Acknowledging World Day for International Justice, we honor the latest member of our Harvest family of client’s The National Conference for Community and Justice. While the organization serves Connecticut and Western Massachusetts communities, the topics and issues they address impact national and global level social justice.
World Day for International Justice is intended to Unite Everyone who wants to Support Justice. It’s a noble cause for which one cannot argue against, for who can say I am against Justice? It’s a cause that launched NCCJ in 1927 as a group of justice inspired individuals came together to fight both anti-Semitism and anti-Catholic sentiment in its time.
Created as a national organization, the community set out to promote the inclusion and acceptance of Jewish and Catholic religious members. The scope of the organization expanded and changed its name in the 1990’s to the National Conference for Community and Justice, addressing a broader scope of social justice issues. Though the national organization dissolved in 2005, individuals in the Connecticut and Western Massachusetts area remained dedicated to the organization and continued the work and mission it started years ago. Today, NCCJ champions the cause of social justice for all and its mission of fighting bias, bigotry, and racism in all forms. Its members work toward building strong and inclusive communities through acceptance and Inclusion via education and advocacy.
“Acceptance and inclusion aren’t just words but a commitment to make the world a better place,.” shared Brooke Penders, NCCJ Board Chair. Leading these initiatives is NCCJ’s recently named President and CEO, Monique Lorenzo. Lorenzo joins the organization after serving nonprofit organizations in Greater New York City.
Uniting everyone to support justice is not only a national issue, it’s an issue here, locally, in our community, in our neighborhood, in our homes. How can you act to support justice? It doesn’t take moving mountains, simple acts can make a difference. Start with understanding justice issues, learn about what is important, think about what you know and don’t know and gather more information. Be thoughtful and compassionate. These are trying times. While dealing with our own feelings of isolation and rejection we forget that others are struggling as well. Seek first to understand, especially if we are feeling attacked. Speak up for equity in all situations that you see. Advocate. Silence is acceptance in most cases. It’s ok if you might not have the right words at first, say what you must respectfully and completely and follow through. Teach others how to be advocates with compassion. Most importantly, work from love for others, even those who are most difficult to love.
Justice, like charity, begins at home.