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Resources for Advent 2006
- Learn about how the issues of trade, aid and debt affect poor people around the world. Click here or go to (www.usccb.org/globalpoverty) or (www.catholicrelief.org/globalpoverty) to find background information and “action alerts” describing how you can act. Choose one issue and write an e-mail message to an elected official.
- Is the coffee you use at home “fair trade certified”? Is the coffee brewed at your parish, school, or work place “fair trade certified”? This certification means that the producers are part of a poverty alleviation program that guarantees producers a fair wage. Make a commitment to use fair trade coffee at home and encourage its use in other settings. Go to the Catholic Relief Services web site (www.catholicrelief.org) to find out more about fair trade coffee and chocolate.
- Spread the word--tell one person something about global poverty every day during Advent.
- Use the Catholic Campaign for Human Development’s Animated Advent Calendar each day during Advent to learn about poverty and Catholic social teaching. Click here or go to (www.usccb.org/cchd/education.shtml).
- Take the “Pledge to Combat Global Poverty.” Click here or go to (www.usccb.org/globalpoverty) or (www.catholicrelief.org/globalpoverty).
- Go on line and search “sweatshops” or “fair trade certified”. Identify one thing you will do to promote fair trade through your choices when you shop.
- Adjust plans for your family’s Christmas party to incorporate a commitment to the poor by encouraging guests to bring gifts for poor children
- Include the poor directly in Christmas giving this year by making financial contributions to poverty-fighting organizations in the name of the people on your Christmas list. Or tell your family members that this is the gift that you would like for Christmas. If children receive money for Christmas, encourage them to donate a portion.
- Sing carols with your children that focus on peace and justice. Click here for suggested hymns.
- Make Christmas cards with your children and send them to your senators and representative thanking them for their efforts to help the poor and urging them to do even more in the New Year. To find names and contact information go to (www.house.gov) or (www.senate.gov).
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