|
On the evening of July 15, 2006 Justicia Global celebrated its Fifth Summit with international participation, this one a dinner and forum in Goshen, Indiana, USA. Read the news release
IN THE HEADLINES
Read the article in the Spanish-language newspaper, El Puente
The 60 participants first enjoyed a dinner of local sweet corn and vegetables, rice, pasta, and homemade bread and desserts. |
 |
 |
Joel Fath (left), who attended Justicia Global's first international summit in 2005, began the forum. Joel shared stories about farmers, including his grandfather, who lost their land because of pressures inflicted by free trade agreements like NAFTA and DR-CAFTA. |
Eva Jimenez (right), Justicia Global's US Coordinator, followed with a brief discussion on immigration issues in the United States, specifically the ongoing struggle against current anti-immigrant bill HR4437 and the deportation of undocumented workers. |
 |
 |
Danni Reimer (left) then spoke on the importance of consuming local food, as it is 1) healthier, 2) relies on fewer non-renewable resources and 3) supports local farmers. |
The evening's keynote speaker was organizational founder Dr. Angel Pichardo Almonte, a professor and medical doctor from the Dominican Republic. Angel showed the interconnectedness of the three previous topics and shared the vision of Justicia Global.
Translating from Spanish during the first half of the presentation was Tim Shenk. Angel delivered the second half of his speech in English.
The US Committee of Justicia Global spent July 16 on an all-day retreat in Michigan. They outlined the next steps for the organization in the United States, the most concrete of which being the formation of CAEs (Circles of Action and Study) in various cities.
More photos: Click on any photo to see a larger version.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 12, 2006
Goshen, Ind. - Justicia Global, an international social justice organization, will host a time for dining and discussion at the old Goshen theater 216 S. Main Street this Saturday.
Members of Justicia Global invite the community to join them in discussing themes of immigration, free trade agreements, and food production. The dinner and forum on Saturday, July 15 at 6:30 p.m. will explore the interrelatedness of these issues. Keynote speaker Dr. Angel Pichardo Almonte is a professor in the Dominican Republic and founder of the organization. Discussion will be followed by a time of music.
“Being in the Dominican Republic, I realized that Justicia Global’s message is relevant not only there, but here too,” said Danni Reimer, co-organizer of the local event. “It’s exciting to share experiences and see global issues come to life.”
Reimer is part of contingent that recently returned from Justicia Global's second international summit, one that included several members of the Goshen community and young people from throughout northern Indiana.
“So many of us have one or two issues that we’re very passionate about, but Justicia Global has really pushed me to consider the factors that influence the issues I’m most involved in,” said Laura Sweitzer, a resident of Auburn, Ind. who has attended both summits.
“For example, how an individual who was once a farmer may be forced to emigrate for economic reasons. Then you take it a step further and consider how free trade agreements have bankrupted small farms in many countries,” Sweitzer continued. “The more I saw this big-picture analysis being used, the more essential it seems for forming a response that addresses the root causes.”
This is Justicia Global's second event in Goshen, Indiana. This event’s keynote speaker brings a wealth of experience in educating and mobilizing people in the Dominican Republic. In addition to founding and coordinating Justicia Global, Dr. Pichardo Almonte is a medical doctor and professor of sociology.
Justicia Global (which means "Global Justice" in Spanish) is an international organization that strives to build a culture of solidarity and peace both through their work with young adults, students, families, and children, and through strengthening relationships among young people across the world. Justicia Global is based in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic and has members in Mexico, Venezuela, Canada, France, Haiti, and many cities across the United States.
Back to the main page |
