November, 16 2011, 09:44am EDT
Interfaith Worker Justice Stands With Occupiers Who Face Eviction
Calls People of Faith to Join Nov. 17 National Day of Action
NATIONWIDE
IWJ's network of workers centers and labor-religion groups have spent months planning a National Day of Action for Just Jobs on Nov. 17. The attempted evictions at Occupy Wall Street and in other cities, however, prompted IWJ to join their efforts with the occupiers and other organizations planning actions this week.
Kim Bobo, Executive Director of IWJ, said, "In many times and places, people of faith and conscience are 'lights in the world.' Philippians 2 talks about being a 'light in the world' in the 'midst of a crooked and perverse nation.' This week, as police and political forces attempt to remove the tarps and tents, attempting to stomp out the lights of the Occupy movement, we know that the light of truth and justice shines on. A familiar children's song says, 'This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine.' To which we say, 'Amen!' Together we will shine forth the truth, shine forth the justice, and shine forth the vision of a world where we all share in God's prosperity."
IWJ is calling people of faith to "take action for just jobs and a just economy whenever and however they can" this week, according to Adam DeRose, IWJ's Online Organizer. DeRose is en route to New York City where he will be joining the action at Occupy Wall Street tomorrow. National staff members from IWJ will also be at Occupy Chicago and Occupy D.C. actions.
A list of actions happening this week can be found at iwj.org. They include:
* Sojourner's Circles of Protection - Nov. 16
* 20 actions against wage theft being led by IWJ-affiliated groups - Nov. 17
* "We Are One" bridge actions - Nov. 17
* Just Jobs Sabbath Day (IWJ) or Vigil for a Faithful Budget (National Council of Churches) - Nov. 18-20
* National Day of Action events at various Occupy sites - Nov. 17
* Pitch a Solidarity Tent on the front lawn of your congregation - Nov. 17-20
For information about any of the actions happening this week or to schedule an interview, contact Kelly Fryer kfryer@iwj.org or 773-710-9837.
Interfaith Worker Justice (IWJ) calls upon our religious values in order to educate, organize, and mobilize the religious community in the U.S. on issues and campaigns that will improve wages, benefits, and working conditions for workers, especially low-wage workers.
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