Stop Gambling on Hunger!

Much of the current world food crisis and skyrocketing grocery bills have their roots in the deregulation of US commodity markets over the past 15 years. Without these controls, speculators in the stock market can cause artificial food price spikes and shortages while they try to turn a profit. New financial reform laws such as the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act seek to end such volotile speculation, but are at risk of being watered down before their implementation. Write a comment to the CFTC today to support reform and stop Wall Street from gambling on hunger.  
You can also check with the financial managers of your pensions/401ks, organizational endowments, etc. to make sure that your money is not invested in commodity derivatives. It has become en vouge to do so, so there is a decent chance that your money may be contributing to the problem.

ELCA World Hunger Video Series

One in six people in the world go to bed hungry every night. The ELCA World Hunger Program impacts the lives of millions of people around the world through a comprehensive and sustainable program that uses multiple strategies—relief, development, education, and advocacy—to address the root causes of hunger and poverty. ELCA World Hunger responds to neighbors around the corner and around the world. To meet some of the people helped by this vital program, check out this video series.

Responding to the Earthquake in Japan

On March 11, an earthquake off the Pacific coast of Japan struck with a magnitude of 8.9 -- the fifth largest quake in recorded history. I triggered a tsunami which devastated Japan´s coastal areas with 30-foot waves and seriously damaged nuclear plants which are now threatening to melt down and spread radiation. 
Check out the ELCA website for information on how to respond to this disaster and ways to donate and stand in solidarity with the People of Japan.