Interpreting Advocacy

Issues

Global Advocacy & Education Team

Ministries and Mission

Interpreters Training

2008

Workshop Goals

Why Advocacy is important to Global Ministries Ideas for working on an issue important to you Hear about Global Ministries issues and

campaigns

Why is Justice important to Global Ministries? We are people of faith called to do justice.

The prophet says: “What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8

We are partners in Jesus’ ministry of justice. Jesus calls us to join him: "The Spirit of the Lord is on me,

because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.“ Luke 4:18-19

We are a Church with a justice mission. We have a Mission: Global Ministries’ Standing Rules say “In

such a world as this, [we] experience the interconnectedness of God`s world... a world desperately in need of healing.”

What is Advocacy? To Create Change

We seek to change conditions that threaten adequate health, education, security. (“I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” John 10:10)

To Accompany Others We seek “ministries of acompañamiento (being there in various

forms and modes of presence) to and with people in critical situations.” (“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” Proverbs 31:8-9)

To Act (Take Risk) for Truth We must act when we see injustice. (“How does God’s love abide

in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses to help? Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action.” 1 John 3:17-18)

Theological Commitments Guide our Global Advocacy

A Commitment to the Integrity of Creation “The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it, the world and those

who live in it.” Psalm 24:1 A Commitment to Peacebuilding

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God.” Matthew 5:9

A Commitment to Serve the Economy of God “He has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor…to

proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Luke 4:18-19 A Commitment to Strengthen Human Community

“In one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it.” I Corinthians 12:26

What else guides Global Ministries Advocacy work?

Global experience of international partners Cooperative witness of ecumenical allies Policies and positions of Common Global

Ministries Board, United Church of Christ and Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

How to do effective global advocacy.

1. What change do you seek… Pray and Discern

What is the change that needs to happen? Is your community called to act? A process of ethical discernment can help you

focus on an issue. A common model is “See, Judge, Act” (available from Global Ministries):

Create a committed community

JUDGE

ACT

SEE

“See, Judge, Act”

What about the situation would scripture and faith have change?

What response does your faith call you to?

What Actions can help change the situation?

How to do effective global advocacy.

2. Prepare for Advocacy… Prepare. Effective advocacy requires preparation

beforehand. Learn more about your issue. Go beyond the headlines.

See www.globalministries.orgfor information and links. What are your targets for change? Focus on what will

make the most change or where you’ll have most success. Church policies? Public attitudes? Government policies?

Who are your allies? Other faith groups? Business or civic groups? The media?

Are there Global Ministries programs or resources that can support your effort?

How to do effective global advocacy.

3. Plan an Advocacy strategy…Q: Want to move the earth?

You think you need a big Stick…

but it’s more important to determine the best Angle.

“Give me a lever long enough and a fulcrum on which to place it,and I shall move the world.” Archimedes, d. 212 BC

A small force can have a greater outcome if you determine the right angle to push for change.

How to do effective global advocacy.

3. Plan an Advocacy strategy… What are your Strengths and Weaknesses?

What outcome do you expect? How can your group be effective?

Planning a Strategy for AdvocacyWhat Would Jesus Do? “Be wise as

serpents and as innocents as doves.” Mt.10:16

PragmaticReformPolite discourse with religious and political authorities

PropheticRevolutionOther times he broke conventions and protocols to eat with sinners and minister on the Sabbath.

Overturn the Tables

Turn the Other Cheek

What are some Global Ministries Advocacy Projects? A Commitment to the Integrity of Creation

“Enough for All”: Global Warming and Poverty A Commitment to Peacebuilding

Congo Week and Sudan: Tents of Hope A Commitment to Serve the Economy of God

One in Body and Spirit: Fair Trade, the MDGs and ONE Campaign

A Commitment to Strengthen Human Community “Stop the Killing!” in the Philippines

Are you doing any good? Remember each little step is an important part of the

process, but it’s important to maintain your overall vision.

A person walked up to a man placing one brick on another. She asked the man: “What are you doing?” He replied: “I’m laying bricks.”

She walked further and approached a second man placing brick upon brick. She asked this man: “What are you doing?” This man, wiser than the first, replied: “I’m constructing a sturdy wall.”

Finally she came upon a third man, like the others also placing one brick on another. She asked this man: “What are you doing?” And this one, wisest of all, replied: “I’m building a cathedral!”

Don’t forget, you may think you’re simply stacking bricks,

but through our collective advocacy we can build

cathedrals.

www.GlobalMinistries.org/advocacy