Advocacy:  What it is and why it’s important

Catholic social teaching calls us to participate in social action in two ways. First, we must help those in need through direct services, such as food pantries and clothing donations.  In this way, we help people with immediate needs.  Second, and just as important, we must also work to change the structures that drive the need for direct services.  To that end, we research issues and contact members of Congress and state legislators to gain support for legislation that will benefit those in need.

The advocacy group at St. Mary’s is part of the Parish Social Action Committee and highlights issues needing action through the monthly (October-May) Advocacy Table in Farrell Hall.  Additionally, members of the advocacy group participate in Catholic lobby days at the U.S. Capitol and state capitol in Richmond.  We need your voice!  Please join the advocacy group and/or let us know the issues you’d like to see us address.  Call advocacy chair Pat Seiler, 703 978-4141.

Many parishioners are members of SALT (Social Action Linking Together), a parish-based advocacy group in the Diocese of Arlington. SALT provides information on issues and offers workshops on how to be an effective advocate. See the SALT website at www.collectiveiq.net/salt.htm or call Pat Seiler, 703 978-4141 for information.

Faith-Based Advocacy Websites

NETWORK, A National Catholic Social Justice Lobby: www.igc.apc.org/network/index.htm

Center of Concern: www.coc.org/coc/home.htm

Bread for the World:  www.bread.org

Pax Christi USA:  www.nonviolence.org

Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy: http://pweb.netcom.com/~vicpp/home.html

Also Check Out

The Hunger Site:  www.thehungersite.com (Donate free food)

Virginia General Assembly:  http://legis.state.va.us/

U.S. House of Representatives:  www.house.gov

U.S. Senate:  www.senate.gov