What is Global Poverty?

1. The purpose of this PowerPoint presentation is to introduce youth participants in CRS Food Fast to the Catholics Confront Global Poverty (CCGP) initiative of CRS and the USCCB. • Begin on the next slide.

3. What is Global Poverty?

4. Global Poverty Today. • Today our world houses more than 7 billion people and… • One in eight people – 870 million - goes to sleep hungry every day. •   20% of the world’s population - 1.2 billion people - lives in extreme • poverty on less than $1.25 a day. An additional 1.2 billion live on $1.25 • to $2 a day. Thus, 35% of the world’s population – 2.4 billion - lives on • less than $2 a day. •   The number of people living in extreme poverty could increase by up to • 3 billion by 2050 unless urgent action is taken to tackle climate change, • deforestation, and air and water pollution. •   11% of the world’s population- 783 million people - do not have access • to clean water. 2.5 billion people lack access to basic sanitation such as • toilets or latrines. Every 20 seconds, a child dies as a result.. • 57 million children are not attending primary school and the majority • of these children are girls.

5. What Does Our Faith Call Us To?

6. Called to Solidarity. The solidarity which binds all men together as members of a common family makes it impossible for wealthy nations to look with indifference upon the hunger, misery and poverty of other nations whose citizens are unable to enjoy even elementary human rights.” Blessed John XXIII, “Mother and Teacher,” 1961

7. Called to Solidarity. Solidarity is not a feeling of vague compassion or shallow distress at the misfortunes of so many people, both near and far. On the contrary, it is a firm and persevering determination to commit oneself to the common good; that is to say, to the good of all and of each individual, because we are really responsible for all. John Paul II, “On Social Concern,” 1987

8. Called to Solidarity. Effective means to redress the marginalization of the world's poor through globalization will only be found if people everywhere feel personally outraged by the injustices in the world and by the concomitant violations of human rights… The Christian community [must offer] … gestures of creative solidarity, not only by ‘giving from one's surplus’, but above all by ‘a change of life-styles, of models of production and consumption, and of the established structures of power which today govern societies’. Pope Benedict XVI’s, 2009 World Day of Peace Message Fighting Poverty to Build Peace (# 8, 15)

9. What’s Next?

10. Meddle in Politics. A good Catholic meddles in politics, offering the best of himself - so that those who govern can govern... None of us can say, 'I have nothing to do with this, they govern’.  No, no, I am responsible for their governance, and I have to do the best so that they govern well, and I have to do my best by participating in politics according to my ability. Politics, according to the Social Doctrine of the Church, is one of the highest forms of charity, because it serves the common good. I cannot wash my hands, eh? We all have to give something! - Pope Francis,Daily Homily, September 16, 2013

11. Join CCGP. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and Catholic Relief Services (CRS) jointly launched the Catholics Confront Global Poverty (CCGP) initiative in February 2009. CCGP is an opportunity for Catholics in the U.S. to be in solidaritywith our brothers and sisters around the world through prayer, education, and advocacy.

12. Explore the Issues. • Actions and objectives have been outlined for Catholics to confront global poverty and help set the U.S. policy agenda in the face of evolving legislation such as... • International Assistance • Hunger and Nutrition • Conflict & Peace • Natural Resources

13. Send Emails to Congress.

14. Use Social Media.