Sowers of Justice Network
A Justice Network in Louisville, KY
connecting justice organizations, faith communities, and people of good will
Shaped by the wisdom of our various faith traditions, we are an active network of faith communities and individuals working for social justice. Through nonviolent action, organizing, education, and advocacy, we strive for economic and racial justice, environmental integrity, and peace for all.
The Sowers of Justice was initially formed to create a network of communities and individuals to work to fulfill the imperatives of Christian faith for social justice and reclaim Christian values through dialogue and action on peace and justice issues. More recently our vision and network expanded to be inclusive of the wisdom of other faith traditions and communities as we advocate for social justice.
Our statement of purpose is intentionally broad. We respond as specific issues, actions, and work emerge but also work on issues that need the focused attention of progressive faith communities and peoepl of good will.. We intend a life in solidarity and community with those most victimized by systemic disregard. The network is a place to build new relationships, vital community, a collective voice, and effective action.
In that same spirit we call on our sisters and brothers to join us! We need your support and your participation!
Click on "Contact Us" to be added to our email list and send us your comments.
HISTORY
From an idea emerging initially out of St. William Roman Catholic Church, and meetings held at Highland Baptist Church Church in November 2010 culminated in a network of Louisville area individuals and churches to engage in a broad agenda of social justice issues. Believing that the profound and enduring Gospel values of equality, nonviolence, compassion, reconciliation, and justice are sometimes lost in current public discourse, a founding seed group was formed.
The Sowers of Justice Network organization was formed so that distinctives of Christian communities, especially those connecting spiritual practice to peace and justice work, can be nurtured and strengthened
through a network. A key goal was to ensure consistent collective and individual action on peace and justice issues. Another was to provide new opportunities to be in community with others beyond one's immediate faith community and to work with those doing similar peace and justice work.The unanimous decision was that a network of faith communities is necessary. Planning over the 2010-2011 year resulted in efforts that eventually led to the formation of a 501(c) 3 non profit organization.
With consensus for the need, the vision emerged for a new, organized, and effective Christian voice devoted to the justice issues of our time. 12 people from different faith communities committed to plan for this new organization and to form a network for a collective voice, intergroup activity, and community action.
Our Work:
Networking – supporting the ongoing work of our network members around the city by connecting members to each other
Organizing – inviting individuals, churches, and faith related groups to join and support Sowers
Education – educating through statements, speakers, articles, special events, and workshops
Advocacy and Direct Action – engaging in nonviolent actions that promote social justice
Building Community – gathering as a community that nourishes and encourages each other in the work
Spiritual Practice –connecting our faith experience and spiritual practice to the work of peace and justice
Our Process:
We are a diverse network composed of faith communities justice organizations and individuals from all parts of the Louisville metropolitan area. We are agile, timely, responsive, and supportive of people’s energy and passion. While we join and support existing efforts, we also initiate our own work and create new opportunities for action,education, and reflection. .
We work as the Sowers of Justice Network both as an organization that individuals and churches can affiliate with and in workings groups that anyone can connect to and work with. Working groups are impact oriented committees of mutual support, study, spiritual practice and action that unite people across zip codes, ethnicity, and official denominational doctrine.
Our Board of Directors:
The 2018 Board includes: Mary Abrams, Barbara Boyd, Carolyn King, Cory Lockhart
Doug Lowry, Kumar Rashad, David Robinson, Karl Ruttan, Rhody Streeter, and Greg Tichenor.
Networking – supporting the ongoing work of our network members around the city by connecting members to each other
Organizing – inviting individuals, churches, and faith related groups to join and support Sowers
Education – educating through statements, speakers, articles, special events, and workshops
Advocacy and Direct Action – engaging in nonviolent actions that promote social justice
Building Community – gathering as a community that nourishes and encourages each other in the work
Spiritual Practice –connecting our faith experience and spiritual practice to the work of peace and justice
Our Process:
We are a diverse network composed of faith communities justice organizations and individuals from all parts of the Louisville metropolitan area. We are agile, timely, responsive, and supportive of people’s energy and passion. While we join and support existing efforts, we also initiate our own work and create new opportunities for action,education, and reflection. .
We work as the Sowers of Justice Network both as an organization that individuals and churches can affiliate with and in workings groups that anyone can connect to and work with. Working groups are impact oriented committees of mutual support, study, spiritual practice and action that unite people across zip codes, ethnicity, and official denominational doctrine.
Our Board of Directors:
The 2018 Board includes: Mary Abrams, Barbara Boyd, Carolyn King, Cory Lockhart
Doug Lowry, Kumar Rashad, David Robinson, Karl Ruttan, Rhody Streeter, and Greg Tichenor.
