February 2, 2022

JVC Northwest Introduces New FJV Liaison Initiative

Having access to a supportive and passionate network of FJVs can be a huge benefit of serving through JVC Northwest. To help further strengthen and mobilize community among FJVs, JVC Northwest is excited to introduce FJV Liaisons—a new initiative that will establish FJV community-builders in cities all over the country. FJV Liaisons will foster connection with other local FJVs by hosting semi-annual events and being a regional point-person for FJVs new to the region.

To learn more about this new opportunity, check out our FJV Liaison Toolkit. In it you'll also find event ideas inspired by the core values and ways in which JVC Northwest can support you along with way.

Interested in becoming an FJV Liaison or have questions? Reach out to Alumni Engagement Coordinator Laura Keating at lkeating@jvcnorthwest.org.

Portland JV EnCorps Members Gather at The Peace House 

Our JV EnCorps Portland Metro group has a new home this program year, the large residence at NE 18th Ave and Tillamook Streets called The Peace House. This grand old home, with its warm wood-beamed ceiling and fireplace is a beautiful and welcoming space for our monthly group meetings. Built in 1908, this home has housed and served many. You can read more about its rich history here.  

Today at the Peace House, community looks like the permanent and short-term residents of the house sharing sacred time every morning and a common meal every evening. Hospitality looks like making meeting space available to groups like JV EnCorps to further their work, sanctuary to refugees facing deportation, and bed and breakfast lodging for those who need refreshment in their work of social justice and community healing. And a daily lunch is cooked up and delivered to locals in need. Compassionately, Peace House offers hospice care, as they are able, to persons who are approaching death. The service and values of Peace House are resonant with our Ignatian mission. The JV EnCorps Portland Metro group is delighted to be the recipient of the Peace House’s hospitality and we encourage all to explore their website and learn more. 

Visit jvencorps.org to learn more about continuing the Ignatian journey! 

If you are curious about starting a JV EnCorps group in your area, please contact Karen: kbeal@jvcnorthwest.org. We are now open to adult members of all ages! 

Jesuits West CORE 2023 Pacific Northwest Advocacy Summit

This event will bring together Jesuit students, parishioners, priests and other leaders to put our faith into action by engaging directly with legislators and other public officials. The events will include student and adult led workshops, prayer, social time, and direct advocacy. April 13-15 in Spokane, WA. Learn more.

Roadless Rule Reinstated on the Tongass

For the past four years, Alaskans and Americans have been advocating to reinstate the Roadless Rule protecting the Tongass National Forest, which is of great importance to the Lingít, Haida, and Tsimshian people of Southeast Alaska and stores 8% of the total carbon in U.S. forests. In a conservation victory, the Roadless Rule was recently reinstated on the Tongass. Read more about our partner agency Sitka Conservation Society, who worked hard to advocate for this important issue, and read this article by Grist to learn about the ongoing challenges threatening the Tongass National Forest.

Got an opportunity to share? Send it to Communications and Engagement Manager Phil Gerigscott at pgerigscott@jvcnorthwest.org. 

Find more opportunities on our website, including two event opportunities for young adults in Spokane, WA: jvcnorthwest.org/community-resources/

Honoring Black History Month

Since its origins in 1926, Black History Month has been an opportunity to celebrate contributions made by Black people throughout history along with honoring the resistance of generations of Black communities in the face of oppression. It's also an opportunity to deepen commitments to anti-racism and progress toward a future where systemic injustices like police brutality, environmental racism, and wealth disparities cease to exist.

Book: Remembering the Power of Words: The Life of an Oregon Activist, Legislator, and Community Leader by Avel Gordly, the first Black woman elected to the Oregon State Senate who, among many accomplishments, helped pass legislation requiring statewide multicultural health services.

Get to Know Sister Mary Antona Ebo, an African American nun who played a key role in the civil rights movement in the sixties and continued to be a social justice leader until her death in 2017. Watch this short video or read this article for more.

Article: "6 Tips for White People Who Want To Celebrate Black History" by Yes!

Article: "Black Catholic artist's 'Baltimore Pietà' reimagines Michelangelo's masterpiece through the lens of police brutality" by America Magazine

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Got a values-inspired recommendation to share? Let us know!