7th Biennial Vincentian Chair of Social
Justice Conference
October 22, 2011, D’Angelo Center, Room
416
Poverty Eradication and Intergenerational
Justice: Stewardship, Solidarity and
Subsidiarity
To overcome the great inequalities in wealth, income, consumption
and access to resources throughout the world, we must learn to live
in solidarity and practice subsidiarity as good stewards of the
earth and good neighbors. This conference examines the conditions
and the attitudes necessary for the advancement of the common good.
Through the perspective of Catholic Social Thought and the
Vincentian Tradition, we will view the role and responsibility of
governments, civil society, businesses, and individuals to
eradicate poverty and advance sustainable prosperity with
intergenerational justice for all.
Program Highlights:
1 p.m.
Keynote: “The
Values, Virtues and Principles for a Just and Sustainable
Future”
Daniel K. Finn, Ph.D., Professor of Theology and the William E. and
Virginia Clemens Chair in Economics and the Liberal Arts at St.
John’s University
in Collegeville, MN. Author of The True Wealth of Nations
(Oxford, 2010).
1:50 p.m.
Plenary Panel: The Role and
Responsibility of the Market, Civil Society and Government in
Achieving Intergenerational Justice
- Markets: Scott J. Budde, CFA
Managing Director, TIAA-CREF Asset Management - Civil Society: Joan Rosenhauer
Director of US Operations, Catholic Relief Services - Government: Hon. Michael A. Benjamin
Former Member, NYS Assembly, District 79
3 p.m.
Roundtables: Intergenerational Solidarity
Roundtables are interdisciplinary and open dialogues, led by
experts. All participants are invited to learn from the experts in
the group and to contribute thoughts, questions and comments in a
dialogue format to shape strategies. In order to develop strategies
toward Intergenerational Solidarity, participants at each
Roundtable consider: “What is the individual’s responsibility to
future generations?” “What patterns of consumption will need to be
adjusted to achieve economic and social justice?”
- The Nexus of Energy, Water and Food Security: Achieving
Social Justice — In the context of the future and
intergenerational concerns, this Roundtable discusses the nexus of
energy, water and food security policies and how they impact each
other. We examine push-pull factors at this nexus and identify
steps and actions for achieving social justice for a sustainable
future.
- Environmental Harmony and Justice —
Environmental Sustainability must be examined as a moral imperative
that demands consideration beyond politics, economics and even
science. This Roundtable examines the urgency that compels each of
us to commit to personal and communal initiatives to aim toward
environmental justice and to re-establish a harmonious relationship
between the earth and her people.
- The Evolving Nature of Work and Workers —
Human history is fraught with tensions and battles between
employers and employees. Evolving technologies have continuously
re-shaped the organization of human labor. How is the 21st century
changing and challenging the human dignity found in work? How can
we protect the dignity of work for future generations?
- The Social Environment and Epidemiology —
Conditions such as pollution, access to food sources and hazardous
waste as well as natural disasters may compromise one’s health.
Additionally, social factors such as workplace stress, conflict and
racism can affect physiological and mental health. The costs of
these factors, such as an inability to learn or earn, is enormous.
What can individuals and communities do to help chart a healthier
future for all, and especially persons who live in poverty, who
suffer discrimination, oppression and environmental hazards?
- Political Economy of Peace and Security — The
wide and growing gap between the rich and poor, as well as the
shrinking middle class, may be the biggest threat to peace and
security, both within and between countries. This roundtable
discusses the causes of this rise in inequality and suggests
pathways we can take to create a more equitable, peaceful and
secure world.
- Learning to Live Justly and in Peace —
Education is critical for people to acquire the knowledge and
skills to change their consumption behavior and to become more
creative and active citizens. With a special concern for persons
living in poverty or who are disabled, what must be the priorities
for education to better prepare people for life, for job security
and the demands of a rapidly changing world and technological
advances.
4:15 p.m.
Plenary Session: Toward Intergenerational
Justice
Each Roundtable presents the ways that change can occur to achieve
intergenerational justice. Dr. Daniel Finn and the panelists
participate in this moderated discussion.
5:30 p.m.
Liturgy
St. Thomas More Church
Presider: Rev. James Maher, C.M., Executive Vice
President for Mission
For more information and
registration, contact:
Vincentian Center for Church and Society
St. John's University
8000 Utopia Parkway
Queens, NY 11439
Tel (718) 990-1612
Fax (718) 990-1901
vccs@stjohns.edu
Time
12:30 - 6 p.m.
Location
Queens Campus
D'Angelo Center, Room 416
Program
Download the
complete program.
Space is limited,
register early!