Our next gathering

Ahead of the Rio+20 World Summit, join us for an informal discussion on international efforts to tackle poverty and climate change. We will be at Catcher in the Rye (Finchley Central) on Wednesday 6th June from 8pm. Hope to see you there!

Someone else's problem?

We did it with smoking, seat belts and drink drinking - its time we made excessive waste equally socially unacceptable...

"Trashed - No Place For Waste looks at the risks to the food chain and the environment through pollution of our air, land and sea by waste.

The film reveals surprising truths about very immediate and potent dangers to our health. It is a global conversation from Iceland to Indonesia between the film star Jeremy Irons and scientists, politicians and ordinary individuals whose health and livelihoods have been fundamentally affected by waste pollution.

Visually and emotionally the film is both horrific and beautiful: an interplay of human interest and political wake-up call. But it ends on a message of hope: showing how the risks to our survival can easily be averted through sustainable approaches that provide far more employment than the current 'waste industry."

http://trailers.apple.com/trailers/independent/trashed/

Shared from the Justice Matters Facebook Page

The world I want to see

Last Wednesday, some of us went along to a panel discussion inspired by the forthcoming Rio+20 World Summit. The speakers - including Caroline Spelman MP, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and the Rt Rev Peter Price, Bishop of Bath and Wells - were asked to speak on the subject of 'the world I want to see' and then engaged in a lively Q&A session. Sara, Lizzie and Sam were tweeting avidly, so you can find more by looking up the #FaithinRio hashtag on Twitter.

First to speak was Caroline Spelman MP, who began with a review of what has and hasn't been achieved since the original Rio World Summit in 1992:

"[The original Rio Earth Summit]was a turning point in the way the world looks at the links between the environment, development, and the economy. There has been progress on poverty alleviation, with significant improvements in access to water, education and healthcare in all regions of the world. Many businesses have embraced sustainability issues, and renewable energy has grown substantially.

Yet substantial challenges remain. Approx 1.4 billion people around the world still live in extreme poverty and those who were the poorest 20 years ago are still the poorest now. Environmental degradation continues, and sustainability has not been integrated fully into economic decision making."

Spelman highlighted that in just three year's time there will be an extra one billion mouths to feed. By 2030, DEFRA forecasts that water, food and energy will all be stressed. Each of these are potential flashpoints for conflict as well as sources of suffering. We do not have the luxury of time; we need Rio+20 to hasten change that benefits the most disadvantaged. But growth should be about more than just raising GDP, she said; well being and quality of life should also be indicators of success. For these reasons, the minister pledged that the UK would to push for a meaning set of sustainable development goals (SDGs) to be agreed in Rio.

DEFRA have posted her whole speech on their website, so you can read what she said in full if you are interested.

Next up was Steve Waygood of Aviva who spoke on the need for better corporate social responsibility within the global business community. He said that consumer power was an important way for the masses to shape the behaviours of the multinationals, but since

"90% of the data on business responsibility is missing [from public scrutiny]"

holding businesses to account and making informed investments is hard. To solve this, Aviva are leading a broad coalition of businesses and other stakeholders to pushing for corporate accountability and sustainability. At Rio+20 they will be seeking agreement on a transparency framework to that will reveal the true state of an organisation's corporate sustainability. As Waygood himself put it: 

"Corporations should deploy their vast resources to improve lives, not just profit margins. Paying tax is just the start."

Third in the line up was Nanette, a lady working with CAFOD in the Philippines. She spoke about the importance of meaningful collaboration between communities, local government and local church to effect sustainable development, identifying that:

"ordinary people, anointed leaders and elected leaders need to take on responsibility and accountability."

She was especially keen to stress that sustainable growth must be socially just; Rio+20 must not be about developed countries making decisions about developing countries without their say or involvement. In the same way, she argued that while the Green Economy held great promise for the development of underdeveloped parts of the world, to deliver change that benefits local communities and not just shareholders, those green technologies should be in the hands of local communities, not the multinational corporations.

The presentations closed with a rousing statement from the Bishop of Bath and Wells, who spoke with great passion, challenging Christians to stand against poverty, the arms trade and the military industrial complex. He encouraged those present not to fritter away their potential but rather to spend their lives doing something that changes the world. After all:

"We can't just have a concern for poverty," he said, "we have to act to end it."

Watch the Bishop's speech in full:

Throughout the presentations and the Q&A that followed, we were reminded that the impact of climate change is not a future problem; for many in the developing world it is a real problem today. It was clear that amid financial meltdown in Europe, ongoing conflict in the Middle East and political scandals at home, keeping sustainable global development and the ambitions of Rio+20 high on the public agenda is going to be a struggle. Struggle we must however, for as Caroline Spelman identified in her closing statement, the charge we have is to leave the planet in a better condition that we received it.

An extra chance to change the world

Have you been enjoying the sudden summer?

There are five Wednesdays this month, so there is no JM meeting this week, meaning that you have an extra opportunity to make a difference in your own way. How are you going to use your spare Wednesday to make the world a better place? You could invite your neighbours over for a BBQ to build community in your street, or someone from Justice Matters that you would like to get to know better, you could write to your MP about an issue close to your heart, or you could get together with others and pray for each other and the world.

Whatever you choose to do, don't let the evening come and go without thought - be intentional about your time (even if its intentionally relaxing with friends). As the prophet Ferris said, "Life is pretty short - if you don't stop and look around in a while, you might miss it."

We are especially excited about our third Wednesday session this month, when we will he hosting a guest speaker from anti-trafficking organisation, International Justice Mission. Please highlight the date in your diaries (20th June) and invite your friends to join us for what promises to be an excellent and thought-provoking evening. We will kick off promptly at 8pm, so do come along from 7:30pm to get your coffee and cake in ahead of the main event.

Our next gathering will be 6th June for an informal discussion on a subject as yet unconfirmed. Details to follow shortly.


Enjoy the weather and the Jubilee celebrations - see you next week!

Doing good does you good

The Mental Health Foundation have produced a pocket guide to show the positive impact that helping others can have on your own mental health, including some practical tips and suggestions to help you get started and a diary to keep track of how you’re getting on.

Our favourite tips are 'share your umbrella' and 'help a stanger with a buggy'. Which of the 11 are your favourite? See how many you can do on this sunny day!

Shared from the Justice Matters Facebook Page

Volunteering opportunity

Besom are looking for volunteers to help deliver furniture to those in need on Saturday mornings in June. Want to get involved? Email besominbarnet@yahoo.co.uk for more.

Shared from Justice Matters Facebook Page

Bank on something better

Just found this great website which empowers customers to move their money based on info about the ethics of major banks - check it out!

"Move Your Money UK is a national campaign to spread the message that we can help to build a better banking system. We aim to provide people with the information and confidence they need to make decisions on the types of financial institutions they want to support."

http://www.moveyourmoney.org.uk/

Shared from the Justice Matters Facebook Page

Join The Secretary of State for the Environment, Caroline Spelman MP, and other influential leaders to debate sustainable development and Rio +20

Sara has highlighted an interesting event that is taking place next Wednesday at Methodist Central Hall. This is not a usual evening for JM gatherings, so some of you will have other commitments, but if any of you would like to join us in going along, please let Sara know so she can arrange seats. Alternately, contact Tearfund directly and we'll see you there! Some information about the event is below.

"Ahead of the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) in June 2012, CAFOD, Christian Aid, Progressio and Tearfund are organising a public discussion, considering the distinctive arguments and solutions offered by Christian perspectives to the vital topics for debate at Rio+20. 

The event will take place on Wednesday 23rd May in Central Hall Westminster, London SW1H 9NH (Tube: Westminster, St James) at 6.30pm."

Journey

Thanks to everyone who came along last night. For anyone that wasn't there, we spent the first part of the evening (after coffee and cake, of course) visiting several way stations around the room, each of which contained items and quotes to encourage reflection on different elements of the journey we have each been on as individuals and as activists to get us to where we are today. Having spent some time in quiet reflection, we then had the opportunity to share something of what we had been reminded of within small huddles.

 We had designed the session to be an opportunity both for inward reflection, and also to develop more meaningful relationships between members. Everyone appeared to be getting into it, so I hope you felt it met those ambitions. If you weren't there you also missed Ryan sharing some of his experiences from his recent trip to the townships of Cape Town. Some inspiring, challenging and encouraging tales which I'm sure he'll share with you if you ask him nicely.

Thanks everyone - keep up the good work and see you next month! Don't forget that we have a guest speaker on the 20th June, so bring your friends. More details to follow...

Restorative international justice

As the ICC approaches its tenth Anniversary and makes its first conviction, we invite you to participate in an engaging and enlightening one-day debate to review the effectiveness of this highly controversial court.

A free event on ICC & restorative International Justice with a special emphasis on Africa. The debate will streamed live online to a global audience and can be viewed on www.ic-events.net. Participation is free but seats are limited. To register please sign up via http://theiccofthefuture.eventbrite.com/

For more information please visit http://www.ic-events.net/icc_of_the_future/index.php 

Shared from the Justice Matters Facebook Page

Go green in Barnet

Interested in reducing your electricity bills, finding about green energy efficient solutions and reducing your carbon footprint, not just for your own home or business but even for our Borough? Yes? Then don't miss this FREE event by Energise Barnet- taking place on 28th May from 6.30 to 8.30 pm.

http://energisebarnetvolunteers.eventbrite.co.uk/

Shared from the Justice Matters Facebook Page

Activists Assemble!

So, did you enjoy the summer? Felt like it came and went in a blink (well, a weekend anyway)...

This Wednesday we are meeting at Coffee Republic for our Activists Networking event. Starting from 7:30pm with coffee and cake, we will be spending part of the evening reflecting on our individual journeys into activism and part of the time sharing those stories with each other. We hope that this will remind us of influential and inspiring moments that we can celebrate, as well as hurdles that we have overcome, and that in sharing our journeys with one another, we might be encouraged, challenged and develop stronger bonds between individual members.

Please make the time to join us for this session. If JM is to move beyond being a just another intellectual discussion group, we need everyone to take responsibility for developing the community and their place within it. So come along, buy some coffee (seriously - we need to spend enough on food and drink to keep our venue hire costs down) and get stuck in. Don't worry if you haven't been along for a while (or ever) - we'll be thrilled to have you back (or along for the first time); we need everyone to make this radical little adventure a success.

See you on Wednesday!

A counter cultural mission

He executes justice for the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets prisoners free, the Lord gives sight to the blind, He lifts up those who are bowed down, the Lord loves those who live justly. The Lord watches over the immigrant and sustains the fatherless and the widow, by he frustrates the ways of the wicked. (Psalm 146:7-9)

"In virtually all the ancient cultures of the world, the power of the gods was channeled through and identified with the elites of society, the kings, priests, and military captains, not the outcasts. To oppose the leaders of society, then, was to oppose the gods. But here, in Israel’s rival vision, it is not high-ranking males but the orphan, the widow, and the stranger with whom Yahweh takes his stand."

From Generous Justice by Tim Keller, 2010 (Paperback, p6)

Ann-Marie speaking at Choices Haringey

Its not too late to book your place at Choices Haringey event on 15th May 2012 when they will be hosting Ann-Marie Wilson from 28 Too Many (and Justice Matters) to talk about FGM and support for women in Haringey.

Shared from the Justice Matters Facebook Page

Save the bees!

Friends of the Earth are asking people to sign their petition to save the bees.

Why?

Bee-cause...!

But seriously, read their petition to find out why the loss of bees is a major environmental issue.

Shared from the Justice Matters Facebook Page

Ungreening a generation?

If you are a politically aware or socially concious young adult, does that make you unusual?

"The Futures Company has quite strong views on Millennials, which have been covered in posts here in the past. So when I noticed an academic paper from San Diego State University, which argued – on the basis of a 30-year tracking study – that Millennials (the generation born in the late ‘80s or so) are much less politically and environmentally engaged than previous generations – it seemed to be fuel for the fire."

Read the full article here: http://blog.thefuturescompany.com/2012/05/04/ungreening-a-generation/

Shared from the Justice Matters Facebook Page

Reasons to be cheerful

I love this new video from Stop Climate Chaos - see what can be achieved when people get together!

May Bank Holiday

Happy Bank Holiday Monday friends! 

How are you using your day off? Did you know that in days gone by, it was common for people to give anonymous gifts to neighbours on May Day in the form of 'May baskets'? Personally, I spent most of the morning lazing in bed (listening to a particularly interesting Start the Week on Radio 4), but I wonder if any of us have made plans to spend this extra day off giving back to our neighbours and communities? Do let us know if you have. 

Perhaps its a tradition we should re-establish? 

Those of you who have been part of Justice Matters for some time will hopefully know that we have a monthly rhythm, but others won't be so clear. For anyone who didn't know or has forgotten, here's how it works:

Week 1 - Encourage; informal discussion over drinks in a local pub

Week 2 - Seek; space for you to volunteer or give in some practical way

Week 3 - Learn; formal gathering at Coffee Republic, often with guest speaker

Week 4 - Plead; space for self-organising gatherings of 2 to 4 members of JM to get together and campaign / pray for an issue close to their heart

Thanks to everyone who came along to our discussion on democracy and the London elections last week - the conversations were productive and fruitful by all accounts, so thanks for taking part. This Wednesday is the second on the month, so its a SEEK week - space for you to do something practical to foster social justice. If you are not currently involved in volunteering, ask us about ideas for where and how to get involved.

Next week, we have our activists networking evening at Coffee Republic. This will be an opportunity to get to know each other on a deeper level than perhaps has been possible so far, so we hope you will join us and make some interesting new connections in the process.

Getting plugged in

Life is pretty busy, we all know that, so keeping track of what's going on in your favourite network for activists, optimists and ordinary radicals can sometimes feel hard.

With this in mind, we are striving to make it as easy as possible for you to keep to keep up to date with what's going on at Justice Matters through the communication channel of your choice. To this end, we have a Facebook Page (please Like us!), a Twitter feed (please follow us!), updates on this website and we also circulate weekly email updates to members on our distribution list. Given that email is the most accessible channel, all the most important information is shared this way, so if you are not yet on our list and would like to be, please just drop us an email and we'll get that fixed.

We don't want to spam you with a hundred emails as week, so not everything we share on Facebook or this site goes out by email. For the full experience therefore you probably need to keep on eye on Facebook or this website. But don't worry if you don't have time to keep checking in to see if anything is new - you can sign up to receive blog updates direct to your email inbox using the box on the right of the page. Alternatively, subscribe to our RSS feed to consume our updates in Google Reader.

Hopefully we've made it possible for you to find the information you need in the way that works best for you. Our intention is to make it as easy as possible to know what's going on and thus how to get involved with the network. We aspire to be a significant, dynamic community of individuals, both active in our areas of interest and interconnected with each other. In light of that, we invite you to take your engagement with us seriously - please read our updates and make time to attend our gatherings. Likewise, if you come across stories, campaigns or articles that you'd like to share with other members of the community, do post them on the Facebook Page or email them to us and we'll put them on here.

In an age of consumer capitalism, active participation in anything is fairly counter-cultural. It is our belief however, that the only way that we will see real change in our communities and across our world, is for people to reject the consumerist approach to life in favour of a more intentional lifestyle that 'seek[s] the peace and prosperity of the city' rather than self-interest and personal gratification. This is the idea at the heart of Justice Matters. Thanks for coming this far with us. We hope you'll join in striving to continue living it out.

An unfamiliar landscape

I came across the image below on Facebook this week. Its an incredibly powerful reminder that, contrary to our popular misconception, the world does not revolve around the West. It also reminded me of the West Wing episode in which CJ meets the Cartographers for Social Equality (watch a clip here if you don't know what I'm talking about).

(Click the image to see a larger version on which you can actually read the text.)

At Justice Matters we want to develop a more accurate (and therefore humble) understanding of our place within this strange and wonderful Creation and the humanity which peoples it's surface. If you'd like to join us in exploring what that means, please drop us a message or just pitch up to one of our meetings. We look forward to meeting you as we learn to walk this unfamiliar landscape...

Justice Matters update

The next Justice Matters pub discussion is this Wednesday (2nd May).  We're going to be talking about the upcoming local and Mayoral elections, why it's important we cast our vote, thinking about some of the policy ideas being put forward and debating the options.

You might like to look at the London Elects website beforehand, but don't worry if you're clueless about the election - you're just as welcome!

We'll be at The Cavalier pub in Whetstone from 8pm and we look forward to seeing you there!

UPDATE
Good turnout to our discussion on the London Mayoral and Assembly elections, and democracy in general. Thanks to Viv and Andy for the excellent provocation and everyone for taking part. Our next gathering is on the 16th May at Coffee Republic. In the meantime, don't forget to vote!