Social Justice Council Project on Water
A collaboration of the Environmental Action, Human Rights,
Economic Justice, and Peace and Justice Committees of the
Social Justice Council.
Contacts: Liz Wessel, 238-9934(EAC); Heather Mann,
222-7226 or Suzie deBeers, 833-0506(HR); Char
Thompson, 231-2445(EJ); Cynthia Wheeler, 233-6067
(PJ)
Project Description
All human beings, regardless of geography, race, religion, class, or education,
are bound together by our reliance on air and water for survival. Fresh water,
a precious and limited resource, is increasingly recognized as endangered
resource with great potential as a source of conflict. Here in the midwest we
rest on the boundaries of the Great Lakes, estimated to hold one-fifth of the
world's fresh water. We receive adequate rain and snow fall to keep our region
supplied with adequate water for plants, animals and human consumption.
In other parts of our country and throughout the globe the precious and limited
nature of water is increasingly clear, particularly as population growth strains
limited supplies of drinkable water.
Over the next two years, this collaborative project will offer educational
opportunities, volunteer opportunities, and opportunities for action on a
variety of issues related to WATER. Here are examples of issues that will
be examined, and opportunities that are in the planning stages. If you are
interested in learning more or becoming involved in the project contact
Wendy Cooper, social justice staff at FUS, or any of the lay leaders listed
above.
Issues: Local water quality; privatization of municipal water systems in the
U.S. and globally; access for the poor to clean drinking water; protection of
the Great Lakes; interrelationship between global warming and water supplies.
Opportunities: Participate in the Water Communion service on Sunday September
4th, and Saturday September 10th; possible family/community outings to the
Shedd Aquarium and to the Wolf River; U.N. Global Water Day event on March 22,
2006 and Family Social Justice Night on March 31, 2006.
