Cultivate KC (2019). Cultivate KC Nutrition Incentive Programs
Retrieved June 15, 2019,
Harvesters (2019). The Community Food Network
Retrieved June 15, 2019
Humana (2017). Addressing Food Insecurity in the Heartland
Retrieved June 15, 2019
Missouri Department of Conservation (2019). Protect Missouri Fishing
Retrieved June 15, 2019
https://huntfish.mdc.mo.gov/fishing/protect-missouri-fishing
Kar Woo (2019). Artists Helping the Homeless; Be The Change
Retrieved June 15, 2019
The Hallmark of Stewardship reminds us that we as human beings and God’s creation, should appreciate and have an understanding of the essentials of our livelihood, which are the human community and the natural environment. This begins with farming and the harvesting of our crops, which is one of the most important elements required for the sustainability of all living creatures. Farmers possess one of the highest responsibilities, which should require utmost dignity and the belief in good stewardship. As stated in our Benedictine Hallmarks on Stewardship, “Benedictine monastics do not simply use up what has been given to them, nor do they aim at poverty. Instead they prize good stewardship, the wise and moderate use of material things for the good of all, both present and future.”
An example of challenges addressed in Farmworkers Justice is the need for medical attention for farm laborers. According to the National Agricultural Workers Survey, the agricultural farmer population is disproportionately poor and lacking in health care coverage and medical care. It is crucial for our farm laborers to remain healthy and strong in order to do the necessary work that they provide. Community partners and healthcare professionals have teamed up to provide education and free healthcare screenings to agricultural workers. Often times, education begins within the community. When one or just a few individuals within the group recognize an issue and spread awareness within the community, then all can come together to improve conditions for the betterment of all. This is how we gain awareness, which can potentially spread globally, through the help of others and the resources available to us. This is the Hallmark of Stewardship.
REFERENCES
Benedictine University, Center for Mission and Identity (2019). Benedictine Hallmarks
Retrieved June 9, 2019 http://www.ben.edu/center-for-mission-and-identity/resources/hallmarks.cfm
Farmworker Justice (2018). Barriers Encountered by Agricultural Workers Seeking Specialty Care and Potential Solutions
Retrieved June 9, 2019 farmworkerjustice.org
While many people are working towards improving on their wastefulness and pollution, it is far from being a widespread practice despite the fact that water is essential to all life. We must continue to educate and spread awareness of this ongoing problem which impacts all of humanity. Researchers warn that if immediate action is not taken, that a major water shortage could occur in just a few decades, affecting billions of people. The National Great Rivers Research and Education Center located in Illinois has a mission to study rivers and the ties to the communities that use them. They have numerous workshops and camps as well as educational and outreach programs available to educate the public about our water resources. Additionally, they host many community events providing free food and hands-on activities addressing many issues that our waterways face, such as plastic pollution. They teach us how to maximize our Green Technology and energy efficiency through 100% recycled materials, and stormwater or wastewater recycling. The NGRREC programs encourage teacher workshops and student field trips, where students can learn the effects of pollutants in our waterways.
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average household can save thousands of gallons of water each year by taking small steps like turning off the water while we brush our teeth, using the appropriate level of water for loads of laundry, taking a shower instead of a bath, or fixing any water leak issues. Purchasing Energy Star qualified appliances can be 10% more water efficient than standard models. In our busy lives, we may not think of these small efforts that can potentially save our planet and future generations. We need to start these practices at home with ourselves and our families. Passing on these ideas to friends and neighbors can quickly turn from saving thousands of gallons of water in just our own homes, into potentially billions of gallons.
RESOURCES
United States Environmental Protection Agency (2019).
Retrieved May 29, 2019 https://www.epa.gov/environmental-topics/water-topics
According to the Rule of St. Benedict, eating and drinking should be done in a very scheduled and ritualistic manner, in order to properly refuel the body, spirit and mind. One should be careful not to over-indulge in food or drink because it is important to remain a contributing member of the community. A small amount of alcohol for recreation is fine, but too much can “make even the wise fall away”. Over-indulgence of food or drink can cause a person to remain idle, “which is the enemy of the soul”. Additionally, consuming too much can potentially cause illness such as indigestion. On the other hand, if work is heavier, one should nourish the body with a little extra added to their meal. Children and elderly may require less food, so special consideration should be given to them at meal time. Coming together as family is an important way to feed the mind and soul. Intelligent conversation or simply reading aloud from a book, are excellent ways to achieve togetherness and a sense of community. (1948, 2001)
RESOURCES
Thanks for joining me!
Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton
IDS 202 Stewardship_Benedictine Knowledge 