Religious Groups Prepare for New Congress
Episcopal News Service. December 8, 1988 [88267]
NEW YORK (DPS, Dec. 8) -- IMPACT, the Washington, D.C.-based legislative information and action coalition, is anticipating a new surge of advocacy from religious groups that were active in the civil rights movement. They see the resurgence developing in the wake of the scandals that have in recent years beset the religious right, and sharpened by the challenge of a new Congress. Jewish, Protestant, and Roman Catholic groups, working through IMPACT, are providing new tools for improving the ability of religious people to address those who represent them in Congress.
Among the new tools available to engaged groups are a video, a new approach to grassroots organizing, and expanded resources on how government makes laws and how those with religious values can be involved in the process.
The video, "Making an IMPACT with Your Religious Values," is fast-paced and "effectively describes why and how national religious groups work on public advocacy," says Rebecca Gallatin of the United Church of Christ Office for Church in Society. The video includes senators and members of Congress citing the effectiveness of people of faith who write or visit them knowing their facts -- and the individual legislator's voting record. It is an excellent resource to use with adult classes, congregational committees -- or a group in your home, suggests Dr. Betty Coats of the Episcopal Church's Washington Office.
The video is available for $15 from IMPACT, 100 Maryland Avenue, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20002.
The grassroots organizing by 17 national religious denominations began in November. The project focuses on 30 congressional districts and is staffed by National IMPACT, the legislative information and action service used by the participating groups. IMPACT staff and the Protestant, Roman Catholic, and Jewish religious organizations they serve provide in-the-district organizing and training to assist local religious people to address two issues: women and children living in poverty in the United States, and Southern Africa.
Religious groups involved in the grassroots project include American Baptists, Evangelical Lutherans, Presbyterians, United Methodists, Reform Jews, Roman Catholics, representatives of the United Church of Christ, Progressive National Baptists, Disciples, Episcopalians, and Brethren -- all in cooperation with other religiously oriented groups including Church Women United and the Catholic Social Justice Lobby NETWORK.
The expanded resources for understanding how our government makes laws and how citizens with religious values can be involved in the process include the IMPACT Handbook, a 200-page picture handbook of the new 101st Congress. It is available free for every five new members joining IMPACT, or for a tax-deductible contribution of $50 or more to the IMPACT Education Fund.
Four voting records of more than 20 votes taken on domestic and international issues in 1987 and 1988 effecting environmental issues, civil rights, immigration, economic justice, peace, and women's concerns are available at 50 cents each from IMPACT, or free with annual $20 membership in the organization. There will also be an advocacy training manual available from IMPACT in December.