United Church Of Los Alamos Celebrates Custodian Cesar Ojeda And Youth Pastor Keith Lewis On 20 Years Of Employment – Los Alamos Daily Post

Report on Community Contributions to Sustainable Development Goals

Case Study: The United Church of Los Alamos Staff

This report analyzes the contributions of two long-term staff members at The United Church of Los Alamos, Custodian Cesar Ojeda and Youth Pastor Keith Lewis, in relation to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) over their 20 years of service.

Analysis of Contributions to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The dedicated work of Mr. Ojeda and Pastor Lewis demonstrates a significant local impact on several key SDGs. Their roles, while distinct, collectively advance goals related to environmental stewardship, social equity, and strong community institutions.

Personnel Contributions

• Cesar Ojeda, Custodian

  Mr. Ojeda’s duties extend beyond standard facility maintenance, directly supporting several environmental and community-focused SDGs.

  1. SDG 15: Life on Land: His stewardship of the church’s 4-acre property, which includes native woodland, contributes to the preservation of local biodiversity and the maintenance of green spaces within the community.
  2. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production: Through his assistance in the church’s Thrift Shop, Mr. Ojeda supports the circular economy by facilitating the reuse of goods, reducing waste, and promoting sustainable consumption patterns.
  3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: By maintaining the physical plant and grounds, he ensures the church remains a safe, accessible, and inclusive hub for numerous community programs and events.
  4. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: His 20-year tenure represents stable, long-term employment, contributing to local economic stability.

• Keith Lewis, Youth Pastor

  Pastor Lewis’s two decades of ministry have focused on youth development, aligning with critical social and educational SDGs.

  1. SDG 4: Quality Education: He provides vital non-formal education, mentorship, and guidance to youth, fostering personal growth, social skills, and lifelong learning outside of traditional academic settings.
  2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being: His ministry creates a supportive and nurturing environment for young people, directly contributing to their mental, emotional, and social well-being.
  3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions: By mentoring the community’s youth, Pastor Lewis helps build a foundation for a cohesive, engaged, and peaceful society, nurturing the development of future community leaders.
  4. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: His professional service over 20 years exemplifies a sustained commitment to community development and human capital.

Conclusion

The 20-year careers of Cesar Ojeda and Keith Lewis at The United Church of Los Alamos serve as a model for how local institutions and their personnel can make substantial, long-term contributions to global sustainability targets. Their work directly advances goals for environmental protection (SDG 15), responsible consumption (SDG 12), quality education (SDG 4), community well-being (SDG 3, SDG 11), and the promotion of strong institutions (SDG 16).

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article, while a local community piece, touches upon the principles of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through its description of the roles and long-term service of two individuals at The United Church of Los Alamos.

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: This is the most directly relevant SDG. The article highlights the 20-year tenure of both Cesar Ojeda (custodian) and Keith Lewis (Youth Pastor), showcasing stable, long-term employment. This relates to the goal of promoting full and productive employment and decent work for all.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: The article describes the church as a community hub that “serves all of Los Alamos”. The 4-acre property with its buildings and grounds, maintained by Mr. Ojeda, functions as a community space for “many events and programs”. Pastor Lewis’s work with youth contributes to the social fabric and well-being of the community, making it more inclusive and resilient.
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions: The United Church is presented as a strong community institution. By providing stable employment, offering programs, running a Thrift Shop, and serving the entire community, it contributes to building an effective, accountable, and inclusive institution at the local level.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the activities and roles described, the following specific SDG targets can be identified:

1. Target 8.5: “By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.”
   • Explanation: The article’s focus on the two decades of continuous employment for both Cesar Ojeda and Keith Lewis is a direct example of stable and productive employment. It demonstrates an organization providing decent work over a long period.
2. Target 11.7: “By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces, in particular for women and children, older persons and persons with disabilities.”
   • Explanation: The church’s “4-acre property of native woodland and lawn areas” and its use for “many events and programs” position it as an accessible community space. Mr. Ojeda’s work in keeping the grounds in “beautiful shape” directly supports the maintenance of this public-serving space.
3. Target 16.7: “Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels.”
   • Explanation: While the article doesn’t detail decision-making processes, it portrays the church as an inclusive institution that “serves all of Los Alamos”. The celebration itself, where “youth and adults stood up to attest to the love they have for Pastor Keith,” shows a participatory and engaged community, which is a hallmark of an inclusive institution.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article does not mention official SDG indicators, but it contains information that can be used as proxy or qualitative indicators to measure progress on a local scale.

• For Target 8.5 (Decent Work):
  • Implied Indicator: Longevity of employment.
  • Data from Article: The article explicitly states “Twenty years ago, the United Church of Los Alamos hired custodian Cesar Ojeda” and “Keith Lewis answered the call as Youth Pastor at the United Church… through his two decades in Los Alamos”. The specific measure is 20 years of service for two employees.
• For Target 11.7 (Inclusive Public Spaces):
  • Implied Indicator: Availability and use of community spaces.
  • Data from Article: The article mentions the church property is used for “many events and programs” and includes a “Thrift Shop”. While not quantified, this indicates the space is actively used by the community.
• For Target 16.7 (Inclusive Institutions):
  • Implied Indicator: Community engagement and satisfaction.
  • Data from Article: The testimonial event where “youth and adults stood up to attest to the love they have for Pastor Keith and his ministry” serves as a qualitative indicator of the positive impact and inclusive nature of the institution’s work.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: ladailypost.com