Take Action in 2022
Pray, Reflect and Act is the theme of the ACRATH Takes Action! film clip launch on 8 February 2022. The online launch, to be held on the feast day of *St Josephine Bakhita, will urge people to commit to an action to combat modern day slavery ?and human trafficking.
The 11-minute ACRATH Takes Action! film clip was made in 2021 to showcase the work of ACRATH and to encourage people to become involved in the work, particularly in raising awareness. It might be joining prayer actions, advocating for change through letter-writing, choosing to buy slavery-free products, including modern slavery in teaching units or working in health to ensure goods and services are free from forced labour.
ACRATH President Sr Louise Cleary csb, said the difficulties of COVID in recent years meant some human rights issues such as modern slavery, were not peoples’ main focus.
“This film clip gives people an insight into what can be done, even during COVID. It doesn’t have to be a major life change, but we are asking people to take an action and try to embed it in their everyday lives,” Sr Louise said.
The film clip features stories from ACRATH volunteers and staff, including Fr Peter O’Neill ssc who offers support and advice to seasonal workers; Megan Bourke who works with health services to recognise slavery in supply chains; Marguerite Buckley who has helped update online resources for teachers and community groups and Sr Colleen Jackson rsc who is a Companion to a trafficked woman.
ACRATH’s executive officer Christine Carolan said: “The film clip showcases what ACRATH is doing to stop human trafficking. The voices and experiences of the range of presenters is inspiring. So, I am keen that the clip is used with our own members, as a resource for presentations, as a clip members and friends of ACRATH can send out widely.”
During the 30 minute launch there will be an opportunity for prayer and reflection and then a chance to name an action.
Join our launch on Tuesday 8 February at 1pm ( AEDT). Bring a piece of paper and a texta to the launch to use to name your action.
Please join the zoom link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83532761393?pwd=Z3RWKzJBRzRjbW9DYVJBcXdCQmwwUT09
* Josephine Bakhita was born in Southern Sudan in 1869, and was sold into slavery in both Sudan and Italy. After gaining her freedom Josephine Bakhita dedicated her life to sharing her story and to supporting the poor and suffering. She eventually became a Canossian Sister and was canonised in 2000.
