SDOP’s ‘Struggle is Real’ webinar to tackle workers’ issues and advocacy
Online series returns Sept. 3 with a focus on affordability
LOUISVILLE — A well-received webinar series from the Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People returns next month with an episode on labor and living wages.
The virtual gathering at 1 p.m. Eastern Time on Sept. 3 will be the first of three webinars that SDOP has planned for the return of "The Struggle is Real," an online series that focuses on the intersectional aspects of poverty and ways to address them. (You can register here.)
“We are reviving the series because we feel that it is crucially important to assist the church in walking in deep solidarity with those who are under the weight of economic disenfranchisement and exploitation,” said the Rev. Dr. Alonzo Johnson, who manages SDOP.
The series also is a chance for people to get to know some of SDOP’s partners that are making a difference in communities around the nation.
“Through this series, SDOP seeks to create generative opportunities for Presbyterians to learn more about the communities we fund and the meaningful work they lead,” Johnson said. “It also offers space to explore affordability and its impact on communities while connecting Presbyterians with those already engaged in this work and with others committed to addressing economic disenfranchisement.”
SDOP, a ministry of Presbyterian Life & Witness, is made up of Presbyterians and ecumenical partners seeking to change the structures that perpetuate poverty, oppression and injustice, according to the ministry’s website. It is funded largely through gifts to One Great Hour of Sharing and affirms God’s concern for humankind.
“Over the past 50 years, due to the compassion and generosity of Presbyterians, SDOP has awarded more than $95 million to communities of economically poor, oppressed and disadvantaged people across the U.S. and in over 65 countries — affirming God’s concern for people,” said Margaret Mwale, Associate for Community Development and Constituent Relations. “This includes the SDOP-funded community partners that we’ll feature in the webinar series.”
In the first episode of the affordability series, a panel will discuss various issues related to labor, including equitable pay, underemployment and unemployment and immigrant issues.
“We also hope the series will equip participants with the tools, information and connections needed to engage in direct action and meaningful advocacy,” Johnson said.
Guests announced, so far, for the September webinar include:
- Farhan Abdi, Executive Director of Global Roots Louisville, a nonprofit organization that works to empower immigrant and refugee communities through education, workforce development, health initiatives, youth programming and community engagement.
- Margarita Klein, Membership Director at Arise Chicago. She has decades of experience in fighting for workers’ rights and has trained teams of workers to achieve concrete workplace improvements.
- Rosalind McIntyre with the Social Mission and Outreach Ministries at Hillside Presbyterian Church in Decatur, Georgia.
“We are confident that the panelists will educate and inspire participants as they seek to address affordability and economic disenfranchisement in their communities,” Johnson said. “The content can help people inform, educate and encourage others to join this urgent work, which affects us all.”
Please go here to register for the webinar, which will be hosted on Zoom. Future topics include healthcare and housing/homelessness.
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