As I walked in the hall of St. Luke’s Catholic Church, the buzzing and the moving of the people was a blessing as I looked around. So many guests were there and sat. On the microphone was one of the most energetic emcee I’ve encountered so far. She introduced Development and Peace with the simplicity of someone who desires to get the message across to a child.
I was in for a surprise as the evening slowly unfolded; I thought I knew what Development and Peace is about, but I got dunked as the educational videos began to play throughout the evening in between the performances.
Then I wondered and pondered: “Seriously Fanny, up to now what did you know?” It took that evening to radically get me back on track and appreciate another wealthy area of the church. Up to this point, I knew about the donations we make to support, the presence of that ministry at some point in parish, the Lenten campaign but I faced the sad but true reality; I did not start going deeper until this semester when I was driven to interview Ms. Jana Drapal, who then informed me about the time for the Gala. Our beloved Lord has ways to show us the ultimate Way to His work among his flock. Education wise that night, I must congratulate the whole team for bringing back on a regular basis on why we were there. Today in my words, I may say that Development and Peace is the Catholic Organization that is truly showing the Love of Christ in actions through the partners the Lord has blessed her to work, and all her members within all the lands it has established itself. That is the Gospel in motion.
Yet the evening, the gala night, did not resume only itself to the educational videos, it represented talents from all continents where Development and Peace is involved; it ranged from Asia to Africa and from the Oceania to America not forgetting we had a European touch with the presence of the Polish Dance. Performances were outstanding, the DJ was outstanding, all those who volunteered and brought a dish, the organization was second to none. Our good Lord could not have made this evening any better as it ended with free salsa lessons. What about the restaurants that donated dishes. The night even featured a little auction dance time. Our beloved emcee offered to volunteer her dancing skill to a Salsa tune if we could raise altogether $100 in donation. It was instantly offered by a gentleman, the stakes were then raised to $300. Target was reached, and the promise fulfilled; she danced to a wonderful salsa song with the DJ, who happened to be an expert when it comes to latin dance. As a matter of fact, he performed that evening thus promoting his dance school.
My blessed friends, what to say, if not to confirm that as people joined from all walks to be together that night, the Holy Trinity acted to show the beauty of the Catholic Church in action through Development & Peace. For me personally, it was a night of fellowship, education, testimony, simplicity, the making of new friends in Christ from other Christian families; I met a wonderful lady from the Coptic Church who had come to support us, and what development & peace does that night. This for me definitely falls under the new evangelization.
At last but not least, from performing on stage I joyfully accepted to no longer be a distant member, but to truly embrace as a Catholic Christian Artist, the call to be an ambassador of Development & Peace. For those who’ve been praying for God to raise more labourers for the harvest, carry on. I entrust myself to your prayers and all the members of Development & Peace that the Holy Trinity may move many of us to never get tired to work in spreading the Good News through our thoughts, words and deeds. As Pope Benedict XVI emphasizes more and more the missionary call of every Catholic, let us rise in supporting Development and Peace by showing every day in our life, in our workplace, in our neighbourhood the grace and uniqueness of being a Catholic in Action. Let us more than ever be a voice for the voiceless, the hands of Christ in the world, His yes. Let us be willing to go wherever He sends us. More and more are needed lay people who are willing to take the Good News to others just like our heavenly mother Mary has taken Christ to Elizabeth. As Catholic Christians, it is our duty more than ever to grow more and more curious about our faith in order to share with our brothers and sisters in Christ from the other Christian families. We are called to be the Trinitarian missionaries of the 21st Century.
I kindly thank the Development and Peace team for giving me the opportunity to share what I’ve been blessed with at the Gala night.
Day of Solidarity – June 20th in support of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
Kairos: Suicide rates among Indigenous youth between 15 and 24 years are five to six times higher than the national average. For Inuit youth in particular, it’s 11 times higher. Suicide accounts for 25% of all deaths among Indigenous youth (Health Canada).
When confronted with such despair, it’s easy to feel hopeless and helpless. Becoming aware of the legacy of colonization is not easy. We may feel ashamed of the inequality that divides Indigenous peoples of Canada—First Nations, Inuit and Métis—from other Canadians. We are challenged to recognize how governments and corporations have failed to honour the rights to the land and self-determination of Canada’s first inhabitants.
Yet these realities don’t have the last word. Together, whether Indigenous or newcomers, we seek to heal and renew the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people because we know that what causes harm, inequality and injustice cannot be of God.Together, we find signs of hope and we dare to dream the promise of right relationship.
In November 2010, the Government of Canada’s endorsement of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples represented a step towards right relation with Indigenous peoples in Canada. KAIROS and our member churches have long called for Canada’s endorsement of this important global human rights standard.
On June 20 KAIROS member churches, communities and Indigenous partners will join in a Day of Solidarity urging Canada to take concrete steps, in collaboration with Indigenous peoples, to implement the UN Declaration. We will bring banners to Ottawa calling for the human rights of Indigenous peoples to be respected. This is followed by National Aboriginal Day on June 21, which offers many opportunities to celebrate the contributions of Indigenous peoples to the history and present of our country.
We ask you support these events with your presence and your prayers. Hold in prayer our common hopes for a just future, together in this beautiful land. And bring those prayers to action in your faith community and home.
PRAYER
One: God of all people, Great Spirit, Holy One All: Listen to our prayer. One: Give your blessing this day to the First Peoples of this land. All: Guide the elders and give them strength; One: Comfort and renew men and women in times of sorrow and despair, All: Give grace and pride to children as the daughters and sons of your creation. One: Hear our prayer as we gather today to commit to right relations. All: Give us a sense of justice, an awareness of new beginnings, that wrongs may be redressed, rights respected and a new covenant forged. One: May those who have used this land with little thought or regard learn to love and respect this gracious heritage; All: May those who find your presence in the land be free to model its grateful use to all. One: In common life and common dignity… All: May all people receive from you a new humanity. Amen.
FIVE THINGS YOU AND YOUR COMMUNITY CAN DO:
Build relationships.Learn whose traditional territory you live and work on, and learn about your local treaty or treaty negotiations. Get to know your local First Nations, Inuit or Métis community. Contact your Friendship Centre; attend public powwows, Treaty Days or ceremonies. Connect with your denomination’s right relationship networks.
Learn.Learn more about the Canadian history we’re not taught in school. Host a KAIROS workshop on this: contact us at workshops@kairoscanada.org. Learn about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the reality of residential schools, even if your denomination was not involved in running the schools. Go to TRC hearings; learn more about local survivors’ groups. Learn about the Indigenous membership and perspectives of your own faith tradition.
Workfor an end to violence against Indigenous women, who face a rate of violence many times higher than in the general population. Support vigils in your community, and support the work of groups like Families of Sisters in Spirit, the Native Women’s Association of Canada, Walk 4 Justice, and more.
Go global. Learn about the UN Declaration and the worldwide concerns and movement that brought it to birth after thirty years of work. Reflect on the struggles that made the Declaration necessary, and think about how to put into action here in Canada.
KAIROS: Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives is a faithful movement for human rights and ecological justice, uniting the local and the global.
Our founding members are: The Anglican Church of Canada, the Christian Reformed Church in North America, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, the Presbyterian Church in Canada, the United Church of Canada, the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Canadian Religious Conference, the Mennonite Central Committee of Canada, and the Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund (PWRDF).
Join our team as a YOUTH PROGRAMS INTERN for Fall 2011!
Application deadline is June 30, 2011.
The Youth Programs Interns will work closely with the Youth Programs staff to promote and support the involvement of young people in Development and Peace. Currently more than 180 Development and Peace JUST YOUTH groups across the country participate in our education and fundraising campaigns. Learn more about Development and Peace and our Youth Programs at www.devp.org and http://youth.devp.org.
The internship is a volunteer position with a monthly honorarium, for young adults aged 18-35, for the period of September 6 to December 23 2011. It has been designed to meet the needs of the organization and the Intern’s learning goals. For the fall of 2011, we invite applications for 2 internship positions in our Toronto office.
The interns will contribute to: Producing our 2011-12 THINKfast! materials, the Youth Blog and other Social Media platforms, Outreaching to Catholic schools in Ontario and JUST YOUTH groups across Canada, and Database and Administration work.
Responsibilities will include:
Production of our new THINKfast! kit, in collaboration with the Youth Programs Team, including project planning, writing materials, developing popular education activities, print design, formatting, and mailings
Developing campaign activities for our print and online Fall JUST NEWS.
Provide general office admin support, such as responding to requests from teachers, chaplains and members, entering data and building databases and email lists for THINKfast! and JUST YOUTH groups, and organizing materials, videos and books in the office.
Participate in the design and facilitation of campaign workshops for young people on advocacy, faith and global social justice issues.
Outreach by phone and email to student leaders in Ontario Catholic schools; make presentations on Development and Peace to high school students as needed.
Along with the Toronto-based Animator and local members, participate in the planning and facilitation of the Fall Education & Action Campaign workshops and Student Days.
Participate in our social media initiatives, including video, photo and blogging.
Participate in the development of youth program and online strategies.
Skills Required:
Proficiency in Microsoft XP, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook
Goal-oriented and ability to work independently
Excellent planning and organizational skills
Strong writing, presentation and facilitation skills
Ability to create educational and interactive materials on social justice and global social justice issues
Familiarity with the Catholic Church and its commitments to social justice and international development
Desire to learn and to serve the movement of Development and Peace
Assets:
Fluency in French
Experience with our Youth Programs or Development and Peace at your school, parish or community
Experience with video production, digital editing, design, and photography
Experience in online outreach and campaign-based social media for non-profit organizations
Remuneration:
For these internship positions Development and Peace is offering an honorarium of $500 per month for 35 hours/week, which includes occasional evening and/or weekend presentations. The internship requires a minimum 4-month commitment, with a possibility of extension into 2012.
To apply:
Send in a) your resume b) a cover letter describing why you would like to work for Development and Peace, what you would contribute to it, and what you hope to learn during your internship.
Send your application by email to Genevieve Gallant, Youth Programs, Development and Peace at ggallant@devp.org.
HIRING PROCESS: Application deadline is June 30, 2011. Short-listed candidates will be contacted by email in mid-July. Interviews will take place in the first week of August. Start Date is September 6, 2011.
Meet partners supported by Development and Peace (indigenous leaders, campesinos/as, human rights activists, workers and community representatives).
See the country through their eyes.
Listen to the stories of those they help.
Learn first-hand about the work they do.
Paraguay
D&P has been active in Paraguay for the last 30 years!
When: a 2 week trip within the first three weeks of July
Led by: Luke Stocking, Animator for Central Ontario
Colombia
Justicia Y Paz, one of our Colombian partners, was featured in our education campaign on food sovereignty and the impact of agrofuels on the poor. Meet them and others too!
When: a 2 week trip the first two weeks of September after Labour Day
Led by: Paul Lemieux, Animator for Southwestern Ontario and Ann-Christina Gamillscheg, Animator for Eastern Ontario
APPROXIMATE COST IS BETWEEN $2000-$2500 (Real cost is subsidized by D&P – D&P also provides support for local fundraising efforts to help cover the cost.)
Deadline for applications is April 22, 2011
Criteria for Application:
The trip is open to members of Development and Peace 18+ with a proven commitment to our work and who are legally able to travel. Participants must be available for a pre-trip orientation and be willing to share their experiences with others upon return. Due to the nature of the trips, participants must be in good health and be comfortable with simple living conditions.
For more information or to obtain an application form contact: Siobhan Rowan, Education Programs Coordinator srowan@devp.org 416-922-1592 x229
Scotty (PEI), Sarah (NS) and Daniel (NFLD) Youth Reps!
The Nova Scotia area, Antigonish to be exact, has been keeping things upbeat.
This past week at ST.FX University students held a Sustainability Week with lots of presentations, booths and activities for students and the townspeople of Antigonish to get out and be informed at and to learn about what are the growing concerns today and what we need to work towards to improve our environment.
Each day held a different topic, Development and Peace helped out with Tuesday March 22nd BOTTLED WATER FREE Day!!!
Getting the word out about our initiatives, what exactly we do as D&P and how we as a community can help to conserve water and stop using bottled water.
Here is just a quick glance of what the week entailed:
Monday, March 21 (Sustainability)
9:00 -11:00 am (Outside the library): Fair Trade Coffee & Sustainability Giveaways
5:00 – 6:00 pm (93.3 CFXU): Radio Ada
Tune in to “Radio Ada” at 93.3 CFXU THE FOX for a special talk on “Sustainability & Climate Change”.
7:00 – 9:00 pm A Panel Discussion: “Do Canada’s oil sands contribute to building a sustainable society”?
Tuesday, March 22 (Water)
March 22 is International Water Day, so the day’s events will be themed around good ol’ H2O.
12:30 – 1:30 pm Lunch & Learn – “Local Water Issues” with the Antigonish Harbour Watershed Association (AHWA).
From 12-2pm: browse some displays from community and campus groups, DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE WILL BE ON SITE!
With a fair trade coffee/tea and lunch, before and after the Lunch & Learn
7:00 – 9:00 pm FILM – “Blue Gold: World Water Wars”:Hosted by StFX Chapter of Cinema Politica: This documentary examines environmental and political implications of the planet’s dwindling water supply and asserts that wars in the future will be fought over water. Blue Gold also highlights some success stories of water activists around the world, and makes a strong case for community action.
Wednesday, March 23 (Food):
12:30 – 1:30 pm Lunch & Learn – “Local & Global Food Security” From 12-2pm: browse some displays from community and campus groups with a fair trade coffee/tea and lunch, before and after the Lunch & Learn!
7:00 – 9:00 pm FILM – “The Garden”
This is the story of the now demolished South Central Farm; a community garden and urban farm located in Los Angeles, California. It details the plight of the farmers who organized and worked on the farm. The owner of the lot decided he didn’t want to allow the farmers to use it anymore, and had the garden bulldozed.
Thursday, March 24 (Justice):
12:30 – 1:30 pm Lunch & Learn – “Global Partnerships & Sustainability” With Wyanne Sandler, Breaking the Silence
From 12-2pm: Browse some displays from community and campus groups with a fair trade coffee/tea and lunch, before and after the Lunch & Learn!
7:00 pm (SUB Cafeteria) “Green Gig Coffee House” Off-Campus is hosting the Second Annual “Green Gig Coffee House,” where you can sip some java, listen to some LIVE Local Music, and have a wondrous time on a Thursday evening.
Saturday, March 26 (Earth Hour):
8:30-9:30 pm (Everywhere!) EARTH HOUR: Join St. Francis Xavier University and millions of people around the world in turning off your lights to demand action on climate change.
Another Update as D&P rolls on in the East Coast:
This Monday March 28th, a presentation will be given to a local high school in Antigonish in two grade 12 classes, Sarah Cavan, Danny Gillis and Ann Cooke will be presenting the role D&P plays in Canada and what youth/students/communities and people in general can do to help with our topic this year…WATER FOR ALL.
The first class is an IB Global Issues Class, the second class is a combination of 3 classes (there will be about 40ish in total) two global history classes and one global geography class. We want to give youth the opportunity to brainstorm and show them how much they can do to help D&P in the future, to show students it’s the little things such as not buying bottled water that can help, a little goes a long way!
Agenda for our talk is as follows:
Introduction and Consumer Perspective
The Journey of Bottled Water Group activity (adapted from a 2011 THINKfast activity)
Ethical Examination
Action (Change for the future) and Ideas/Questions
Keeping the word spreading is just what we are doing on the East; D&P is working hard to making things happen. Keep up the great work everyone!!!
March 10, 2011 actions are a collaboration between Development and Peace, Polaris, the Canadian Federation of Students, CUPE, and Sierra Youth Coalition.
By creatively planning events around the need to STOP the privatization of water, you can help build a community that recognizes the right to water. Let’s continue to create and support alternatives to bottled water!
*And this amazing website Tap That Water! Teens Against Privitization of Water: http://www.tapthatwater.org/about. They have embedded awesome videos and documentaries on the right to water, so you can watch them too!
* On facebook, the Canadian Catholic Student’s Association is doing a facebook blast – with this passage “Let justice flow like a river” Amos 5:24. Post it as your status over the next 24 hours!
* Participate in an activity sending a message to Cedar Springs, who are trying to take over our day for themselves. Click here to participate in the phone and email blitz.
* More resources on our campaign can be found throughout this blog, but here is the page with the print materials, skits and action ideas.Go Water Justice!
This year, in addition to the printed material, Development and Peace has also created an interactive blog that will use the testimony of members to publicize the work being carried out by its partners in the Global South.
You will find photos, videos and articles to share, a calendar of events and all the resources you need to a rocking Share Lent in your school or parish!
FUNDRAISING ONLINE!
This year, for the very first time, you can participate in our online fundraising efforts for Share Lent by creating a personal page. Offer your talents to those who need them (music, gardening, cooking) and, in exchange, ask your entourage to give to Development and Peace.
The first full week of February is International Development Week across Canada. It’s all about:
Learning more about Canada’s role in international development, and discovering more about life in developing countries.
Finding out how YOU can become an active global citizen and get involved in international development.
Check out Roberta Gramlich’s video I AM MAKING A DIFFERENCE with Development and Peace.
Development and Peace is involved in all of the following councils – made up of organizations who seek to end global poverty and to promote social justice and human digntiy for all.
The councils are a great place to find out about action and advocacy in your city, as well as the best go-to place when looking for internships, volunteer opportunities and jobs in international development.
Spread the word and discover more about our internships at the Toronto office in September!
We are searching for a dynamic and committed individual for our full-time internship with Youth Programs at Development and Peace in Toronto.
In 2010-2011 we will also be looking at how we can include virtual volunteers and part-time interns within our Youth Programs to work on specific projects and regional initiatives.
Interested in becoming a YOUTH PROGRAMS INTERN? Join us! JOB POSTING: September – December 2010
The Youth Programs Intern will work closely with the Youth Programs Officer to promote and support the involvement of young people in Development and Peace (CCODP). Currently there are more than 150 Development and Peace JUST YOUTH groups across the country who participate in our education and fundraising campaigns.
The internship is a voluntary position, for a young adult aged 18-35. It has been designed to meet the needs of CCODP and the Intern’s learning goals. This internship is in our Toronto office.
Responsibilities will include:
Support for the creation of our THINKfast! 2010 kit, from beginning to finish; includes project planning, writing materials, developing popular education activities along with print design, formatting, mailings.
Assist in production of JUST NEWS for JUST YOUTH Groups, print and online.
Provide general office support such as mailing materials to members, entering data for THINKfast! registrations, counting action cards, updating mailing lists and organizing videos and books in the office.
Promote our programs and respond to requests for our materials from volunteers, youth groups, youth ministers, chaplains, and teachers.
Participate in the design and facilitation of workshops for young people on faith and global issues.
Deliver presentations on Development and Peace to youth in local high schools.
Along with the Toronto Animator and local members participate in planning and facilitation of the Action Campaign launch and Student Days.
Participate in our social media, video, photo and online blogging initiatives.
Join in discussions regarding youth strategy for the organization.
Skills Required:
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Publisher, Excel, Outlook
Goal oriented and able to work independently
Strong writing skills
Keen interest in developing your presentation and facilitation skills
Experience in creating interactive activities on faith and global issues
Knowledge of group-building and popular educational principles
Knowledge of the Church and its commitments to social justice and international development
Desire to learn and to serve the movement of Development and Peace
Remuneration: For this internship Development and Peace is offering an honorarium of $500 per month for 35 hours a week, which includes occasional evening and/or weekend presentations or workshops. The internship requires a 4 month commitment, with a possibility of extension into 2011.
Start Date: September 7, 2010.
Application deadline is Monday July 5, 2010.
To apply: To send in an application please include a) your resume b) a cover letter describing why you would like to work for Development and Peace and what you hope to learn during your internship. Send your application by email to Genevieve Gallant, Youth Programs, Development and Peace at ggallant@devp.org
As I walked in the hall of St. Luke’s Catholic Church, the buzzing and the moving of the people was a blessing as I looked around. So many guests were there and sat. On the microphone was one of the most energetic emcee I’ve encountered so far. She introduced Development and Peace with the simplicity of someone who desires to get the message across to a child.
Yet the evening, the gala night, did not resume only itself to the educational videos, it represented talents from all continents where Development and Peace is involved; it ranged from Asia to Africa and from the Oceania to America not forgetting we had a European touch with the presence of the Polish Dance. Performances were outstanding, the DJ was outstanding, all those who volunteered and brought a dish, the organization was second to none. Our good Lord could not have made this evening any better as it ended with free salsa lessons. What about the restaurants that donated dishes. The night even featured a little auction dance time. Our beloved emcee offered to volunteer her dancing skill to a Salsa tune if we could raise altogether $100 in donation. It was instantly offered by a gentleman, the stakes were then raised to $300. Target was reached, and the promise fulfilled; she danced to a wonderful salsa song with the DJ, who happened to be an expert when it comes to latin dance. As a matter of fact, he performed that evening thus promoting his dance school. 
Learn. 
