Justice Ministry EDGE Series: Who is Arizona?
The Social Justice Ministry presents a new EDGE series: Who is Arizona in its Centennial Year? For each of the five sessions, speakers will address a different aspect of the history and demographics of our larger community. We will talk about migrations, schools, children, and neighborhoods. Immigration from neighboring Mexico will be a topic, as will immigration from other parts of North America. This centennial year, learn more about who we are in the 48th state!
February 29. Themes from Arizona's History. Will Moore will provide a historical context for many of the issues that Arizona still faces: immigration, border conflict, and tension with the federal government.
March 7. School Challenges. Jefferson Elementary principal Tim Moe and Mesa teacher and MEA President Kathy Ray will share stories and insights based on their extensive experience in Mesa schools.
March 14. The Dream Act. Jim Perdue, with the UMC Interagency Task Force on Immigration, will help us understand this proposed legislation and its impact on Arizona?s children.
March 21. Our Immigrant Neighbors. Michelle Collard, pastor at the Oasis Christian Center in Mesa, will share stories from her congregation.
March 28. Conversations and Conclusions. Margi Ault-Duell of Borderlinks in Tucson will facilitate a group discussion to clarify our own values the way we live together in today's Arizona.
In August 2011, an article on the front page of the Arizona Republic began: “Children in Arizona are more likely to be poor, uninsured and part of a family whose home has been foreclosed than most American kids…” Members of the Justice Ministry believe that behind these sad statistics are policy decisions made by political leaders.
While we remain rigorously non-partisan, we believe that members of our church should be engaged in the political process. We want to foster civil and informed conversations on critical policy issues. We want to identify and encourage potential community leaders. We want to work with other faith institutions to support Arizona’s families.
Valley Interfaith Project
One strategy for our ministry is to work with Valley Interfaith Project (VIP), an organization of over 40 churches, synagogues, and other organizations with a 20-year history of advocacy in the region. Members of our church regularly participate in VIP activities, including events on our own campus. Some of our members have participated in VIP leadership training. On August 18 & 21, five Justice Ministry members attended the VIP Leaders’ Retreat in Phoenix.
Arizona Career Pathways
Last March our church sponsored an orientation session for Arizona Career Pathways, a VIP initiative. Almost 100 people in the community attended this session. Dozens of other sessions were held throughout the Valley. VIP is a partner with the U.S. Department of Labor, the Maricopa County Community College District, and area employers to help unemployed and underemployed persons improve their job skills. In the program’s first year, 50 students are enrolled in health-care related coursework. Members of the Justice Ministry continue to work with the City of Mesa, the College District, and regional employers to support this important project.
Local Civic Academies
Another strategy is to sponsor classes and discussion groups here at the church. In VIP parlance, these are “civic academies”: opportunities for church members to learn about the issues. Information alone is not enough. We also want to provide time for people to develop relationships with one other and with leaders in our broader community.