.png){kind=small}
.png)
SOCIAL JUSTICE & TRANSFORMATION COMMISSION
Awareness • Education • Advocacy • Service
"What does the Lord require of you, but to do justice and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" Micah 6:8
The Social Justice & Transformation Commission works to bring opportunities for awareness and education in social justice issues to the St. John’s community to foster advocacy and service toward transformative change. We welcome new members! To join the commission, offer an idea, or inquire about a social justice initiative, email SocialJustice@stjohnsec.org. Please note in the subject line the information in which you are interested (e.g., book discussion, volunteering)
-
Service Over Self: Howard County Reentry Program Backpack Project
Ongoing
It is our hope that items supplied in the Reentry Backpacks for the Howard County Dept. of Correction, might bridge some of the gap for basic needs until men and women released from incarceration are able to find some security in their housing, food, and clothing. There is always a great need for these backpacks. More information and items needed.
Ongoing
People Acting Together in Howard County (PATH) is an ecumenical community action organization in Howard County. PATH’s core values include building relationships, training and developing leaders for public life, and addressing racial and economic equity. Their current agenda supports policies on climate, early childhood education, affordable housing, and tenants’ rights. PATH engages in deep listening, teaches organization to build the power to act on the issues that are most important to our community and across the state, and has won tangible victories that will make a difference in people’s everyday lives. Periodically they host in-person meetings to discuss their priorities, online advocacy training days, and in-person advocacy days in Annapolis where we meet and present our priority lists to our delegates. Our members receive regular updates for meetings and on the status of our priorities.
Ongoing
The Coalition's goal is to achieve community understanding, policy-making, and regulatory decisions that will lead to an increase in and equitable access to Howard County affordable housing. They seek to contribute to a community-wide recognition that Howard County's economic vitality is dependent upon access to jobs, housing that individuals and families can afford, a quality educational system, and resident mobility. Their goals support the work of the PATH group (see above). Members receive regular policy and legislative updates on matters that impact affordable housing and are encouraged to attend Coalition meetings. Members also receive calls to action that can include writing letters, testifying at meetings, supporting in-person events, or providing education to the public.
-
Refugee Ministry
St. John's participates in a well-organized interfaith refugee ministry that also includes Christ Episcopal, Columbia Jewish Congregation, Patapsco Friends of Howard Co., Wesley Freedom United Methodist, and New Hope. The ministry currently assists 7 families in our community, each with a unique situation. Learn more about how you can help, both directly and indirectly.
-
Social Justice Book Studies
Book discussions reflecting the current focus of the Commission are held throughout the program year. Book selections TBA in Parish Events as dates approach.
-
Voter Registration
During each election cycle, we provide an opportunity and forms to register to vote or have a name or address change.
