CHOOSING YOUR ISSUE

Criteria for Making Decisions

As an advocate, not only will you have to decide what issue is the most pertinent for you to work, but you will have to assess the related social problems and how you can make a difference. The following questions will help you crystallize the scope of your issue and your capacity to make change.

Is there a policy base for addressing the issue in the official statements or actions of your faith community?

How urgent is the need to be addressed?

How many people are affected by the problem?

Is this a timely issue?

Will it be possible to address the issue in upcoming public policy deliberations?

What is the possibility of achieving the desired outcome?

How basic is this issue—e.g. does it cause or contribute to other problems about which your faith community is concerned?

Is there a special reason for the faith community to take a leading role in addressing this issue?

Is there sufficient staff time for effective advocacy?

Does the implementation of your decision allow you to follow the ten commandments of advocacy?

Thou shalt not lie.
Thou shalt not play favorites.
Thou shalt not alienate.
Thou shalt not hog the credit.
Thou shalt not promise what thou can not deliver.
Thou shalt not waste thy time nor that of others.
Thou shalt not forget to be grateful.
Thou shalt not fail to be civil.
Thou shalt not despair.
Thou shalt not give up.

A good decision needs to meet the criteria that its positive effect is not us but on the “least of these.” We must never forget that our final goal is that we are seeking justice for all.

Center Priorities (.pdf)

Bulletin Inserts
Child Support (.pdf)
Environment (.pdf)
Housing Trust (.pdf)
Indigent Defense (.pdf)
Payday Lending (.pdf)
Minimum Wage (.pdf)

Advocacy Resources
Advocacy Guide (.doc)
Advocacy Portal (link)
Lending Info. (.ppt)
Richmond Map (.pdf)

For Small Groups
Eco-Stewardship (link)
Prayers for Creation (link)
Poverty Diet (link)

Policy Briefs
EITC (.doc)
TANF Child Support (.doc)
Payday Loans (.doc)
Healing Creation (.doc)
Child Ombudsman (.doc)
Affordable Housing (.doc)
Indigent Defense (.doc)
Minimum Wage (.doc)
Wage & EITC (.doc)
VA Tribes (.link)

Actions
Lending Petition (link)
Title Petition (link)
Wage Petition (link)

Reports
Budget Analysis (.pdf)
Food Stamps (.doc)
Lottery Study (link)

FAQ's (link)

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