Advocacy Strategies & Resources
As citizens in the most powerful democracy on earth, we have unique opportunities to use our voices and votes to shape a more caring community, a more just nation, and a more peaceful world. We can join with others in our parishes, local community organizations, and legislative networks. We can also join with parishes and dioceses in other parts of the world and in ecumenical and other forms of action and advocacy
our faith calls us to engagement, not retreatto renew the earth, not flee the world.
A Place at the Table
As individuals, Catholics are called to ongoing participation in public life, to vote and to help shape public policies that reflect their values. Parishes and other church organizations also participate in public life by applying Catholic social teaching to key issues facing our communities, our nation, and our world, and by speaking out on the moral and ethical dimensions of these issues. Church statements on public policy issues can help individuals form their own consciences and make decisions about the positions they will take.
- When elections are held, make a commitment to learn about the issues and the candidates, giving special consideration to how the issues and the positions of the candidates will affect those who are poor and vulnerable.
- Read the bishops' statement, Faithful Citizenship, to learn about Catholic teaching on participation in public life.
- Cast your votes in light of how those in greatest need will be impacted.
- Between elections, make a commitment to be involved in shaping our society by being active on at least one public policy issue that affects those who are poor and vulnerable.
- Go to or contact:
Find out what kinds of public policies they address and determine if they have a legislative network. Learn how you can become involved.
- Based on what you learn, choose one or two local, state, national, or international poverty-related public policy issues that are of particular concern to you.
- Using newspapers, news magazines, and other media including the web, do additional research to educate yourself on one or two poverty-related issue(s) that are of particular concern to you. Learn as much as you can.
- If possible, rather than "going it alone," find an organization through which you can work on your priority poverty-related public policies. Your efforts will be more effective if they are joined with the efforts of many other people. Your state Catholic conference or diocesan social action office are good places to start. They often provide great opportunities and resources to help Catholics become involved. They may also be able to identify other organizations in your area or at the national level that address your priority issue(s). If you cannot find appropriate local organizations, the web sites above provide action alerts to help individuals participate in public decision-making at the national and international levels.
- Based on what you learn, ACT!! Contact your legislator or other policy-maker to express your views about an issue affecting those who are poor or vulnerable.