Of course it’s not the contributions at all; it’s the way that they’ve been given and the people who’ve given them. Shane and Juan have never come to Su Casa to feel good about themselves. I never once caught them patting themselves on the back. Often, volunteering is about the volunteer, but these two gents genuinely embody solidarity. They’ve conquered the lure of self-satisfying volunteerism. With Juan and Shane around you can bet the house will reek of friendship and mutual respect. They’ve bonded with workers and guests alike, and we all look forward to their visits.

Su Casa has been shockingly lucky to have such dedicated volunteers. I speak not only of our wayward two but of everyone who gives their time to Su Casa. The part-timers piece of the Su Casa community consists of more than their time, though; of all of their gifts to Su Casa, their energy and attitude top the list. I’m still taken aback when I hear volunteers have come here early to get work done in peace. If nothing else Su Casa is a chaotic, unpredictable place, so either they’re crazy or I am.

Okay, there is a third option: they bring that peace and calm with them. By being who they are and by being so generous with their sincere concern and love for Su Casa they remind us that we aren’t alone in our mission. Even immersed in bedlam as we so often are, we can depend on our extended, Su Casa family to help us find just a little repose.

Thank you, all of you, for that and for everything.

If you’re reading this then you already know: I’ve left you. I’m sorry, but I’ve found someone new. We both knew this was coming… we never promised each other that it would last, but somehow it still hurts to see it end. Try to remember the good times we’ve had together: the delicious mom-made meals, the rooftop jam session, the children’s laughs and smiles, the ping-pong, the runaway, the chicken, the leaks and mildew, the groups, the police, the cascading ceiling, the eviction, the cold showers, the various pools of stagnant water, . . .

I knew I couldn’t say goodbye in person, because you’d be able to make me stay. After all, it’s no secret what drop-ceilings and wood paneling do to me, and your radiator-serenade always makes me swoon. Your smooth ways patched things up quickly, but there was always something rough ahead. Sometimes we just mistreated each other - like the time that I threw out all your old stuff or threw your TV to the floor, or like the time that you chewed holes in my clothes or gave me head lice. Through it all, I never meant to hurt you or neglect you. Admit it, we need this break. Perhaps we can still be friends - when you’re ready, I’d like that.

I love you, Gi

As we marched through Chicago on a sunny Thursday for this year’s rally and later read reports of the actions around the world, I was impressed by the continuing and even increasing relevancy of workers movements. May 1st is known as International Workers Day in remembrance of the Haymarket martyrs who were shot in Chicago’s Haymarket Square while they demonstrated for an eight hour workday in 1886. That fight was eventually won in the United States, but almost 120 years later millions of workers are still working long days in unsafe conditions in sweatshops around the world.

Globalization is often demonized because of the way that corporations and hegemonic governments have wielded their power within in. Its most basic forms, though, can and should be used by workers movements to balance the power of the corporations and fight for workers rights. Globalization is defined by the increasing interconnectedness of the world, the quicker communication, transportation and transfer of money are all driving forces of the increasingly global economy. Corporations have taken advantage of these to raise profits and keep their goods flowing. The same market characteristics must be used by workers to unite and promote their own welfare.

The free flow of money and goods across borders has brought huge profits to corporations and is protected by a multitude of international laws. The free flow of workers, on the other hand, has been violently cut off with walls, militarization of borders and criminalization of immigration. On May Day, marches throughout the United States called for the free flow of workers across borders.

According to the teachings of the Bible and the Catholic Church, humans have an undeniable right to dignified work. If migration is essential to finding this work, then it must not be hindered.

The free flow of goods and money protected by agreements like NAFTA is the very reason that workers are being forced to leave their homes and risk their lives to find jobs elsewhere. We must take advantage of the new interconnectedness of the world to unite workers to further the common good. Poverty wage factories in the developing world benefit only those at the top of the corporate ladder, whereas workers in the First World must deal with job losses, lower wages and inequality. It is in the common interest of all workers to demand livable conditions for themselves and their brothers and sisters.

Globalization has the potential to improve the lives of everyone around the world, but it is up to us to make sure that the interests of common workers are heard and that our movements counter the power of corporate and government profits. This year on May Day, we marched in solidarity with international workers who are laboring daily to survive with dignity. We marched for all the people in this world who are denied the human right to provide for their family and enjoy a dignified job. We, as Catholic Workers, joined with our brothers and sisters to demand that globalization favor all of God’s creation.