10 THINGS A LEGISLATION COMMISSION CHAIR CAN DO
Sheila Hopkins, Spirituality Commission Chair/Legislation Committee Chair
1. PRAY. We ask for God’s guidance in all our undertakings as we defend the life and dignity of every human person and the common good. Pray for the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government that their deliberations respect our rights to act in accordance with our religious beliefs.
2. ORGANIZE. Organize a network/committee as our bishops have said it is our moral responsibility to be involved in the political process. Seek individuals from all congressional and state voting districts so contact will come from constituents.
3. EDUCATE. Urge members to read websites and sign up for information from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (www.usccb.org), Catholic Charities USA (www.catholiccharitiesusa.org), Catholic Rural Life (www.ncrlc.com) and their state Catholic Conference if they have one. Host information sessions in your parish or deanery on issues of concern to the Catholic Church.
4. ACT. Encourage signing up to receive action alerts from groups named in 3 and responding to their requests to call or write your legislators on issues of concern.
5. MEET. When state and congressional legislators are in their home districts, set up meetings with constituents to begin building relationships. Surveys have shown that legislators and staff value most the opinions of their constituents.
6. PARTICIPATE. Sign up and encourage others to do also for Catholics at the Capitol type events sponsored by a state Catholic Conference or diocese. This is another opportunity to build a relationship with your legislators. Consider participating in the annual Catholic Social Ministry Gathering held in Washington, DC, sponsored by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
7. SPONSOR. During an election year, consider hosting a candidate forum. All candidates should be invited to speak regardless of party affiliation.
8. VOLUNTEER. Offer to help candidates whose values align with Church teaching by working for or donating to their campaigns and encourage others to do the same.
9. THANK. Write a thank you note following any in person visit or when a legislator votes your position on an issue. This is another form of relationship building.
10. VOTE. One vote can make a difference. Offer rides to the polls to those unable to drive.
Sheila Hopkins, Spirituality Commission Chair/Legislation Committee Chair
1. PRAY. We ask for God’s guidance in all our undertakings as we defend the life and dignity of every human person and the common good. Pray for the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government that their deliberations respect our rights to act in accordance with our religious beliefs.
2. ORGANIZE. Organize a network/committee as our bishops have said it is our moral responsibility to be involved in the political process. Seek individuals from all congressional and state voting districts so contact will come from constituents.
3. EDUCATE. Urge members to read websites and sign up for information from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (www.usccb.org), Catholic Charities USA (www.catholiccharitiesusa.org), Catholic Rural Life (www.ncrlc.com) and their state Catholic Conference if they have one. Host information sessions in your parish or deanery on issues of concern to the Catholic Church.
4. ACT. Encourage signing up to receive action alerts from groups named in 3 and responding to their requests to call or write your legislators on issues of concern.
5. MEET. When state and congressional legislators are in their home districts, set up meetings with constituents to begin building relationships. Surveys have shown that legislators and staff value most the opinions of their constituents.
6. PARTICIPATE. Sign up and encourage others to do also for Catholics at the Capitol type events sponsored by a state Catholic Conference or diocese. This is another opportunity to build a relationship with your legislators. Consider participating in the annual Catholic Social Ministry Gathering held in Washington, DC, sponsored by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
7. SPONSOR. During an election year, consider hosting a candidate forum. All candidates should be invited to speak regardless of party affiliation.
8. VOLUNTEER. Offer to help candidates whose values align with Church teaching by working for or donating to their campaigns and encourage others to do the same.
9. THANK. Write a thank you note following any in person visit or when a legislator votes your position on an issue. This is another form of relationship building.
10. VOTE. One vote can make a difference. Offer rides to the polls to those unable to drive.