Kristof: What About American Girls Sold on the Streets?

Nicholas Kristof of the NY Times again gives us much food for thought and action in his recent op/ed piece, "What About American Girls Sold on the Streets?" Click here to read the article, in which Kristof chronicles the problem and profiles Rachel Lloyd, trafficking survivor, author of "Girls Like Us: Fighting for a World Where Girls Are Not For Sale," and founder of Girls Educational and Mentoring Services (GEMS). Read the article; read the book; do something!

Hope House

The Salvatorian Sisters (SDS) in San Diego established Hope House in San Diego, CA for women who, because of a situation of enslavement, have spent time in a shelter or emergency housing, but are now ready to undertake the journey toward personal growth and self-esteem development. Click here to learn more about Hope House.

Shopping Responsibly

Sometimes the debates about shopping responsibly need to be revived. Here are some books that may help us to re-check where we stand in the debate and why it matters:

• Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America by Barbara Ehrenreich


• Deer Hunting with Jesus: Dispatches from America's Class War by Joe Bageant


• To Serve God and Wal-Mart: The Making of Christian Free Enterprise by Bethany Moreton

Read up. What do you think?

Sister Mary Scullion and Joan McConnon to receive Notre Dame's 2011 Laetare Medal

Congratulations to Mary Scullion, RSM and Joan McConnon, co-founders of Philadelphia's Project H.O.M.E. (Housing, Opportunities for Employment, Medical Care, and Education). They have been named as the 2011 recipients of Notre Dame's prestigious Laetare Award. Click here for the story from the University of Notre Dame.

Fast to Close the SOA

The seven-day juice fast to close the SOA started on Monday, April 4 in front of the White House. Human rights defenders in other parts of the Americas have joined the fast as well. The fast will end with a festive march through Washington on Sunday, April 10, culminating with a nonviolent direct action at the White House. Click here to view the video, "Hungry for Justice, Starving for Change," containing stories of some of those who are fasting to close the SOA.

Four Orders of Sisters Question Goldman Sachs Executive Compensation

The Sisters of Saint Joseph of Boston, the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, the Sisters of Saint Francis of Philadelphia and the Benedictine Sisters of Mt. Angel have questioned the compensation of the executives of Goldman Sachs. Click here to read the story in The Telegraph.

Japan's Sorrow

Click here for the YouTube video of America Magazine's Father Ed Schmidt sharing his thoughts on the suffering and quiet heroism of the Japanese people in the wake of two devastating natural disasters.