World Day for Social Justice

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By Terry Orr

"As we seek to build the world we want, let us intensify our efforts to achieve a more inclusive, equitable and sustainable development path built on dialogue, transparency and social justice."

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

Message for the 2013 World Day of Social Justice

Social justice is an underlying principle for peaceful and prosperous coexistence within and among nations. We uphold the principles of social justice when we promote gender equality or the rights of indigenous peoples and migrants. We advance social justice when we remove barriers that people face because of gender, age, race, ethnicity, religion, culture or disability.

United Nations, World Court, World Health Organization, - are all basically good ideas - but in reality is each organization facing significant challenges in the implementation of their charters, missions and goals.

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For the United Nations, the pursuit of social justice for all is at the core of our global mission to promote development and human dignity. The adoption by the International Labour Organization of the Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalization is just one recent example of the UN system’s commitment to social justice. The Declaration focuses on guaranteeing fair outcomes for all through employment, social protection, social dialogue, and fundamental principles and rights at work.

We can all start by doing the right things in our daily lives: at home, work; within our community; at state and national government levels by getting involved.

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References and Links:

http://www.un.org/en/events/socialjusticeday/

Spiritual Literacy Month

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By Diane Forrest

With the start of the holiday season, many people turn to the Bible and read about the Christmas Story, and why we celebrate this time.  There are other people who to other forms of Spiritual messages.  Some would argue that spirituality makes a person more sensitive to love, justice, peace and more of the intangible things that cannot be directly perceived by a person's senses. It supports the idea that the human being and the rest of creation are composed not only of matter but of something that is immaterial and beyond our knowledge. Other definitions of spirituality explain it as a power, greater than oneself, that is operating in the universe; a sense of inter-connectedness with all living creatures; and an awareness of the purpose and meaning of life and the development of personal, absolute values. It is impossible to point out the "right" definition as each individual perceives the word spirituality in his or her own way.

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Spirituality provides a way for people to escape from the negativity, frustration, anger and stress in their lives. Practices such as prayer, meditation and yoga allow a person to reach the balance between his or her thoughts and actions.  Spirituality is different from Religion.  Despite the fact that it varies from person to person, spirituality has a number of common themes. A person living spiritual life seeks to reach beyond his or her limits. This goal may include questioning beliefs, keeping an open mind and trying to better understand the ways of the other people. Self-discovery is an important factor to many people who regard themselves as spiritual. Spirituality's objective is not always to reach a conclusion or solve a problem but rather to help find a direction, meaning and purpose in life.

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So this month, as we celebrate this holiday season, find some time to discover what helps you to put your life in balance.

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National Diversity Day

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By Terry Orr

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There wasn't much diversity in Kansas City (North), Missouri during the 1950’s and 1960’s where I grew up.  My initial exposure to diversity came from a very good and well-rounded black man who worked as the parking attendant at a local parking garage in downtown Kansas City behind my dad’s printing company.  In hindsight, this experience and relationship helped to prepare me for the US Navy and better understanding of Civil Rights Movement.  I still have fond memories of setting on crates, have a cold drink and listening to his excellent stories.  Embracing diversity is a way of life for me – while others reject it. So let’s read on and learn more about National Diversity Day and attempt to find some common ground and become more open to embracing others.

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What is Diversity?

The concept of diversity encompasses acceptance and respect.  It means understanding that each individual is unique, and recognizing our individual differences.  These can be along the dimensions of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, sociology economic status, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs, political beliefs, or other ideologies.  It is the exploration of these differences in a safe, positive, and nurturing environment.  It is about understanding each other and moving beyond simple tolerance to embracing and celebrating the rich dimensions of diversity contained within each individual.

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National Diversity Day is a day to:

• Celebrate and embrace who we are, despite our differences, no matter what race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, nationality, or disability. 
• Reflect on and learn about different cultures and ideologies;
• Vow acceptance and tolerance; and
• Consciously address these areas at educational and religious institutions - as well as in the workplace and at home.

The United States of America thrives on diversity.  A synthesis of the world’s plentiful and varied races, religions, and cultures, America is a home to all, such that no one group can call itself more “American” than another. And the fusion of cultures here is so unique and so exceptional that citizens can be just as proud of their original cultural heritage as they are to be an American. [Source: www.worldandi.com]

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References and Links:

• http://www.nationaldiversityday.com/
• http://garrison-michigan.army.mil/sites/EEO/diversity.htm
• http://www.worldandi.com/specialcollection/special-collection-diversity.asp
• http://gladstone.uoregon.edu/~asuomca/diversityinit/definition.html

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