NEW PROCLAMATION OF FREEDOM

The Frederick Douglass Family Foundation invited Benedictine Academy to have the honor of designing the template for the NEW PROCLAMATION OF FREEDOM being presented to Capitol Hill, Washington DC on January 1, 2012 in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation signed by Abraham Lincoln. Freedom Partners: 100 Days to Freedom

The New Proclamation of Freedom is a Youth Leadership Initiative to speak out as Activists against Human Trafficking, Modern Day Slavery. Benedictine Academy, Freedom Partners with the Frederick Douglass Family Foundation, has joined forces with nine other high schools across the country to draft the new Proclamation of Freedom to be officially released October 20, 2012 in Washington DC.. Hundreds of thousands of students and adults will be asked to join their signature to ours in a nation-wide effort to raise awareness and educate people on this gross injustice to the human race. Press Link for Webinar: 100 DAYS TO FREEDOM WEBINAR

A few days ago, President Obama has addressed the nation on our country's efforts to lead the Global World in eradicating Human Trafficking. The United Nations has confirmed that education and raising awareness are the key factors in combating this inhumane crime.

SIGN THE PETITION TO ADD HUMAN TRAFFICKING EDUCATION INTO OUR SCHOOL CURRICULUMS.http://www.change.org/petitions/u-s-department-of-education-help-teach-kids-about-historical-and-modern-slavery

FREEDOM PARTNERS

We have heard the voice of the spirit of Frederick Douglass shout through the darkness of history: “AGITATE AGITATE AGITATE”.  In this 150^th year of commemoration of the Emancipation Proclamation, the young people of America are uniting as warriors to fight the injustices of oppression and exploitation.  Our battlefield is the National Educational System and society.  We must give voice for the protection of freedom for the defenseless and the vulnerable, the victims to human traffickers and modern slave laborers.  It has been said, “You are either with me or you are against me.”  On which side do you stand?  Will you join America’s Youth proclaiming freedom, or will your silence support the voice of the enslavers?  Take action today. Join us in educating our Youth of America. 

The BA Freedom Partners have been selected as one of the ten schools to draft the NEW PROCLAMATION OF FREEDOM being signed by thousands of youth across the country and presented to Capitol Hill, Washington DC on January 1, 2013.

Their first order of business is to help get the curriculum out to other schools. PHASE 1: MISSION ACCOMPLISHED,

"We have added the FFDF to YLI’s “Related Civics Links” page at http://www.youthleadership.net/civics-resources/related-civics-links/ .

All the best,
DamanYouth Leadership Initiative, University of Virginia Center for Politics"

Elizabeth Coalition for the Homeless

Saturday was Family Fun Day for the visiting guests of the Coalition.  Our BA Students were asked to supervise, organize and run the game activities with the young children.  It was a day full of smiles and laughter for everyone involved.

Shervonne, a BA Senior, shared: "Helping out with the Family Fun Day at the Coalition for the Homeless was a wonderful experience.  Everyone who came enjoyed themselves with food, games and music.  The young children had the most fun of all.  They were so happy to play the games and win prizes.  It felt good making the children happy for the day."

At Benedictine Academy, we believe we have a shared responsibility to help our brothers and sisters in need, especially the little children in need of love and friendship. Delivering Happiness is what life is all about!

Sr. Maryanne Tracey, SC shared her gratitude with our students: "The day was a number "10" in more ways than one and a good time was had by all.  Thank you for your continued support. Your students were great and a big help.  You should be proud of them."  BA PRIDE!

 Next week, several of our students will begin their weekly tutoring of the younger children. 

100 DAYS TO FREEDOM

Benedictine Academy  is taking a stand against modern day slavery with Frederick Douglass Family Foundation through the joint creation of a Service - Learning Curriculum for secondary schools across the United States of America.  The curriculum was developed by members of the Frederick Douglass Family Foundation, Southern Methodist University, Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation, and Benedictine Academy,.  

The following is an excerpt of the announcement of this historical event on the Frederick Douglass Family Foundation Website: http://www.fdff.org/100days.html

100 Days

Benedictine Academy is honored to partner with Frederick Douglass Family Foundation in the "creation of a new curriculum for secondary school students to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation by Abraham Lincoln and agitate the world to end human trafficking. 

  The U.S Department of State, in      its 2012 Trafficking in Persons Report, noted that today millions of people around the world and thousands within the U.S. are trapped in contemporary forms of servitude. As part of the 100 Days to Freedom project, students from 10 schools across the country, in conjunction with FDFF, will draft a new proclamation of freedom. This document will advocate for the adoption of a national human trafficking education program to prevent and reduce the incidence of modern slavery in our communities.

CLICK TO GO TO LINK:  FREEDOM PARTNER SCHOOL 

The 100 Days to Freedom service-learning curriculum is available to all secondary schools across the nation at http://fdff.org/100days. All participating schools can contribute to the final proclamation and will have their school names appear on the petition."

Students will have a chance to raise their voices and use the social media platforms they’re most familiar with to gather thousands of signatures in support of the document.

Run The Reservoir

United Water Company held a challenging 13.1 mile flat run through Bergen County’s residential roadways and scenic reservoir views to raise money for Hackensack University Medical Center.  

The Campus Ministers heard from Eddie, our Retreat Director, that they were in need of volunteers to distribute water to the runners at various check points and we responded "YES".  It was a fun-filled morning as hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of runners past our station to receive water at the 6 mile point. 

For every cup of water we distributed, we received a warm, friendly smile with a heart-warming "thank you for volunteering today".   We thank God for the opportunity to deliver His kindness in the world.

Notice our BA volunteers included the whole BA family - our moms, grandmas and uncles!   

WELCOME TO BA!

WELCOME CLASS OF 2016 BEGINS WITH SERVICE!

Our Mission Is to Listen, Learn, Love and Lead

Yesterday, the Campus Ministry Team welcomed the incoming freshmen, Class of 2016, to our

BA family.  It was a fun, faith-filled day of getting acquainted with each other and the school culture. They began their new high school experience with making peanut butter & jelly sandwiches for the Elizabeth Coalition for the Homeless.  The students entered as strangers and left as friends. 

Benedictine Academy is a School for the Lord's Service.  As the 2012 National Jefferson Gold Medal High School for Public Service, we are on fire with the Spirit to help our brothers and sisters in need.  After the students enjoyed a snack, they all joined in to make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for the homeless families in the local communities.

As you can see, when we give of ourselves we make space in our hearts for the Lord to fill us with more of His love.