding a Better Way: A Catholic Family’s Pursuit of Restorative Justice Catholic Mobilizing Network – Kate and Deacon Andy Grosmaire >> Dissatisfied with the criminal justice process after their daughter, Ann, was killed by her fiancé, Conor, the Grosmaires, with Conor’s parents, fought to address the crime in a way that allowed their voices to be heard. This session will explore transformative approaches to criminal justice that promote human dignity and solidarity. |All Groups| Salon B (Repeated Session #3)
Make a Change: Become an Organizer! | POWER University – Ray Ward, Maureen O’Connell >> This student-led workshop will explore what makes faith-based community organizing an effective approach to social change. Small group activities will allow participants to practice the fundamental skills of community organizing: one-to-one conversations, power mapping, and planning and executing public actions. |All Groups| Salon C (Repeated Session #3)
Organizing for Farmworker Justice | Coalition of Immokalee Workers – Julia de la Cruz >> Join a conversation about the farmworker-led Campaign for Fair Food and Fair Food Program, which has harnessed the purchasing power of the world’s 14 largest retail food companies to eliminate human rights abuses in U.S. agriculture. Learn how you can join students nationwide to guarantee fundamental protections for all workers. |All Groups| Salon D
Ending Genocides via Campus Actions | John Carroll University – Richard Clark >> Genocides are often fueled by profits derived from conflict minerals which are used in a variety of electronic products. Through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching, explore how, as consumers of electronics, students and schools are uniquely positioned to use their combined buying power to reduce atrocities by holding electronics firms accountable. |HS-HS*-US-US*-P| Salon E
Living Wage, Unions, and Community | Just Employment Project – Alexandros Taliadoros >> All workers should be treated with dignity, in accordance with Jesuit values and Catholic Social Teaching. We are called to live out this principle on our own campuses by ensuring that workers are guaranteed a living wage and basic rights—particularly immigrant workers who face great uncertainty.
@AlexCTaliadoros |US-US*-P-AFVF| Salon F
Transgender Voices in the Church | New Ways Ministry – Robert Shine, Francis DeBernardo >> Catholics increasingly face questions of transgender inclusion, intersecting with issues like race and sexual orientation that compound marginalization. This interactive session will examine how trans voices are both present and silent in our communities. Participants will leave with resources for building trans justice in their communities. |All Groups| Salon G
Educate for Immigration Reform | Kino Border Initiative – Pete
Neeley, S.J. >> What can you do after experiencing the immigration realities on the border with people who have been deported? This session will help high school and university students and teachers organize around immigration reform and engagement, drawing from years of working with student groups on “next steps.” |HS-HS*-US-US*| Salon H
Loyola Rising: Campus Activism | Loyola Rising – Rachael Martines, Alexandria Heredia, Kassina Dwyer >> Learn about Loyola Rising, a student-led movement at Loyola University Maryland, which has succeeded in highlighting the intersectionality of gun violence and racism in the context of Baltimore City. Share your experiences with campus-based activism and anti-racism strategies, and build community. |HS-HS*-US-US*| Salon J
Men for Others in the Age of #MeToo | Georgetown Preparatory School – Amanda Melder >> As the #MeToo movement continues to expose sexism and misogyny in corporate and political settings, teachers and students in Jesuit schools are called to deepen their understanding of what it means to be “men for others.” How does our culture define masculinity, and how might our schools reinforce harmful conceptions of what it means to “be a man”?
@Amanda_Melder |HS-HS*| Salon K (Repeated Session #3)
Racial Wealth Gap Simulation | Bread for the World – Genevieve Mougey >> Experience this interactive session to build your understanding of the connections between racial equity, hunger, poverty, and wealth. Explore the impact of policies that have widened today’s racial, hunger, income, and wealth divides. @genevievemougey |All Groups| Skyview
Student-Centered Advocacy | Brophy College Prep – William Rutt, Beth Clarke >> This session will examine student activism on high school campuses, reflecting on how to engage students in advocacy work. It will also examine the notion of Jesuit institutions as agents of social change and the demands thus placed on Ignatian educators. @wrutt |HS*-US*| See Registration Desk
Take the Challenge: A Call to Reduce Single Use | Ignatian Solidarity Network, Cheverus High School >> A recent report released by the UN estimates that by 2040 the world will experience immediate consequences of climate change. Join us to discuss this year’s Ignatian Carbon Challenge and to learn how our campaign to reduce single-use plastics on your campus is an essential piece in addressing the climate crisis. |HS-HS*| See Registration Desk
Sunday, 11/4; 1:10-2:00 pm
Moral Messaging and Media Strategy | Faith in Public Life – Dan Nejfelt >> When it comes to immigration conversations and debates, the words we use and the stories we tell are immensely important. This workshop will explore what to say, how to say it, and what not to say. |All Groups| Alexandria
Where Do I Go From Here: Discerning Graduate Studies and Your Vocation | Boston College School of Theology and Ministry – Ellen Romer Niemiec, Adam Poluzzi >> How do you integrate your passions into your life’s work? Join us to discuss opportunities for education and formation at the Boston College School of Theology and Ministry. Hear current students and staff share about how they’ve responded to God’s call to serve those on the margins. |All Groups| Fairfax Boardroom
32 Years With Migrants at the Oakland Catholic Worker and the Border | Oakland Catholic Worker – Bob Lassalle-Klein >> Join founding and young members of the Oakland Catholic Worker migrant family ministry staff to hear stories about the underground railroad, FBI wire taps, falling in love and raising families at the Catholic Worker, and life-changing encounters with Jesus the migrant. |All Groups| Jackson
Toward Transformation: CST and Race | Gilmour Academy – Brianna Lazarchik >> A seven-week unit exploring connections between Catholic Social Teaching and racial justice was created at Harvard this year, integrating pedagogical tools for dismantling racism. Join this session, for both educators and all who wish to build upon this foundation and work toward courageous and transformative teaching and learning.
|HS*-US*-P-AFVF|Jefferson
SOS : Solidarity with Nicaragua | The Center for Global Education and Experience – Joseph Connelly >> The Jesuit network has a strong history of relationships with communities in Nicaragua through immersion programs. However, with an increase in violence, these programs are no longer an option. Learn more about the current reality in the country and consider—how can we continue to stand in solidarity with the people of Nicaragua? |US-US*| Lee
Gonzaga and Slavery: Our Journey | Gonzaga College High School – Ed Donnellan >> In the summer 2017, GCHS students discovered the school’s links to slavery, which led to a yearlong discernment process concerning our implication and response to that injustice. A collection of poetry and new research findings from the summer of 2018 have sharpened our vision of the demands that history makes on us. |All Groups| Madison
P.I.E.C.E.S of Advocacy on Campus | Catholic Relief Services, Creighton University – Danielle Roberts, Kelly Tadeo Orbik >> Catholic Relief Services and Creighton University team up to share with you how to bring your passion for advocacy and justice issues back to campus in an effective way, using “I am the Cause. I am the Solution” campaign resources and Creighton’s service-immersion programming as examples. @creighton_SCSJ |US-US*| Manassas
Prophetic Voices for Climate Justice | Global Catholic Climate Movement – Marisa Vertrees >> In this session we will discuss how to move the Church towards action on climate change in our own actions and by being bold advocates for change. We will discuss how to act in solidarity with other nations, educating our communities, and moving towards ecological conversion. @CathClimateMvmt |US-US*-P-AFVF| McLean
La Cultura que nos Impide-Coming out of the Latino Closet | Cristo Rey Milwaukee High School – Saul Morales-Rivas, Jarelly Aguilera >> In this session, we will talk about challenges that people face being in the middle of their Hispanic community and the LGBTQ community. We will discuss our experiences and culture in the Hispanic community that prevents the people who are “in between” to be themselves. @_saulmorales_ |All Groups| Mt. Vernon
A New Era for Refugee Protection | Jesuit Refugee Service/USA – Giulia McPherson >> This year marked an increase in the number of forcibly displaced persons, as the Trump Administration capped the number of refugee arrivals in the U.S. while a new Global Compact on Refugees was finalized. Explore this new era in refugee protection and share ideas for how Jesuit-inspired individuals and institutions can take action.
@giuliamcpherson |All Groups| Rosslyn 1
Encountering Instead of Othering | University of San Francisco – Sonya Arriola, Fr. Christopher Iwancio, OFM Cap. >> Students at Jesuit schools are called to be “men and women for and with others” by being in solidarity with the poor and marginalized through service programs. Explore how service opportunities can unintentionally create notions of “others” and how Pope Francis invites more authentic encounters in our service learning. |HS-HS*| Rosslyn 2
Migrant Stories Across Borders | Kino Border Initiative – Joanna Williams, Kate Thompson, Essie Humbertson >> How can we cross the borders in our communities to better listen to our neighbors and accompany our migrant brothers and sisters? This session will focus on listening to the voices of migrants and immigrants within our schools and institutions, in our local communities, and in locations far away, including the border. |HS-US-P| Salon 1
Homeboy Advocacy: Community Organizing to Create a Community of Kinship| Homeboy Industries >> Homeboy Industries provides hope, training, and support to formerly gang-involved and previously incarcerated men and women. Many systems of injustice impact the lives of the men and women at Homeboy and throughout our nation. Share in a panel discussion around utilizing tools of community organizing to create a greater community of kinship. |All Groups| Salon 3/4
Men for Others in the Age of #MeToo | Georgetown Preparatory School – Amanda Melder >> As the #MeToo movement continues to expose sexism and misogyny in corporate and political settings, teachers and students in Jesuit schools are called to deepen their understanding of what it means to be “men for others.” How does our culture define masculinity, and how might our schools reinforce harmful conceptions of what it means to “be a man”? @Amanda_Melder |HS-HS*| Salon 5
Embodying Love: Faith and Sexuality | Boston College School of Theology and Ministry – Justin Hoch >> Join this interactive session as we explore our lived experiences of sexuality in the Church and speak openly about LBGTQ inclusion. All are welcome to attend as we strive to be a community aware of how our own intersectionality calls us to authentically embody God’s love. |All Groups| Salon A
Finding a Better Way: A Catholic Family’s Pursuit of Restorative Justice | Catholic Mobilizing Network – Kate and Deacon Andy Grosmaire >> Dissatisfied with the criminal justice process after their daughter, Ann, was killed by her fiancé, Conor, the Grosmaires, with Conor’s parents, fought to address the crime in a way that allowed their voices to be heard. This session will explore transformative approaches to criminal justice that promote human dignity and solidarity. |All Groups| Salon B
Make a Change: Become an Organizer! | POWER University – Ray Ward, Maureen O’Connell >> This student-led workshop will explore what makes faith-based community organizing an effective approach to social change. Small group activities will allow participants to practice the fundamental skills of community organizing: one-to-one conversations, power mapping, and planning and executing public actions. |All Groups| Salon C
#DREAMon Campaign | Brophy College Preparatory – #DREAMon Campaign Team >> #DREAMon is a student-led campaign at Brophy College Preparatory advocating for a legislative DACA solution. Join this session to learn from high school students about how you can use approaches such as lobbying, phone-a-thons, community teach-ins, anecdoctal testimonies, and educational presentations to advocate, using #DREAMon as a model. |HS-HS*| Salon D
And Who Is My Neighbor? | Boston College – Carly Anderson >> From online comments sections to our family tables, our contemporary moment can often seem rife with bitter division. This presentation challenges us to reconsider how we see our neighbors, and how we see ourselves as people seeking to live lives of faith and justice. |US| Salon E
How to Keep the Profit Local | Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Jesuit Mission of Bachajon – Stephen Pitts, S.J., Arturo Estrada, S.J. >> Beginning with the story of the Jesuit mission of Bachajon, Chiapas, and its family of economic cooperatives, we offer a methodology for integral human development rooted in human relationships that provides sustainable employment to local people by developing their natural talents. |HS*-US-US*| Salon F
It’s Time to Choose Nonviolence | Catholic Nonviolence Initiative, Pax Christi International – Judy Coode, Marie Dennis >> It is time to replace simplistic and utopian ideas about nonviolence with more accurate, expanded, and evidence-based information about effective nonviolent tools—from diplomacy to trauma healing, restorative justice to nonviolent civilian protection, civil resistance to nonviolent communication—that could help humanity actually build a more peaceful world. @PaxChristi |HS*-US-US*-P-AFVF| Salon G
Mosaic: A Womxn of Color Initiative: Keeping Intersectionality at the Forefront of Our Minds | Loyola University Maryland – Nia Kuttamperoor, Haleema Hafeez, Frances Almodovar >> Mosaic: A Womxn of Color Initiative strives to provide resources, support, and encouragement for all who identify as gender non-conforming, transgender womxn, and womxn of color on Loyola’s campus and abroad. Through our development of an inclusive sisterhood, we aim to involve, inform, and inspire womxn to embody the excellence of the collective presence and hold intersectionality at the forefront of their minds. |All Groups| Salon H
Feminism at the Crossroads | Canisius College – Margaret Treichler >> This session addresses the vast injustices faced by women today, and the ways in which all of these injustices intersect. Explore effective organizing tactics and techniques around feminist issues on college and high school campuses. |All Groups| Salon J
Supporting Undocumented Students in Higher Education | University of San Francisco – Mary Wardell, Ph.D., Flavio Bravo >> With DACA being cut last fall and facing continuous legal battles in the courts, immigrant youth have become even more vulnerable to deportation. This workshop will demonstrate how you can increase institutional awareness and scholarship support for undocumented students who do not qualify for federal financial aid despite demonstrating financial need.|All Groups| Salon K
Racial Wealth and Income Gap | NETWORK – Alannah Boyle, Erin Sutherland >> This interactive session takes participants through 12 key federal policies and practices implemented throughout American history, beginning in the late 1800s, that led to the intentional divestment of the Black community and provided the institutional structure for what we understand as white privilege today. |HS-HS*-US-US*-P| Skyview
Cultural Work and Public Witness | Trabajo Caminante Cultural – Francisco Herrera >> We will explore the ability to move hearts, minds, and issues in harmony with Gospel values as we participate in partnership with the Creator for a just world. The essence of the workshop will be to prepare the liturgical/cultural component of Monday’s public witness. Bring your creative self, and be ready to use your artistic self whether it be through music, written language, body movement, etc. |All Groups| Salon 6
Investments That Do Justice | Jesuit Committee on Investment Responsibility – Nicholas Napolitano >> Jesuit institutions and individuals can use financial investments to create corporate-level social and environmental change. Learn how you can get involved in the Jesuits’ 40 year history and current work through shareholder advocacy to build a more just and conscious corporate world. |All Groups| Salon 2
Organizations and individuals are called to share their work and passion for justice on the Teach-In MainStage or during one of three IFTJ breakout sessions.
Breakout session applications are due September 16
Ignatian network speaker applications are due October 1
