When I give to ISN I think about the incredible people who are part of this network.
 
I think about the visionaries who started the organization like Bill Masterson, Charlie Currie, S.J., Bob Holstein, Steve Callahan, and Sarah Berger Gonzalez who saw the power of Jesuit and lay collaboration for social justice advocacy.
 
I think about traveling to the Teach-In over the years, from the early days in Georgia to the D.C. conference centers today, running into friends along the way. I think about the liturgies, the workshops, the talks, the friendships—the best experience of church I have had in my life.
 
I think of my friend Moira O’Donnell whose life and legacy ISN honors so well.
 
I think about the incredible team that leads ISN today with creativity and contagious hope—Chris, Kim, Lena, José, Erin, Elizabeth, Brenna, and Kelly. I love that my donation supports their smart work. 
 
Mostly, I think about the future and the power of this network grounded in the memory of modern-day prophets and sustained by a community of good people whose desire for justice connects us to one another across the miles and years.
 
The Advent and Christmas seasons offer us opportunities to peer through portals, portals that connect us to our ancestors, our loved ones, our faith teachers. My ISN donation is one such portal—an opportunity for me to remember those on whose shoulders I stand, those who taught me what it means to live a faith that wants justice, and those who give me hope for our future.

I encourage you to consider contributing to ISN's end of year campaign. Any size gift helps this small but mighty organization continue to connect and enliven the Ignatian family and to help them root their faith in work for justice. Donate today.

Peace and Joy,     

Julie Dowd | Friend of ISN

P.S. You can make a gift of stocks, bonds, mutual fund shares, and other securities. Contact Lena Chapin at 216-397-2082 or [email protected].