We the People, We the Voters

dear members “Voting is a civic sacrament.” —Rev. Theodore M. Hesburgh, C.S.C. NETW RK This is another special A National Catholic Social Justice Lobby Connection issue devoted to NETWORK—a Catholic leader in the global movement NETWORK’s Nuns on the for justice and peace—edu- Bus campaign, an amazing cates, organizes and lobbies journey that has carried us for economic and social transformation. across the country several NETWORK Board of Directors times in the past two years. Regina Ann Brummel, CSJ We are now in the midst Kevin M. Callahan Tom Cordaro of another trip that began Patricia Mullahy Fugere Lorena G. Gonzalez on September 17 in Mary Beth Hamm, SSJ Des Moines and will Alice Kitchen Donna Marie Korba, IHM conclude close to Election Betsy McDougall Patricia Mejia Day. The theme of this trip Terence J. Moran is “We the People, We the Ann Scholz, SSND Voters,” and our goal is to NETWORK Education Program Board of Directors convince millions of people Delia Garcia Melba Rodriguez across our country to Dierdre Griffin Anna Sandidge Diane Guerin, RSM Judy Sharpe register and vote. Rudy Lopez Jerry Zurek We know that we will Buttons handed out by the Nuns on the Bus in Lexington, Kentucky Dean Manternach lose our democracy if we NETWORK/NEP Staff Managing Editor, Communications/Media cannot overcome the power Coordinator—Stephanie Niedringhaus Contents Campaigns & Organizing Specialist—Ashley of big money to distort Wilson our democratic process. envisioning Development Manager—Maggie Brevig Stories across Our Nation Election Organizers—Jennifer Maez, Kieran What I say is that we need 3 McCourt everyone at the table. I Sister Simone Campbell recounts some of the Executive Assistant—LaTreviette Matthews moving stories she and the other Nuns on the Executive Director—Simone Campbell, SSS know from our business Bus have heard on the journey. Fellows—Carolyn Burstein, Nancy Groth, Barbara Hazelett, Joan Neal roundtable discussions that cover story Field Organizing Associate—Felicia Carter people with big money are Field Organizing Manager—Shantha Ready NETWORK’s Nuns on the Bus Alonso fine people, but what I am 4 on the Road for Democracy Government Relations Associates—Colleen urging is that they leave Ross, Nicholas Moffa Our new bus trip began on September 17 and Lobbyists—Marge Clark, BVM, their moneybags outside will continue well into October. Here are firsthand Laura Peralta-Schulte accounts of what has happened so far. Managing Director—Paul Marchione the door and come sit at Membership Assistant—Megan Dominy the table of democracy with focus on the hill Policy Education Associate—Allison Walter Policy Education Coordinator—Colin us as equals. We need their 10 Why Your Vote Matters! Christopher voices and not their money. Will you vote in November? Here is vital Technology Coordinator—Joy Wigwe information about how the results of this election They cannot buy the table Articles in NETWORK Connection may be re- will impact critical issues that affect us all. printed. Please include the following on the re- of democracy. If they buy prints: “Reprinted by permission of NETWORK, spread the word a National Catholic Social Justice Lobby, 25 E our table, it is no longer Street NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20001, democracy. 13 Vote as a Community. www.networklobby.org.” Please send us a We’re in This Together! copy of the reprinted article. I invite you in this Photocopy and distribute this handout— Fourth Quarter 2014—Vol. 42, No. 4 Connection to journey with and be sure to vote. Copyright © 2014 NETWORK. us on the bus. We the NETWORK Connection – ISSN 0199-5723 making a difference Published quarterly by NETWORK People, We the Voters must phone: 202-347-9797 fax: 202-347-9864 Become a 100% Voting Faith show up in large numbers 15 e-mail: [email protected] Community or Workplace website: www.networklobby.org this November. Help us Peer-to-peer encouragement is the most tried Postmaster: make that happen! and true voter turnout strategy. Use it in your Send address changes to: faith community or workplace this election. NETWORK • 25 E Street NW, Suite 200 Washington, DC 20001 Annual dues: $50/$60 international. Stay connected with us! Cover photos: Bus in Traverse City, Michigan (Bailey Dick photo); Michigan Nuns www.facebook.com/NetworkLobby on the Bus with representatives of St. Luke’s http://twitter.com/#!/networklobby NEW Life Center in Flint, Michigan

2 Connection Fourth Quarter 2014 www.networklobby.org envisioning

Sister Simone Campbell with representatives from ARISE Chicago

in poverty. They were worried that large Stories across Our Nation campaign contributions on all sides were negatively impacting our democracy. By Sister Simone Campbell They themselves were beginning to feel September 30, 2014 we also find those who do not think that pushed out of the democratic process. I am writing this on our first day off voting makes a bit of difference. At the In Waterloo, Iowa, we talked with Safter two weeks on the road doing Nuns United Church of Christ in Muskeg- women who had been convicted of on the Bus—We the People, We the on, Michigan, several people said they felonies. The governor had decided by Voters. On this 5,200-mile journey we would not vote because it did not mat- executive order that people with felony have met many people and delighted in ter. I now wonder if maybe they were convictions could not vote. But these their stories. I want to share with you like Mary and not sure whom they could highly engaged women had found the just a few that touched my heart. trust in the process. I talked with Tanya, NETWORK website and the toolkit for At our Detroit Town Hall yesterday, the clerk in a local township, who said nonvoters. They were so excited to be Mary, an elderly woman, told us that a they have VERY low voter turnout. Even involved in this election. They are the problem in voting is that some people so, she has to get ballots printed as if engaged nonvoters. have trouble reading and need help. It 100% were going to vote. She worries Most provocative for me was a busi- brought home to me that it is challeng- about wasted paper and money for her ness roundtable in Chicago where six ing for many voters in this (and every) cash-strapped township. She urged us to business owners and four sisters talked election cycle to find someone they trust get voters to the polls if we were going to about business and the common good. to read the ballot and actually do what get people registered. I came away with new ideas, including they want. I talked with Sharon, who was stay- the insight that people who start and/or The Amalgamated Transit Union ing in the evening shelter at the Dorothy run businesses are competitive and that (ATU) also came to our Town Hall and Day Center in St. Paul, Minnesota, and the measure of success today is money. I talked about challenges people have just working to reclaim her life after being wondered if we could change that mea- traveling to the polls. Their members are in abusive relationships. She told me of sure so more money can be shared with willing to help, but linking up with those her struggle growing up in foster care workers actually making the wealth of who need transportation is complicated. and never really knowing what a settled companies and our nation. In Flint, Michigan, we met Rhonda, family life was. She was going to “try to People we have met have committed who just finished a three-year training vote,” but it was difficult because she to vote and signed our bus. I urge you program. Her self-esteem now leads her was so focused on just surviving. to join us on the bus and take our “I Am back to voting and caring about her neigh- In Council Bluffs, Iowa, we had a table a Voter” pledge as we strive together to borhood. She is coming to see herself as a full of self-professed Republicans, but make this a more perfect union! leader, and she spoke of gaining the cour- they were quick to explain they’re not age to speak up. What a gift she is to her “the crazy Republicans.” They had con- Sister Simone Campbell is NETWORK’s community as she starts to use her voice. cerns about government spending, but Executive Director and author of A Nun Everywhere, we meet women and agreed that something was amiss when on the Bus: How All of Us Can Create men striving to make a difference. But people could work full time and still live Hope, Change, and Community.

www.networklobby.org Fourth Quarter 2014 Connection 3 NETWORK’s Nuns on the Bus on the Road for Democracy

By Stephanie Niedringhaus and NETWORK’s Nuns on the Bus

avid Gibson, a journalist with Religion News Service, ask people to pledge to be voters. We even left two blank areas humorously described the current Nuns on the Bus on the exterior of the bus for people to sign as another way to journey this way: “This time it’s the Catholic sisters ver- show their commitment to vote. Those spaces were laughably Dsus the Koch brothers.” A catchy description, but, of inadequate. Our entire bus is now covered with signatures! course, it doesn’t really go to the heart of what our new bus trip is all about. September 17: The First Day of our Bus Trip Earlier Nuns on the Bus trips focused on convincing elect- his year’s journey began in Iowa, just as our first trip ed officials to use their political power for justice. Reject a two years ago. The sisters learned on that first bus trip federal budget that harms people at the economic margins, we that starting each day with communal prayer was vital. demanded. Vote for comprehensive immigration reform and TOn those rare days it didn’t happen, something always Medicaid expansion! seemed to go amiss. But this year’s trip is different in a fundamental way. We Following this practice, Sister Jan Cebula, OSF, wrote are now on the road to convince millions of people that We early in the morning on September 17, “We go now to begin the People hold the real power—but only if we use it. It’s all our day together in prayer. To remain grounded. To keep con- about democracy. nected. We’ll pray for the grace to remain open to whatever Understanding this basic truth has never been more impor- happens and whomever we meet. To be able to listen and tant. We live at a time when income and wealth disparities exchange our points of view. To work for the good of all. To are growing exponentially, and huge amounts of money are have hope because we’re all in this together.” poured into elections. This deluge is more than simply an That was the beginning of an amazing day. She wrote after- effort to fund candidates friendly to the interests of rich indi- wards: viduals, families and corporations giving the money. It’s also a “Day One of Nuns on the Bus was one huge swoosh of way to make many voters cynical and dispirited so they won’t energy! We were all swept up in the surge emanating from show up at the polls. Who wins then? Those with the most people passionate about what counts. wealth and power. “And who could be any more passionate than Simone And that is democracy turned on its head. Campbell to get us going at the kick-off rally on the steps Emblazoned on our bus this year are the words “We the of the [Iowa] capitol! Moved by the stories of people she’s People, We the Voters.” We want to convince millions of peo- met across the country, she ignited the energy and urged ple that voting is the only way to ensure that the power of us on. Vote people first! Not money, not power, not poli- big money does not mangle our democracy. As we like to tell tics. Vote people first! We the People. We the Voters. people, dollars can’t actually vote. People can. “Vice President Joe Biden took the stage and addressed And while candidates fear a lack of money to run cam- the crowd about the widening income gap and the danger paigns, their more intense fear is not being elected. this presents to democracy. And about the power released Votes make the difference. from people who combine conscience with passion. On the road, we are eager to promote a record Energy swirled around. turnout this November, and in elections to “Afterward, he hopped on the bus and rode come. In order to reinforce this message, we with us to the café where we had lunch. Along the way he continued to share with us his knowl- A crowd awaits the Nuns on the Bus in Iowa edge about world affairs, his passion for putting inset: Sister Jeanie Hagedorn with Vice President Joe Biden people first. At lunch we all sat around one table and he talked about his faith and the church, and shared personal stories about the important influ- ence women religious had had in his life. As he left, he took time to greet everyone there, taking time to talk with each person. Another simple reminder to put people first. “Then we joined the ICCI folks for an afternoon of door knocking, going out in pairs to talk with people about the importance of raising the minimum wage and voting. As soon as we mentioned raising the minimum wage, a connection was made. Stories poured out about people working hard and not being able to afford housing and food. ‘Nobody can support themselves on the current minimum wage.’ They all signed cards pledging to vote!

4 Connection Fourth Quarter 2014 www.networklobby.org Vice President Joe Biden speaks at the Nuns on the Bus kick-off rally in Des Moines, while Sister Simone Campbell looks on inset: Signing the bus in Charlotte, NC

“All along the way, we’ll be asking people to declare of my memory, but perhaps the ‘I am a voter!’ and sign a pledge to vote. If they take the one that stands out is Vice Presi- pledge we’re inviting them to sign the bus. They’ll be rid- dent Biden meeting with people ing along with us on the bus. All of us together declaring in the crowd and hearing their ‘Vote people first!’” stories, hugging and kissing them. It was politics up close and personal Other Nuns on the Bus were equally moved that first day: and all about the bus trip. We share a Sister Bea Snyder, CHM: “Morning prayer: having commitment to the people of our nation and need to do the come together less than 24 hours before our prayer time, I was hard work of democracy. I was touched when the Vice Presi- moved by the strong sense of one-ness of community. How dent said to us that we underestimate the impact that we have special it was to come together from our various communities on people and our world. I realized it is so true. We are just and to feel so accepted and a part of the mission facing us.” trying to do our mission and have this amazing moment to lift Sister Gwen Hennessey, OSF: “My highlight of the day up the hope of our nation. It made me so grateful to be used was knocking on doors and hearing excitement for raising the by the Spirit in this moment!” minimum wage. This was in a poorer neighborhood; people Sister Kathy Thornton, RSM: “What a day!… My were so grateful and happy! It was heartwarming that two new favorite activity was knocking on doors and meeting folks young voters signed the voter pledge and committed to sup- who instantly without hesitation supported the increase of the porting a raise to the minimum wage.” minimum wage and without hesitation said, ‘I am a voter!’ The Sister Mary McCauley, BVM: “How will I ever forget… wisdom of the workers can lead us to justice.” the warmth, the ease, the message and affirmation of Vice President Joe Biden?! And then to have the honor of sitting The Iowa Journey Continues next to him for lunch, what a joy!” he Iowa leg of the trip lasted five days. A hectic sched- Sister Simone Campbell, SSS: “The first day of the ule in communities across the state included Town Halls, Nuns on the Bus 2014 was amazing. We opened our rally with visits to service sites, voter registration drives, rallies and a bank of press and about 500 people, and 10 nuns all join- Tmore. ing together to lift up the need for people to triumph over ‘big Tiring at times, but so much accomplished and so many money’ by voting. There are so many moments that jump out connections made. www.networklobby.org Fourth Quarter 2014 Connection 5 Two impressions from the Town Halls: Sister Jeanie Hagedorn, CHM (Waterloo Town Hall): “The crowd of about 80 filled the room with enthusiasm and remarkable knowledge and commitment to their local community. The collapse of the middle class and the percep- tion of an emerging ‘class system’ in our country seemed to resonate with many.” Sister Marge Staudt, OSF (in Dubuque): “Topics raised at previous Town Hall sessions were again given voice. To list a few: develop the art of listening; seek the values that promote the common good; the problems of big money in politics; guns in our society. Making a difference in our world is a 24/7 and 365-day endeavor. A concluding statement from the state Visit to Americana Community Center in Louisville, KY, which serves legislator in attendance: ‘Getting together is a START. Staying refugees and immigrants from 92 countries together is a PROCESS. Working together is SUCCESS.’” As during previous Nuns on the Bus journeys, visiting com- had to provide regular monthly payments toward restitution munity service sites and lifting up the work of Catholic sisters before being allowed to vote. They are very hurt by this.” and others working there is an important part of this trip. At Clearly, we need elected officials willing to act with com- every stop, we hear stories that move us. passion and conscience. After visiting the Catherine McCauley Center in Cedar On to Minnesota Rapids, Sister Marge Clark, BVM, wrote: “The transitional housing program supports women without children; many ach time the bus enters another state, sisters from the new arrive directly from prison release. Those we heard from were state climb on. This creates a vibrant, ever-changing com- open about their struggles, what led them to prison—and munity. And as each new sister arrives, her excited engage- about their hurt and frustration about being unable to vote. ment is clear. ESister Maurita Bernet, OSF Amy said, ‘As people required to follow the laws, we should (about the Rochester Town have input into the system.’ How very true! It was shocking Hall): “Three young women at one table did not hesitate to to learn that the previous two governors had allowed convict- start to list off real concerns: war, partisanship, media roaring ed felons to vote once they fulfilled their time in prison and to citizens wondering how to know the truth. What an inspi- parole [but] Governor Branstad reversed this, saying that they ration, to be part of such eagerness to think and want to take action, for the common good of the 100%!” Sister Alice Zachmann, SSND (Mankato rally): “It’s been exhilarating! Evidence of faith and hope has been shared in Mankato.” Each state also presents new insights and exciting new connections. In St. Paul, Sister Kerry O’Reilly, OSB, described a “day [that] began as no other, with an interfaith break- fast with Senator Al Franken and his wife, Franni Bryson. We nuns, Rev. Peg Chamberlin of Minnesota Council of Churches, Rev. Meg Riley, the social justice coordinator of the Unitarian Church, along with Doran Schrantz from ISAIAH, were gathered with Senator Franken. We met at the Daily Diner, a new enterprise of the Gospel Mission that provides opportunities for people dealing with poverty and addiction to work and learn skills. As a group of faith leaders and an elected official, we talked and listened and even analyzed a bit our present reality. A new definition from Senator Franken: ‘Hope is your prayers answered.’” Illinois n Chicago, another Nuns on the Bus activity—a business roundtable—brought new insights. Sister Simone Campbell, SSS: “From my perspective, the business roundtable was one of Arriving in Detroit inset: Senator Al Franken and his wife Franni Bryson I with Sister Simone Campbell in St. Paul, MN the most interesting and creative discussions I have had

6 Connection Fourth Quarter 2014 www.networklobby.org left: Sister Julie Driscoll, a Nun on the Bus right: Sister Carol Coston, a NETWORK founder and first executive director, signs the bus in Detroit

about the common good. We met with six successful Chicago voter registration efforts focused on young people, business leaders (one woman and five men) to talk about including students at the University of Illinois-Chicago: their experiences. Sister Nancy McCarthy, BVM: “I tried to imagine how “We came to realize that the reason the CEOs keep I’d react if I were approached by a ‘Nun-on-the-Bus’ and asked wanting more in salary is not because of needing more if I’d registered to vote! Most of the students I spoke with actu- money. Rather, we realized that entrepreneurs are very ally said they had (and sounded proud of it). They were very competitive and money becomes the measure of success. happy to receive our materials and willing to fill out voting We discussed what could be a new measure of success so pledge cards. The informational flyer about candidates was that we could distribute more of the money to those who very helpful in getting them to talk.” are being left out. At a Chicago rally, Sister Bernadine Karge, OP, also “We also talked about the complexity of regulation heard the stories of workers “who suffer disrespect, discrimi- for business and how challenging it is to follow all of the nation and wage theft on the job,” including one who works rules. The business folk said they wanted less regulation. fulltime earning $9.25 an hour, which is insufficient to sup- But as we talked I realized that these laws and regulations port his 16-year-old daughter and himself. start out very simple but get more complex in the lobby- And at ARISE Chicago we met with Governor Pat Quinn ing process as industries have their lobbyists advocate for and heard personal stories that “break open your heart.” special consideration. It is all of these special consider- Sister Kris Vorenkamp, SLW, was particularly moved by ations that add volume to the regulations. So if business stories from “a Hispanic couple working for 13 years at a car- complains, we need to explain to them how they are part wash unbelievably only receiving tips—no daily wage—because of the problem. the owner said they were immigrants and didn’t deserve it [and] “In short, when we have curious conversations with a brave striker from [a company that] requires extra hours but people we do not usually talk to we can get new insights. never pays the workers for those hours.” This is the way we work for the 100%.” Michigan The next stop was Michigan, where two of NETWORK’s first leaders—Sister Carol Coston, OP, a founder and first executive director, and Sister Nancy Sylves- Tter, IHM—boarded the bus. The sisters continued to hear themes similar to those in other states—concern about inequality, homelessness, raising the minimum wage, climate change and various forms of injustice. And they also felt the same energy and hope. Sister Nancy Sylvester, IHM: “…what was energizing and hopeful were the multiple voices who raised up the need to find new ways to approach the problems; thinking outside the box; sitting down and conversing with those who think differently… What cannot be captured that well in words is the hope that the ‘Nuns on the Bus’ engenders among those gathered. There is something magical about that ‘Bus.’ When

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn with the Nuns on the Bus and representatives of ARISE Chicago at Low-wage Worker Roundtable

www.networklobby.org Fourth Quarter 2014 Connection 7 left: Town Hall in Rochester, MN below: Sister Mary Ellen Gondeck at Town Hall in Ann Arbor, MI

people sign their names to the bus they know they are joining At a Town Hall at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, with so many others who believe in democracy and are will- participants offered ideas on how to strengthen the democratic ing even with the current dysfunction of our political system process: to commit themselves to strengthen our government by the Sister Linda Werthman, RSM: “[T]he strongest call was people, with the people and for the people.” for campaign reform and removing barriers to voting. Why At a service site in Flint, Sister Mary Ellen Gondeck, not open to all early voting? Why should students on cam- CSJ, heard “from a young man whose mother died when he pus have to wait 3 hours to vote because of the lack of vot- was 14, leaving him the eldest of four siblings and how he has ing options? Why cannot a person register to vote when they coped with that loss and responsibility of raising his siblings. come to cast their ballot?” Another young man spoke about the program saving his life as he returned to the community twice after being released Kentucky from prison.” entucky sisters joined the bus in Louisville, traveling So many needs. So many stories. And, of course, recogni- together to service centers in Lexington and Owings- tion in every community that our nation is desperately in need ville. We heard stories of people without jobs losing their of elected officials who will work for everyone, not just the Khomes, immigrants working hard to learn English and rich and powerful. care for their children, and people willing to stand with them.

left: Father John Rausch signs the bus in Lexington, KY right: Kirsten Sikkelee, CEO of YWCA Central Carolinas, with Sisters Simone Campbell, Mary Beth Hamm, Margie Hosch and Phyllis Tierney

8 Connection Fourth Quarter 2014 www.networklobby.org Sister Loretta Spotila, CSA, after a Lexington labor forum: “Some concerns mentioned were the low minimum wage, the Kentucky Right to Work bill, wages without benefits, corporate exploitation of the worker and company greed, and lack of skilled trades people to fill jobs. Also mentioned were today’s declining connections among families and neighbors, and between company workers and execu- tives. Of interest to me was that almost everyone referred to these as moral issues! As a Catholic Sister who grew up in a family of union workers, I grew up hearing about many of these issues and knew several had been resolved in the past, thanks to interventions by the unions. And yet, today we are still discussing them!” West Virginia rriving in West Virginia, we visited a women’s shelter and then conducted a Town Hall in Charleston. Sister Pat Murray, CSJ, reported that some trav- Aeled more than an hour to attend the Town Hall, which included some drama. “As the discussion hit the usual concerns of ‘big money’ politics, polarization of parties, and ‘information silos,’ a real life example of how easily well-intentioned conversations can lead to misunderstandings occurred. Two participants felt disrespected by each other as they expressed their differing opinions. Sadly, one of the participants chose to leave rather than continue the discussion. I was struck by how often that seems to happen. I was also struck by the real- ization that I too can be tempted to walk away from the challenging conversations rather than to stay at the table seeking mutual understanding. After the gentleman left, an amazing shift happened in the conversation as people began talking Signing the bus in Flint, MI about building relationships.” Building relationships and strengthening the power of com- for us was that he gladly registered and then filled out an munity have been recurrent themes throughout the journey. absentee ballot.” After convincing another man to register to vote for the North Carolina first time in his life, she added, “My experience canvassing he next stops were in North Carolina, beginning with a Aston Park Tower lasted less than a half hour, but in that short civil rights remembrance in Greensboro and rally at the time and with that little effort at least two more people will state capitol in Raleigh. There was also a stirring multicul- have the opportunity to vote on November 4. I continue to Ttural festival at Immaculate Conception Church in Dur- be amazed at the warm and gracious welcome I have received ham. from EVERY person I have met here in North Carolina and Sister Phyllis Tierney, SSJ, wrote about the hectic but their belief that together, We the People, we can create a future exhilarating travel schedule: “We were warned ahead of time full of HOPE in these United States of America for the 100%.” that we would have a long day ahead of us on Sunday [Octo- ber 5]. We were in Raleigh and Greenville, and would arrive And the Journey Continues! in Asheville later in the evening. What we experienced was s this issue of Connection goes to press, NETWORK’s high energy, southern hospitality, and the desire to make a dif- Nuns on the Bus are just concluding our stay in North ference.” Carolina. We invite everyone to follow the journey as it A public housing residence in Asheville provided us with Acontinues to Georgia, Louisiana and Colorado at www. some of our most rewarding experiences. nunsonthebus.org. The energy and commitment to strengthen Sister Mary Beth Hamm, SSJ: “With my partner, Ruth, our democracy have not abated, and we trust that EVERYONE we canvassed the 4th floor where we knocked on doors, rang reading this article will vote this November and be voters in bells and distributed sample voting ballots, ‘Absentee Bal- all elections to come. Together, We the People, We the Voters lot Applications,’ and ‘Early Voting’ handouts … One of the will make a difference! residents who welcomed Ruth and me was Derek, who was very surprised to find a nun at his door! He explained that Stephanie Niedringhaus is NETWORK’s Communications he is disabled but definitely wanted to vote so a success story Coordinator. www.networklobby.org Fourth Quarter 2014 Connection 9 focus on the hill Why Your Vote Matters! By the NETWORK Issue Staff

The 113th Congress has been among the How will decisions made by Congress petition to force Speaker John Boehner Tmost ineffective in years. Despite growing impact our lives in other ways? Here is to bring the act to the floor. gender and racial inequality, widespread a long list of issues and legislation they Women make up less than 25% of the economic and social injustice, recurring will consider that is by no means com- current workforce in high-wage, high- conflicts in the Middle East, and plete. The list makes it clear, howev- demand occupations. As a result, sev- a humanitarian crisis on the er, that we will all be affected in eral legislative proposals exist to provide U.S.-Mexico border, our cur- some way by how our legisla- apprenticeship training, employment rent legislators have failed tors vote. and counseling for low-income women to take decisive action on For example, there are to help them move into nontradition- almost any issue. safety-net programs such as al occupations. Many such proposals As a result, the midterm LIHEAP (Low-Income Home remain stuck in committee, including elections in November take Energy Assistance Program) the Women and Workforce Investment on added importance. We that are woefully underfunded. for Nontraditional Jobs Act (H.R.951). desperately need elected lead- Might our members of Congress Legislation has also been proposed ers willing to take bipartisan, defini- be willing to increase these types of pro- to make it safer for mothers to support tive action for the good of our nation. grams at the expense of something less their families. The Supporting Work- We must support and elect senators, vital? ing Moms Act of 2013 (H.R.1941) and representatives and others who will Over almost the past four-and-a-half the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act address the needs of the 100%. years, we have been told of lower unem- (H.R.1975) would make reasonable Sadly, less than half of all eligible ployment rates and ever-increasing job accommodations for pregnant women voters in the U.S. vote in midterm elec- creation. A deeper look at the statistics and new mothers in the workforce. tions. We have to change that statistic. reveals a less rosy picture. Despite a Experts and politicians from both Civic participation has never been more lower unemployment rate, the work- parties are beginning to view early important, and it is vital that each and force participation rate dropped from childhood education as key to future every person get out the vote. It is equally 62.8% to 62.7% and the number of educational success. The Child Care important that those who are not eligible long-term unemployed (27 weeks or and Development Block Grant Act to vote participate in our democracy by longer without work) remains very (S.1086), passed by the House encouraging and helping those who are high. Will Congress do some- and the Senate this year, pro- able to vote to show up at the polls. thing to help? vides low-income families Below is a spotlight on just some of While raising the mini- with financial assistance to the critically important issues that hang mum wage awaits a vote in help them enroll their chil- in the balance, based on what happens both chambers of Congress, dren in pre-K educational this November. wages remain stagnant for programs. Prior to becom- most hourly workers. ing law, the bill needs final The Federal Budget and Domestic And on a related note, addi- Senate approval and the presi- Human Needs tional jobs must be created in the dent’s signature. When Congress returns on Novem- public sector. This would help make Budgeting for 100% of our people ber 12, they must pass legislation that our roads safer, provide for adequate means ensuring, via legislation, that keeps the federal government operating resources in schools and other public workers, women, children, the elderly, past December 11. This means they must buildings, and increase the number of and all others can live in dignity. In the approve an omnibus budget, extend the Social Security office staff and casework- year ahead, we will continue to urge Continuing Resolution (CR) into the ers. Congress to consider the impact of their new Congress, or pass a CR to cover the Women continue to fare less well decisions on everyone in our nation. remainder of this fiscal year, which ends than men in the workplace. On average, on September 30, 2015. a woman earns $0.78 to every dollar a Tax Policy If they choose none of these options, man earns in a comparable position at Members of the 114th Congress will they will repeat last year’s disastrous the same level. This remains true despite probably attempt to pass some type of government shutdown. The agreement the fact that most women work out of tax reform, particularly if the Repub- that ended the shutdown last year deter- necessity to provide for their families. lican Party takes control of the Senate. mined the overall spending levels for Several pay-equity bills are currently House Speaker John Boehner and Sen- the 2015 fiscal year. While an omnibus pending in Congress, including the ate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell budget would allow for a reevaluation of Paycheck Fairness Act (H.R.377). One- have both identified tax reform as a top spending priorities, a CR would not per- hundred ninety-seven of the required priority, and leaders of both parties have mit that same flexibility. 218 members have signed a discharge long sought to change the tax code. The

10 Connection Fourth Quarter 2014 www.networklobby.org focus on the hill

problem is significant disagreement NETWORK believes that revenues grants via executive action following regarding the goals of such reform and raised through our tax system should the November elections. While these the best way to achieve said goals. pay for the public needs of society and measures will help some people, Leaders in Washington agree that set us on a sustainable path to eco- they cannot fix our broken the U.S. needs more economic growth, nomic growth and stability. immigration system. Unless particularly for those struggling to Speaker Boehner, who has make ends meet, and that the best way Immigration supported immigration to address the issue is through tax and Following the passage of reform in the past, stands spending policies. The difference is that comprehensive immigration up to the radical elements while Republicans want to cut taxes legislation by the Senate on in the Republican Party, on businesses and the wealthy, Demo- June 27, 2013, many believed comprehensive immigra- crats want to increase public invest- there was a good chance that a tion reform cannot pass. ment in infrastructure. Another conflict similar proposal—either as one piece We at NETWORK will do surrounds whether tax reform should of legislation or as a series of smaller everything possible to convince Con- increase revenue to pay for expected bills—would clear the House of Repre- gress that it must take action on this crit- increases in spending on entitlement sentatives, finally fixing America’s broken ically important issue. Our nation needs programs (e.g., Social Security and immigration system. legislators willing to make that happen. school lunch programs), be tax-neutral Advocates, in particular, hoped that by changing who pays, or should simply momentum created by the passage of the Trade cut taxes and reduce spending on gov- Senate bill would stimulate action in the The Obama Administration, through ernment programs. Democrats continue House. During the remainder of 2013 the U.S. Trade Representative’s (USTR) to ask that the wealthy pay more and through the early summer of Office, is currently negotiating two sig- to support key programs, 2014, NETWORK and our allies nificant trade agreements: the Transat- while Republicans urge advocated strongly for reform. lantic Trade and Investment Partnership budget cuts instead of rais- In mid-June, however, (T-TIP) with the European Union and the ing taxes. Speaker Boehner said he Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) with 11 Wealth disparities in our would not bring any immi- Asian-Pacific countries, including Japan. country disproportionately gration bill to the House floor As with previous trade agreements, affect children and have a for consideration, effectively U.S. negotiators continue to promote a lasting effect on the economic killing immigration reform for corporate trade agenda that privileges wellbeing of future generations. the year. corporate profits over the promotion of In this year’s Census report, the per- Nevertheless, the rapid rise in child the common good and strong environ- cent of children living in poverty (19.9%) migration from Central America this mental, health, safety and consumer pro- was significantly larger than the percent- year led to debate over how to respond tection regulations. Trade negotiations age of adults (15.4%). The Earned Income to the tens of thousands of children flee- are carried out behind closed doors, and Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit help ing violence in their home countries. only corporate lobbyists can engage in lift families out of poverty and must be Surprisingly, at the request of the Tea the discussions. protected. Since improvements to these Party, Speaker Boehner brought two Within T-TIP and the TPP, there are credits expire in 2017, we look to our leg- immigration-related bills to the floor a number of potential provisions that islators to either extend these improved prior to the pre-election recess. could severely impact health, safety, credits or make them permanent. The first bill, H.R.5230, which environmental, and consum- passed with overwhelming er protection programs in Republican support, reduces the U.S. and abroad. One legal protections for unac- example is an Investor companied minors fleeing State Dispute Settlement violence in Central America. (ISDS) process. The ISDS AccordingVOTE! to a recent Bloomberg The second unjust bill, once process includes non- analysis, as few as 10.8 million again passed with Republi- transparent trade tribunals votes will decide which party can support, prohibited Presi- that companies can use to controls the Senate in the 114th dent Obama from implementing challenge government-adminis- Congress. That is only 3.4% of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals tered health programs such as Medicare total population! (DACA), a program that allows hundreds and Medicaid. These tribunals operate To prevent a few special of thousands of young people brought to outside the U.S. system of checks and interests from buying our the U.S. by their parents to receive work balances and are not required to track democracy, We the People must permits and avoid deportation. or abide by U.S. law. Moreover, their become We the Voters! President Obama has promised to decisions cannot be appealed. In 2012, create additional protections for immi- corporations initiated 58 cases chal- www.networklobby.org Fourth Quarter 2014 Connection 11 focus on the hill

lenging domestic protec- states have refused to expand Med- Non-violent Solutions to Conflict tions, claiming they icaid, and another three are con- NETWORK believes in the power of negatively impacted sidering expansion. Refusing to non-violence in cultivating peace. Sadly, profits. expand Medicaid leaves millions this fiscal year, the U.S. spent more Advocates for a fair of impoverished Americans unin- money supporting military efforts than trade system that puts sured. it did supporting human efforts. Mili- people at the center of Breast cancer forces many tary spending accounted for 55% of dis- trade policy have been women out of the workforce for cretionary spending, while foreign aid working to prevent the weeks or months at a time, often lead- received a mere 3%. Central America inclusion of the most danger- ing to a loss of employment. Several perfectly demonstrates the failure of ous elements of T-TIP and TPP while bills that protect women with breast the U.S. to understand the full impact urging negotiators to push for strong cancer currently reside in the House. of an extended military presence in labor, health and consumer protection Protecting these women’s jobs would a region. Many of the people who flee standards. Because standards are often help them continue to provide for their their home countries, especially chil- higher in the European Union than in own needs and those of their families. dren, are coming to the U.S. the U.S. and since the T-TIP will likely to escape violence in be the basis of other agreements, includ- Climate Change their own communi- ing World Trade Organization (WTO) The Obama administration, ties. Nevertheless, the agreements, advocates’ work holds sig- under the guidance of John Podes- U.S. continues to train nificant importance. ta, Counselor to President Obama Central American mil- Additionally, Congress, at the presi- overseeing climate change and itary personnel in the dent’s request, will likely seek to pass energy policy, is finally beginning torture, execution and a trade promotion authority generally to pay serious attention to global cli- urban guerilla warfare at referred to as “Fast Track.” Under this mate change. During the recent U.N. the Western Hemisphere procedure, trade agreements negotiated Summit on Climate Change in New York Institute for Security Coopera- by the president are sent to Congress City, the president announced a number tion (WHINSEC), formerly known as the for an up-or-down vote within 90 days of new initiatives, including requiring School of the Americas. of submission, and Congress has no federal agencies to systematically con- At the forefront of our minds these recourse to change the underlying agree- sider climate change. He argued that days is the suffering of our brothers ment. Republican Finance Minority developing and developed nations alike and sisters in Iraq and Syria, who face Chair Orrin Hatch and Speaker Boehner must cut greenhouse gas emissions. The genocide, brutality and a humanitar- have promised that this authority is a Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ian crisis of horrendous proportions. priority and could be passed as early as recently drafted a new rule that, if final- While the reality on the ground can- the lame-duck session in December. ized, will curb carbon emissions from not be ignored, war is not the answer. existing power plants by 30% from 2005 U.S. military actions in 2003 helped Healthcare levels by 2030. The president also con- cause the current situation. Diplomacy, The Affordable Care Act remains tinues to promote the Global Climate humanitarian efforts, and lasting non- controversial in some quarters. Dem- Fund, which assists developing violent solutions, if done in solidarity ocrats, especially those in tight countries in fighting climate with regional and international part- elections, are only beginning change. ners to secure a lasting peace, are the to publicly tout the benefits The president’s actions true way forward. of the law to voters. Mean- have drawn the ire of However, an immediate response is while, Republicans routinely many members of Con- needed to save countless lives in immi- campaign against the ACA. In gress who deny the sci- nent danger. Such a response should be fact, House Republicans have ence of climate change. In narrow and specific, helping to contain already voted 54 times to repeal response to the president’s the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant or revamp the law since they took attempt to combat green- (ISIL, sometimes known as ISIS) while control of the House in 2011. The ACA house gases and other pollutants, forging a creative diplomatic response. remains at risk. While an outright repeal Republican leaders in the House and We must jumpstart a conversation on is unlikely, significant modifications to Senate attempted to defund the EPA. the social and political realities that grant the program could happen. Proposals remain on Capitol Hill to credibility to groups like ISIL. Dialogue So far, 27 states and the District further restrict the president’s executive among regional governments, non-gov- of Columbia have expanded Medic- authority, already making global cli- ernmental organizations (NGOs), and aid, ensuring their most vulnerable mate change a significant area of con- other influential actors will be critical in residents now have healthcare. Twenty troversy for the 114th Congress. the struggle for peace.

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12 Connection Fourth Quarter 2014 www.networklobby.org spread the word Vote as a Community. We’re in This Together. NETWORK challenges you to take a community pledge to be 100% Voting

hen your faith community or workplace makes a decision Wto set a 100% Voting goal, NETWORK will: Provide resources in English and Spanish to challenge Let NETWORK H know of your faith and support your community in the journey toward community, workplace, becoming 100% Voting or organization’s 100% Voting commitment 4 Materials to help your community members by filling out a form at take the “I Am a Voter” pledge: www.networklobby. www.networklobby.org/pledge org/100percent 4 Voter registration and reminder tools: www.networklobby.org/turbovote 4 Nonpartisan voter education resources: www.networklobby.org/votingresources 4 Detailed tips and tools for mobilizing your faith community and workplace to vote: www.networklobby.org/votingtoolkit If you are on 4 Suggestions for engaging ineligible voters social media, please also post about your in the democratic process: community’s pledge with www.networklobby.org/cantvote the hashtags H Celebrate your community’s commitment by publicly #IAmaVoter and/or recognizing you on our website and through social media #SoyVotante. H Email you a “2014 Commitment to Being a 100% Voting Community” certificate that you can print and post in a community space to remind everyone of your community’s pledge.

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NETWORK—a Catholic leader in the global movement for justice and peace 25 E Street NW, Suite 200 • Washington DC 20001 NETW RK 202-347-9797 • www.networklobby.org A National Catholic Social Justice Lobby www.networklobby.org Fourth Quarter 2014 Connection 13 spread the word

We encourage the reproduction and distribution of this back-to-back fact sheet.

14 Connection Fourth Quarter 2014 www.networklobby.org making a difference Th e S isters o f M erc y

The Sisters of Mercy Institute staff in Silver Spring, Maryland, show their pride in having taken the 100% Voting pledge. They shared this photo on Facebook and Twitter to raise awareness in their community about the importance of voting. Find the link to the Sisters of Mercy voter education resource at www.networklobby.org/votingresources Become a 100% Voting Faith Community or Workplace

By Shantha Ready Alonso At our weekly Monday morning staff munity pledges and peer reminders are the Kelly Residence for retired priests Ameeting, the NETWORK team sat down the most powerful, proven strategies for in Caldwell, New Jersey. Join us, and in our conference room with our note- voter awareness, motivation and partici- let us know of your commitment at pads and cups of coffee, ready to rattle pation. On Election Day, we cast our bal- www.networklobby.org/100percent. off our to-do lists for the week. I was lots alone behind a curtain or in a booth, Making a community pledge to be a happily surprised when Paul Marchione, but our identity as a voter is formed 100% voting faith community, organiza- our Managing Director, made an unusu- among our friends, family and com- tion or workplace means: al announcement: munity. We’re more likely to act on our Your community helps facilitate a As you may remember, we as a staff shared identity as a community of voters voter-friendly environment where came to consensus last month that we if we are encouraged by and accountable voter education and motivation are would take the 100% Voting Pledge. to each other. encouraged. It is now less than one month out from Our faith communities and workplac- Every eligible member of your com- Election Day. I don’t want to hear any es are important places where we work munity is registered to vote. excuses on Election Day about not toward becoming our best selves. When Every registered voter in your being registered or not knowing where I am at church and work, I want others community votes early or gets to the to vote. You can get all that info by to perceive me as a reliable woman of polls on Election Day. signing up at www.networklobby.org/ integrity, and I behave accordingly. Our Every person in your community turbovote. Be sure to remind all your 100% Voting pledge at the NETWORK who is ineligible to vote due to age, friends and family to do so also. We office has set up an expectation that part citizenship status, or criminal record need 100% Voting participation among of being responsible to my community is invited to actively participate all the staff members. Don’t be left out! includes voting and urging others to vote. in the democratic process and in Although the 100% Voting pledge We can exert healthy and positive encouraging others to vote. was my idea, the announcement caught peer pressure to encourage civic partici- The goal is not to get a specific me off guard. In the midst of making pation with the 100% Voting community party or candidate elected. The goal is sure thousands of NETWORK activ- pledge. Some of the early adopters of the to engage everyone to be active in our ists across the country are equipped to 100% Voting community pledge include democracy. We’re in this together for the register, motivate and mobilize voters, Progress Iowa, the Catholics in Alliance 100%, not just the 47%, the 99%, or the I stopped to wonder if my own spouse for the Common Good, the Sisters of 1%; but 100% of us must vote for our and housemates had the voting infor- Mercy Institute office in Silver Spring, democracy to work. mation they needed. I made a note to Maryland, the Xavier University Center myself to ask them. for Faith and Justice, the United Church Shantha Ready Alonso is NETWORK’s I share this example because com- of Christ Washington, DC office, and Field Organizing Manager.

www.networklobby.org Fourth Quarter 2014 Connection 15 NETWORK recommends NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION NETW RK U.S. POSTAGE A National Catholic Social Justice Lobby PAID PERMIT NO. 6962 25 E Street NW, Suite 200 WASHINGTON, DC Washington, DC, 20001 phone 202-347-9797 fax 202-347-9864 www.networklobby.org

A Maryknoll Liturgical Year: Reflections on the Readings for Year B, edited by Judy Coode and Kathy McNeely, Orbis. www. orbisbooks.com/a-maryknoll-liturgical-year. html

Witnessing Prophecy, Politics, and Wisdom, edited by Maria Clara Bingemer and Peter Casarella, Orbis. www.orbisbooks. com/witnessing.html

NETWORK Associate Program Now Accepting Applications for 2015! NETWORK’s Associate Program is an 11-month intensive educational and professional development experience in legislative advocacy rooted in Catholic principles of social justice. Associates will develop practical, translatable skills in advocacy, politics and nonprofit management. To apply, please visit our website: www.networklobby.org/about-us/ staff/associates-program Bring friends and family “on board” application deadline: January 31, 2015 to NETWORK’s ministry of justice!

NETWORK’s Nuns on the Bus NETWORK membership to a loved project completes its physical one this upcoming holiday season. journey in October, but we still We will send your recipient a need your support to keep our welcome package introducing them lobbyists on the Hill, our education to our movement for social justice, materials and workshops relevant, as well as issues of Connection and our field organizing team through 2015 (including this one). equipped with the tools to inform You can order gift memberships by and engage you, our members filling out the enclosed envelope, and activists! by calling Megan Dominy at A great way to increase the (202) 601-7866, or by going online impact of our mission is to give a at www.networklobby.org/gift.

Act before December 12 for a special rate of $35 for each gift membership!

16 Connection Fourth Quarter 2014 www.networklobby.org