Meet Patti - Volunteer of the Month - May '23 |
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Wes's Weekly Wrap Up - Celebrating Social Justice |
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LUM Social Justice Ministry - Milestones |
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Joe Micon Presentation - Bending Toward Justice |
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Joe Micon, LUM executive director emeritus and retired two-term Indiana state representative, gave a special presentation in 2019 entitled, “Bending Toward Justice – LUM’s 40 Years of Influence in the Public Square.” and reflected on the impact LUM has had, over the decades, working toward social justice and advocacy on behalf of families (pictured).
In addition to his many landmark accomplishments as the LUM executive director from 1990 to 2020, Joe Micon also took the LUM Social Justice Ministry to another level of engagement and advocacy. The first social worker ever elected to the Indiana General Assembly, Joe served two terms, from 2004 to 2008.
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His legislative accomplishments include increasing Indiana’s minimum wage, authoring full day kindergarten, making state taxes more progressive, providing greater funding for K-12 remediation, and expanding Indiana’s 21st Century Scholars Program. Consumer protections were strengthened, death rates for teen drivers decreased and our community found in Joe Micon a tireless advocate for Purdue University.
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LUM Social Justice - Milestones & History |
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As LUM celebrates the 40th Anniversary of Social Justice, Joe’s presentation remains an important historical overview of the influences of the LUM Social Justice Ministry for decades. In addition to the 2004-2008 accomplishments mentioned above, here are more of the historical highlights:
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- 1979 – LUM advocates and wins WIC for Tippecanoe County
- 1980-1986 – LUM Seeds of Vision Conferences hosted
- 1981 – Free Textbooks for Low income public school children
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1983 – LUM committed to a formal Social Justice Ministry
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Social Justice Ministry director position created, and the first director was Joe Micon
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Public Policy Committee published, “Agenda for Social Concerns”
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1983-1988 – Indiana Task Force on Poor Relief established
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1988-2001- Indiana Welfare Watch established
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1989 – Advocated for and influenced Township Poor Relief Reform
- Uniform guidelines, caseload & fiscal reporting
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1994 – LUM Public Policy Research – $175,000 raised
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2001-2022 – Campaign for Hoosier Families established
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2014 – LUM Immigration Clinic established
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2022-present – Social Justice Team established
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To read more about the History of Social Justice at LUM including a summary of racial justice, LUM staff who have been elected officials, and legislative victories – click HERE.
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Volunteer of the Month - Patti O'Callaghan |
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Patti O'Callaghan - Social Justice Champion |
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Patti O’Callaghan is the May LUM Volunteer of the Month. Patti is originally from Brooklyn, New York and has lived in West Lafayette with her husband, Mark Diekman, since 1979. She earned a bachelor’s degree from New York University and a Master’s from Colorado State University.
Patti is being honored for her volunteer work with the Social Justice Team and as a Legislative Liaison. She was selected for her exceptional dedication, tirelessness, passion, caring, and hard work. Patti also volunteers with the Westside Food Pantry and Tax Assistance Program, provides meals at the Emergency Shelter, and is the LUM liaison to Bread for the World. Patti shared that, “I love that LUM addresses immediate needs and also works to make systemic change, so that these services might not be as needed. Getting legislators to do good things for poor families and children is so important!”
In her free time, Patti loves hanging out with her two sons and their families, including five grandchildren. She enjoys reading, walking/running (slowly), swimming, QiGong, lifting weights, book group, pickleball, friends, and volunteering. Patti also has a fun side. She is known for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day for a full month by wearing green every day, treating her fellow volunteers to traditional Irish food and music, and doing a lively Irish jig when the occasion arises.
Join us in congratulating Patti O’Callaghan for being selected the LUM Volunteer of the Month for May 2023. If you would like to volunteer with LUM, check out the LUM website or call or email the LUM volunteer coordinator, Terri Anderson (volunteer@LUMserve.org | 765-423-2691)
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LUM Outreach – Lafayette Volunteer Expo |
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Promoting the LUM “Summer of Service” |
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Recently, LUM participated in the Lafayette Volunteer Expo. It was a great opportunity to recruit new volunteers and invite individuals to become more engaged with LUM.
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LUM Summer of Service - LUM Camp 2023 |
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FUN + IMPACT = AWESOME | July 24 - 28 |
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LUM is looking for a few good people to have a blast with local children from local low-income families during the last week of July. Are you willing?
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LUM Camp is July 24-28 (Monday-Friday) at Hanging Rock Camp in Warren County. LUM camp counselors and campers alike will enjoy swimming, zip-lining, wall-climbing, eating, horseback-riding and so much more.
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What's in it for the Counselors? 100 volunteer hours. Free delicious meals. Connecting with a younger generation. Making a significant impact on a child's life. New friendships with other counselors. A week of fun.
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What's in it for the Campers? Honestly, the time of their lives that continues to ripple out for the rest of their lives. Studies show a week of camp can have life-long benefits for self-confidence, social skills, gross & fine motor skills, curiosity, spirituality, and overall positive identity.
Any questions, please EMAIL Wes Tillett, lead counselor. LUM Camp is an absolutely amazing week. Come be part of it! Please SHARE. If you are not able to attend but wish to sponsor a camper, click the link below.
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