Justice Day Focuses on International Presentation Association

Presentation Sisters and Associates gathered via Zoom for a morning justice information session on the International Presentation Association (IPA) justice effort work and presence at the United Nations through a nongovernmental organization (NGO) on January 25^th.

Established in 1981, by the three Presentation entities around the world – the Union of Presentation Sisters, the Australian Society, and the North American Conference, IPA since its founding has provided a forum and a vehicle for connection for Presentation Sisters and their supporters around the world.

NGO status was received at the United Nations in 2019. Since that time, the IPA representatives have furthered discussion and action regarding justice issues that arise in the countries where Presentation Sisters live and minister. Presentation people around the world are focusing on three important areas – climate change, issues that affect women and children, and Indigenous people.

Despoina Afroditi Milaki, the IPA representative at the United Nations, shared that her work centers on sharing and promoting the grassroots justice work undertaken by Presentation Justice Contacts and their supporters around the world. Central to her work are those people made poor and kept poor, as well as the unhoused and others in need around the world.

Despoina is the co-chair of the Commission for Social Development at the United Nations as well as serving on other Commissions and special task forces.

She stressed the importance of relationships with other NGO representatives and building strong relationships with the representatives of the 193 member nations that comprise the United Nations.

Despoina stressed that hearing the stories of the Justice Contact and the people with whom they work is key to her advocacy and policy roles at the United Nations. These stories provide evidence for key justice issues and aid in the formation of a global perspective in her work on issues.

Following Despoina’s presentation, Jessica Dewhurst, the newly hired Executive Director of IPA, shared her background growing up in South Africa and the experiences that called her to justice work. She noted that she believes her work is a calling from God.

Jessica is especially interested in changing unjust systems in societies and using her personal resources for bringing about change. “I want to help others fall in love with God and all of God’s children.”

For twelve years, Jessica ran Justice Desk Africa, a defender of human rights in Africa. Now as the Executive Director of IPA, she finds the Presentation vision and charism active around the world exciting. One of her hopes is make to IPA better known and notes that “We are going to do amazing things.”

Despoina Afroditi Milaki, the International Presentation Association NGO Representative at the United Nations.

Despoina Afroditi Milaki, the International Presentation Association NGO Representative at the United Nations.

Other Justice Activities

The morning ended with Sisters and Associates sharing other justice activities in which they are involved.

Sister Rita Jovick shared regarding her work against human trafficking (see article in this Newsletter).

Sister Marilyn Medau shared the goals of the Cease Fire Program in Oakland, which is sponsored by Faith in Action and the City of Oakland. The goals of the Cease Fire Program are to reduce gang related shootings and violence, to decrease recidivism and lower incarceration rates, and to strengthen police and community relations.

Associate Julie Merrill described the work of her parish, St. Columba in Oakland in Haiti. The parish sponsors two schools in Haiti by paying the tuition of the students and funding the school lunch program.

Sister Gloria Loya described her work with the Diocese of Monterey where Bishop Danny Garcia is calling for diocesan and parish staff to attend workshops to understand the rights of immigrants and to be informed on immigration issues.

About IPA

Ignited by the enduring charism of Venerable Nano Nagle, we are a vibrant global association of Presentation Sisters and Presentation People, united by a shared commitment to the universal value of human rights. With hearts ignited by hope and a passion for justice, we work to amplify the voices of advocates and defenders worldwide.  Together, we are building a dynamic community dedicated to creating a world where justice, dignity, and compassion thrive.

IPA is involved in 20 countries, 6 continents, and has a network of over 25 justice contacts. For more information about IPA, go to ipango.org.