Dr. Louise Cainkar, professor of Social and Cultural Sciences and director of Peace Studies at Marquette University, discussed how she became interested in researching human rights and her scholarship on the impact of 9/11 on Arab and Muslim communities. She also shared about the value of Marquette’s Peace Studies program, including opportunities to participate in programs such as the recent Engaging Muslims, Countering Islamophobia immersion. To close the episode, Cainkar discusses the need for human dignity in addressing immigration and the role hope plays in sustaining her research, teaching, and advocacy.

Cainkar is the author of Homeland Insecurity: The Arab American and Muslim American Experience After 9/11 (https://www.russellsage.org/publications/book/homeland-insecurity-0). Resources mentioned include Council on American-Islamic Relations (https://www.cair.com/), Institute for Social Policy & Understanding (https://ispu.org/), and The Bridge Initiative at Georgetown University (https://bridge.georgetown.edu/).

In this episode we delve into the world of financial regulations with an expert panel on the critical need for collaboration between financial institutions, regulators, and nonprofits to ensure that humanitarian efforts are not stifled by regulatory hurdles. Brian Kimari, coordinator of Kenya NPO Working Group on the Financial Action Task Force, discusses how the Financial Action Task Force has produced unintended impacts on peacebuilding and human rights organizations in Kenya with Recommendation 8. Michael Beer, co-director at Nonviolence International, discusses how derisking has impacted Nonviolence International. And Poorvika Mehra, Howard S. Brembeck Fellow at the Charity & Security Network, discusses the challenges posed by de-risking and de-banking practices that often hinder nonprofit organizations from accessing essential financial services. Their combined analysis uncovers the need for a truly risk-based approach that balances compliance with the operational realities of civil society groups.

Suggested resources include Charity & Security Network's Civil Society Rights & Resiliency Project (https://charityandsecurity.org/know-your-rights/civilsocietyrightsresliency/), Global NPO Coalition on FATF (https://fatfplatform.org/), and Nonviolence International (https://www.nonviolenceinternational.net/).

T. Michael McNulty, S.J. joins to discuss ethics in real estate, immigration policy, and educating leaders who recognize that small steps can have big impacts. The conversation touches on the important role of zoning boards, the case for open immigration, and the value of good trouble to effect change.

His article "The 7 political works of mercy Catholics should practice in a democracy" is available at America Magazine (https://www.americamagazine.org/politics-society/2023/12/22/political-works-mercy-democracy-246688/).