The Faces And Facets Of 21^st Century Poverty

Saturday, October 18, 2003

8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

1:15-2:45 p.m. Concurrent Workshops

The workshops provide an opportunity for dialogue among participants following a presentation. Concepts will be discussed along with projects/programs that provide models of hope to overcome the negative forces of culture, poverty and injustice.

1.   Education:   Hope for the Children Left Behind (Funding provided by the Talbot Foundation)

The St. John's University School of Education is currently analyzing the serious dropout problem of the New York City School System.   As a result of preliminary research, the role of poverty plus the difficulty in creating stable relationships for these students has become a theory into practice dynamic of the Brooklyn Bridge and Project ReConnect programs.   Learn the recipe for success as faculty and students discuss their goals and the difficulties of recreating relationships for education where relationships have been previously broken.  

Presenters:

James S. Bethea , Ph.D. , Assistant Professor, St . John's University, School of Education Human Services and Counseling

Deborah Saldana, Ed.D.,   Associate Professor, St. John's University, School of Education, Department of Early Childhood, Childhood, and Adolescent Education  

Moderator:  

Deirdre Breslin, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, St. John's University, School of Education, Department of Early Childhood, Childhood, and Adolescent Education

2.   The Media and Politics: A Place for the Poor

What is the role of the media in building messages of hope, solidarity and engagement?   Can the media move us beyond polarization and become a constructive force in promoting awareness and action to alleviate poverty? Has the intersection of corporate issues/ownership of the media and the political climate compromised the media's ability to portray the facts?   Experts will discuss these questions and provide examples of media integrity and activism.   

Presenters:

Mike Hayes, Associate Director of Paulist Young Adult Ministries and co-founder of BustedHalo.com

Basilio Monteiro, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Mass Communication, Journalism, TV & Film, St. John's University College of Professional Studies

Moderator:

Robert Tomes , Ph.D., Associate Professor, History, St. John's University College of Professional Studies

3.   Models of Corporate Social Responsibility

"Only a renewed commitment by all to the common good can deal creatively with the reality of international interdependence and economic dislocations in the domestic economy," wrote the US Catholic Bishops in Economic Justice for All (1986).   What are some of the ways that Corporations have demonstrated their commitment to the common good and strengthened the economy of communities?   How can we build on these successes and move forward to strengthen the economy ethically while we promote justice for workers?

Presenters:

William McKenna , Chairman of the Board, former CEO, Ridgewood Savings Bank

Steven D. Papamarcos, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Management, The Peter J. Tobin College of Business, St. John's University

Susan J. Stabile, J.D., Professor of Law, St. John's University School of Law

4. Hope for Migrants: The Journey to Legalization

Immigration to the United States is in its third great era.   However, the current generation of migrants face obstacles and challenges that seem to surpass the anti-immigrant sentiments of previous eras.   The immigrants are employed in various parts of our economic life, from caring for our children and elderly, to building skyscrapers.   What are we doing and what can we do to bring hope and Justice for Immigrants?   How can we "welcome the stranger" and ensure justice and safety in our communities?

Presenters:

Michele Pistone, J.D., LL.M.,   Professor of Law, Villanova University, Villanova's Clinic for Asylum, Refugee and Emigrant Services and Farmworker Legal Aid Clinic.

Jean-Pierre Ruiz, S.T. D., Associate Professor, Theology, St. John's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

C. Mario Russell, J.D. , Senior Attorney, Catholic Charities Community Services, Archdiocese of New York, Immigrant and Refugee Services; Adjunct Professor, Immigrant Rights Clinic, St. John's University School of Law

Moderator:

Michael A. Simons, J.D.,

5. Restoring the Covenant with the Poor:   Dialogue & Action

In March 2005, the New York State Bishops released "Restoring the Covenant: A Pastoral Letter on Society's Responsibility to the Poor and Vulnerable".   Intended for use as an advocacy tool with state officials, the Pastoral was also addressed to Catholic parishioners to inspire their action for public policies that would help workers, extend health care, improve schools and increase the supply of affordable housing. The principles of conducting parish dialogues on the Pastoral and suggestions for parish advocacy will be the primary focus. The Pastoral is available at www.nyscatholicconference.org

Presenters:

George B. Horton, J.D., Director of the Department of Social and Community Development, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York

Catherine M. Patten, R.S.H.M ., Director of the Catholic Common Ground Initiative at the National Pastoral Life Center, New York

Moderators:

Michael J. Callaghan, C.M. , Ph.D ., Associate Professor, Humanities, St. John's University College of Professional Studies

Robert Pecorella, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Government and Politics, St. John's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

6. To Hunger and Thirst for Justice: Food, Water and Health--Fundamental

Human Rights (Rendu Roundtable, A Local Societies Initiative, funded by the Metanexus Institute)

Advancing an equitable distribution of food and water resources to improve the health of the poor is a moral challenge to citizens of all nations. By fostering a dialogue at the nexus of religion, science and social justice, this workshop aims to reflect hope in action by providing faith-based examples of solutions to food and health concerns. The models provide examples of the role of women in health and nutrition education projects in Zambia, and of food and microfinance projects organized by CRS

Presenters:

Joanne M. Carroll, Ph.D., Associate Professor in the College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions

Dorothy Ettling, Associate Professor at University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, Texas, USA., founder and co-director of Women's Global Connection "Reach Out Africa"

Judson Flanagan , Senior Director, Programs and Outreach, U.S. Operations, Catholic Relief Services  

Moderator:

Barrett P. Brenton, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Anthropology at St. John's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

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