back

 

reader

To preview and print our (PDF) Brochures, you must use Acrobat Reader. A downloadable link is provided if you dont have Acrobat Reader available. Download Adobe Acrobat Reader for Macintosh and PC Now.

swoosh
| View Tour Schedule | View Printable Brochure
Back to Speakers By Name A-Z | Back to Program By Name A-Z
Behind the Swoosh
Sweatshops and Social Justice
Jim Keady


This interactive multi-media presentation includes slides, role-playing, and powerful video footage. The presentation details the month Keady spent in an Indonesian factory workers' slum living on $1.25 a day, a typical wage paid to Nike's subcontracted workers. Along with personal accounts, the presentation includes the latest information on Nike's horrible labor and environmental practices and challenges their audience to deal in human terms with the women, men and sometimes children, who are the foundation of global manufacturing.

Jim Keady, theologian, activist, educator, and elected official, is a founding director of Educating for Justice, Inc.  Jim has spoken across the United States and at international venues to thousands of interested audience members.  He has been sought out by members of the U.S. Congress, as well various university administrators, religious and union leaders and student groups to offer his personal and professional experience and critiques on the issues of sweatshops, globalization and social justice. 

Jim holds a masters degree with distinction in theology from St. John’s University (NYC) where he concentrated his studies in social ethics and pastoral theology.  Along with studying theology, Jim also coached with St. John’s Men’s Soccer team, at the time, the NCAA Division One National Champions.  He was eventually forced to resign from his job because he refused to wear and promote Nike’s products as part of the school’s $3.5 million dollar endorsement deal with the sportswear giant. 

Prior to his work with EFJ, Jim taught high school religion for five years at schools in New York and New Jersey.  He also played and coached soccer at the youth, high school, college and professional levels.  Along with his graduate degree from St. John’s, he holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from St. Joseph’s University.  He has spent time traveling the globe and doing volunteer work in Asia and Europe with Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity. 

In 2001, the Mario Savio Foundation (CA) recognized and honored Jim’s work for justice, naming him the “Young Activist of the Year.”  Along with fellow EFJ Director, Leslie Kretzu, Jim is currently producing/writing/directing a feature length independent documentary film, SWEAT, which will detail the lives of workers producing for Nike in Indonesia. 

Jim is also serving his first term as a Councilman in the City of Asbury Park, NJ.  Along with his regular Council duties, Jim co-Chairs the Subcommittee on Affordable Housing, the Asbury Works Advisory Board, the Springwood Avenue Redevelopment Advisory Committee, the Subcommittee on Homelessness, the Parking Commission and is a member of the Wesley Lake Commission.  He is also a member of the Board of Directors for the YMCA of Greater Monmouth County (NJ) and he serves on the Parish Council at Holy Spirit Church, Asbury Park, NJ.

 

Well we had about 150 people there and surprisingly they stayed for the duration of the presentation. Many of them seemed motivated to take action, so we are trying to set up some reflection sessions to talk about the issue further. Jim did an awesome job and was very engaging! They got some local press coverage. Thanks.

Jennifer Haren
Institute for Justice & Peace
Walsh University


Once again, thank you! Your presentation at John Carroll University last week was unbelievable! I have been to many a talk and presentation on justice issues and this was one of the best--truly very professional, organized and touching. Thanks again--you were so inspiring."

Pat K.
John Carroll University


Jayne,
Wow!! What a presentation. I knew and heard that it was good, but had no idea the impact it would have on myself and hopefully the others that were present. Besides their incredible message, I was so impressed with Jim. My 10th grade son was there and I was so happy for him to see such a role model. There was Jim, this handsome, athletic, well spoken, intelligent, young man that made a stand for what he believed in, The rights and dignity of others. I personally can't
think of anyone else that my son has met that is anything like that. What an opportunity for him. Thank you again for all of your help. Peace,

Jennifer Byrd
Archdiocese of Philadelphia

Contemporary Issues Agency �Ģ Copyright (c) 2007. All Rights Reserved.