This blog is a new idea for the Social Justice Coalition in 2009.  It’s meant to circulate thoughts and ideas throughout the week, and to share justice-related events that are happening in and around Grand Rapids.  We hope that many of you will contribute your own thoughts to the blog and use it as a resource to learn more about topics you’re interested in.  If you have something to write about, post a comment to let us know.  This isn’t meant to be a blog for just SJC leaders, anyone can contribute!

First of all, the Social Justice Coalition is based on the biblical ideas of justice (think Micah 6:8 “Do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God).  Since our God brings justice to earth and teaches us to care for the orphan, widow, and other oppressed people, we think it’s important to get involved in issues of justice around the world and here in Grand Rapids.  Many of the issues that seem far removed from us have implications at the local level and can be worked at right here on our campus.

Some of the projects SJC has done have included:

Working with tomato pickers for better wages, bringing Fair Trade coffee to Calvin’s campus, sending support letters for debt relief witht the Jubilee Campaign, holding hunger awareness banquets, working on Farm Bill reform, and much more!  This semester we continue to work to bring more Fair Trade coffee to our campus and we are also working with the bookstore to ensure that all of Calvin’s apparel is produced under fair working conditions.

We welcome ideas from anyone, and would love to hear about issues you’d like to work on at Calvin.   See you Thursday at 7:30 in the Library Lobby!