One congregation’s experience …
“A Voice for the Voiceless”

Jeanne Rehwinkel is an Earth Ministry Colleague at University Lutheran Church in Seattle.  In a recent conversation she said, “an advocate is someone who speaks for the voiceless, including other creatures.”  For many years she has practiced advocacy with the feeling that “it’s really pretty simple, you just act on the things that concern you the most.”  With her deep concern about the impact that global warming has on all creation (especially its most vulnerable members and fragile ecosystems), she recently invited members of her congregation to take part in a “Clean Energy Now” campaign.  This campaign encouraged Washington state’s governor to support alternatives to petroleum-based, ecologically damaging energy sources.  Jeanne got pre-printed postcards (addressed to the governor) from a local nonprofit, Climate Solutions, and made verbal and written announcements about the campaign and postcards at two church services.  Many members picked up information on the campaign and a postcard in the church’s narthex.  In the course of her conversations during coffee hour and at other times, Jeanne handed the information and postcards to people whom she felt shared her concern.  She distributed over 100 postcards through these casual announcements and conversations.  In addition to the “voice” that congregation articulated to the governor, Jeanne also helped other church members to grow in their understanding of global warming and hopeful tools for mitigating this crisis.

Ideas for Advocates
On an issue that concerns you:

·        Learn about the issue, but don’t feel that you need to be an expert on it in order to be an advocate.  You may especially want to explore other local or national organizations that share your interest and could provide helpful informational materials. 

·        Meet with, write, call, email, or fax policy makers and others who shape decisions on your issue.  The more you’re able to show yourself as a real, live person, the more of an impact your communication will have (i.e., meetings have the most impact, then personal letters, etc.).  It is often especially helpful for policy makers to know why, as a person of faith, you care about your issue.  Speak not just from your head (knowledge), but also from your heart and life experiences.  All communication counts – as almost all policy makers tally letters, phone calls, emails, etc. to help them make decisions.  You can go to Bread for the World’s letter writing page for tips on letter writing in particular.

·        Help your friends and other congregation members to learn about your issue and how they can easily make their “voice” heard as well.  For example, if you (like Jeanne, above) are concerned about global warming, you may want to have a letter-writing table after a worship service.  The table could include easy-to-understand information on global warming, and ready-made postcards or a brief, sample letter that others can use to craft their own letters.  The table should also include decision makers’ contact information.

·        Write an “op-ed” (opinion piece) for your local newspaper – be sure to explain why the issue is important to you personally.

·        Check with organizations concerned about your issue to see if they know of specific advocacy actions.  For example, if you’re concerned about toxics and children, you may want to contact an organization like Washington Toxics Coalition to see if they know of any upcoming hearings at which you would be welcome to speak.

·        See if your congregation would like to write a letter or resolution on a specific issue.  This document could be sent to policy makers, denominational bodies, other congregations, or even a local newspaper. 

·        Remember that just as the Spirit intercedes for us (in our weakness) through prayer, we too can be prayerful intercessors even  “with sighs too deep for words.” (Romans 8:26)