This year, International Literacy Day (September 8) will be celebrated across the world under the theme of 'Literacy in a digital world'. The day will highlight the challenges and opportunities in promoting literacy in the digital world, a world where, despite progress, at least 750 million adults and 264 million out-of-school children still lack basic literacy skills. Learn more, take action.

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In light of continuing incidents of violence and racial tension in communities across the United States, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has once again invited all dioceses across the country to unite in a Day of Prayer for Peace in Our Communities on September 9, the feast of St. Peter Claver. Resources for reflection, prayer, and other action.

Sixteen years ago we were awakened in a very startling way to the evil of terrorism. The question most asked in such violent attacks is Why did this happen? Maybe it's a perceived social, economic or political unfairness, an objection to foreign policy, maybe a radical interpretation of religious or prophetic scriptures; but it is often hard to narrow it down to one specific cause and how to respond in a way that does not add to the cycle of violence. An insightful article for your reflection.

The International Day of Peace, observed every year on September 21, embodies our shared aspiration to end the needless suffering caused by armed conflict. Yet there is more to achieving peace than laying down weapons. True peace requires building bridges, combating discrimination and standing up for the human rights of all the world's people. This year's theme for the International Day of Peace is: " Together for Peace: Respect, Safety and Dignity for All", focusing in particular on the plight of refugees and migrants throughout the world. Today, SSNDs come together to acknowledge their obligation within this changing world "to intensify [their] efforts to witness to unity in a divided world while addressing these divisions with audacity and hope." Learn more, reflection resource, other resources.
                   

Achieving global nuclear disarmament is one of the oldest goals of the United Nations. It was the subject of the General Assembly's first resolution in 1946. Finally a few weeks ago, for the first time in the seven-decade effort to avert a nuclear war, a global treaty was negotiated that proponents say would, if successful, lead to the destruction of all nuclear weapons and forever prohibit their use. It will be open for signature by any member state starting on September 20 and would enter into legal force 90 days after being ratified by 50 countries. Canada, as well as all of the countries known or believed to possess nuclear weapons (including the U.S.) did not support the treaty. Learn more. Take action - urge your U.N. Ambassador to sign the agreement (Canada - Marc-André Blanchard, U.S. - Nikki Haley).