Today is World Day for Social Justice. If you happen to be in Portland like us, and you're home from work on this rainy day, here are a few things you can do to commemorate the day.
1. The SEC is taking public comment on the Section 1502 of the Dodd Frank Act, otherwise known as the "Conflict Minerals Act." The presumed intention of collecting comments is that the SEC is considering rescinding Section 1502. USE YOUR VOICE! Check out our action page to see how you can submit your own comment. We must not allow corporate lobbyists to dictate the future for the Congolese people.
2. The crisis in Sudan has often been overshadowed by other crises around the world. For decades, the Sudanese government has attached its own people. We have just learned that Ibrahim Ahmed Omer, Speaker of the Sudan National Assembly, has received a visa for a visit to the US from February 20 to March 4. The purpose of his visit is to lobby Congress and other officials to lift the remaining US sanctions permanently. We can't stop Mr. Omer from coming to the US, but we can ask our congresspeople not to meet with him or lobbyist that may be working for the Sudanese government. Call your congressperson and/or email him or her this letter and ask that they not meet with the Sudanese government while they are visiting the US.
3. Do you live in LA, Santa Rosa, Conejo Valley or Washington D.C.? Check out Jewish World Watch's website and find out how you can Walk to End Genocide this April.
4. Start following and/or supporting one of the organizations that works on social justice for people in Sudan, South Sudan and/or the Democratic Republic of Congo everyday. Here are just a few: African Center for Justice and Peace Studies, Darfur Women Action Group, Stand With Congo, Human Rights Watch.
“It is not enough to be compassionate. You must act.”