Sisters of Mercy of the Americas West Midwest Community – Justice Advocate - Human Trafficking
June 22, 2014
UPDATE May 2014
Continue education and advocacy efforts within the West Midwest Community using an issue-specific e-list and community’s internal electronic newsletter (West Midwest Messenger). There are now 208 people on my e-list, representing WMW members, ministries, other religious communities, laypersons, associates, etc. It is an inclusive list! The spring issue of Living Mercy (sent to WMW donors, friends, family, associates, community members) included a three-page article, beginning on the front page, about sisters engaged in human trafficking ministries. There are four of us right now.
I have written two extended (2,000+ words) articles on human trafficking. One is titled “Look at Me! See Who I Really Am.” which appeared in the May-June issue of Viva! Mercy (a Sisters of Mercy Institute magazine). The second extended article, “A Slow and Arduous Journey – Let Us Begin!” will be in the spring issue of MAST (Mercy Association of Theology and Spirituality).
I am the Mercy representative to the U.S. Catholic Sisters against Human Trafficking coalition whose membership consists of women religious from 14 different communities or congregations. The subcommittees to which I belong are social analysis where we are currently developing educational modules and the legislative advocacy subcommittee where we track human trafficking bills in the US Senate and House of Representatives. We also advocate for passage of those that are good/helpful and encourage our communities’ members to do the same.
The USCSAHT also succeeded in getting a full-page ad in US Airways’ flight magazine in December. It was developed without charge by a public relations firm in Omaha, Nebraska. It has won state award and is submitted for further awards.
Jeanne Christensen rsm
