This is an archive page from a previous bus tour. Not all links may be operational. Current Nuns on the Bus information can be found at www.nunsonthebus.org.
Baton Rouge - Town Hall
Acting for Justice in Louisiana
By Sister Simone Campbell, SSS
October
14, 2014
Because of dramatic weather conditions that caused travel delays I
was the only Nun on the Bus in Baton Rouge. How I missed my Sisters. It really
made me realize the invaluable nature of our community on the bus. I felt twice
as responsible for hearing the stories of the people we met. First we went to
Gardere district to a new organizing effort that focuses the efforts of
volunteers to build up their neighborhood. We saw the tutoring and computer
classes, and heard from residents what a difference people can make when they
work together. Some of the volunteers told me that it was the Just Faith program in their parish that got them to ask
what they could do to make a difference in their city. Seeing the relationships
that have grown in a few short months delighted my heart.
This was followed by attending "Together Baton Rouge," an organizing effort coordinated in the Industrial
Areas Foundation collaborative. They are working on many projects, but the one
we heard about was the need for grocery stores in key areas. The lack of access
to healthy, affordable food is creating a huge
problem in Louisiana. It was noted that Louisiana has the highest obesity rate
in the country, partially because of the lack
of access to fresh foods. I was touched by the commitment of the people to
change this reality in their city. They had already tackled issues of public
transit and were working to improve the transit in order to get people to
grocery stores, as well as getting more
grocery stores into neighborhoods.
This interfaith organizing meeting was followed by our Town Hall for the 100%. There we heard about some particular
Louisiana issues: education, predatory lending, and the need for civil
discourse in our society—as well as the power of one person's vote when put
together with others to make a movement. The engagement of a diverse audience
was a wonderful example of We the People coming together for the common
good.
I will be VERY glad to catch up with our Sisters in New Orleans
and not be the only "Nun on the Bus." It really makes a difference to
have many who have ears to hear the stories of people. There is a huge hunger
to be able to be seen and heard by another. The Bus has been a great
"vehicle" for meeting this need. How sacred to be on this journey.