By “advocacy” we mean to empower and speak for those who get ignored and devalued, to build up social justice oriented civil society institutions and social movements, to transform systems, such as economic, health, education, political, military, etc., and to engage public policy-making.

We encourage you to consider joining our newly forming advocacy committee for social justice. Contact: John Hisle johnhisle@verizon.net

UPCOMING ADVOCACY:

Immigration: The U.S. Jesuit provincials have written a letter to President Obama calling for comprehensive immigration reform. Read their 5 key points and consider contacting your congresspersons accordingly.

U.S. Bishops on Immigration: www.justiceforimmigrants.org/index.shtml

Nuclear Weapons:
May 17-21 Week of Action on START Treaty on Nuclear Weapons: USCCB urges us to contact our Senators to ratify this treaty. Link includes letter from Cardinal George, Study Guide and Background on Nuclear Arms Treaties. In Spanish: Letter; Backgrounder 

Reduce Nucs and Redirect Savings to Development: USCCB and CRS encourage us to promote the "Global Priorities Resolution," H. Res. 278, by contacting our representatives, especially those on the House Foreign Affairs Committee to co-sponsor the bill. (posted 4/21/10)

Poverty:
Tax Credits for Low Income Workers: USCCB urges us to contact our congresspersons to protect and strengthen the Earned Income Tax and the Child Tax Credit. (posted 4/12/10)

Homelessness and Housing Advocacy:
The USCCB encourages us to support The American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act (H.R. 4213), that would, among other things, provide initial funding for the National Housing Trust Fund, continue support for job creation through the TANF emergency fund, and extend eligibility for unemployment insurance benefits through December 31, 2010.

More details 
Contact information is available at http://capwiz.com/catholicbishops/ or www.house.gov and www.senate.gov.

Lenten Advocacy Presentation on Homelessness in DC: March 21, 2010
Patricia Mullahy Fugere and Paul Amara: The Tangled Web of Homelessness: Structural Injustices and Advocacy
Audio recording

WEBSITE to CONTACT ALL ELECTED OFFICIALS: click here
U.S. Capitol Switchboard: 1-202-224-3121

WEBSITE to TRACK FEDERAL GOVT LEGISLATION:  click here

Volunteer Opportunities with local advocacy organizations