Doing Justice: A How-To

The Bible says that one of the expectations God has for us is that we “do justice.” Below are some specific suggestions for how to do that. Please send your additional ideas to us at Hope for Peace & Justice.

• Write a letter or email to a politician or editor once a week about a justice issue that concerns you. There is a section of h4pj.org that can help you do that.
• Forward emails you receive from H4PJ or other justice organizations and seek to engage family and friends in caring about issues that are important to you.
• Recycle. You can now request a “Big Blue” roll-cart from the City of Dallas, in which you can place glass, aluminum and paper. Just call the non-emergency number, 3-1-1, or visit 311.dallascityhall.com.
• Boycott Exxon and other companies that exploit the environment and gouge customers by making obscene profits. Write to them and tell them why you are boycotting.
• Use environmentally friendly products and educate yourself on how you can leave a smaller footprint on the planet.
• Check out the links listed on the H4PJ website.
• Buy a hybrid, or at least a more energy efficient, car the next time you buy. Walk more rather than drive everywhere; pretend you live in New York, or a real city where folks actually walk.
• Subscribe to justice magazines and e-letters that can help to keep your soul stirred and motivated.
• Read and do your own research. Mainstream media is keeping us in the dark about many issues, but the information is out there. We just have to find it. Become the best informed person in your family about issues like Iraq, and then talk to others.
• Get out of your comfort zone. Talk to people of a different race, or an immigrant, or a poor person, or someone who is elderly and living on a fixed income. Find out firsthand what their challenges are and how you can help.
• Give two nights a month to an organization or cause that is working to make the world a better place.