Refugee & Immigration Ministries

Become an Advocate

Why Advocate!

Recognizing that members of Disciples congregations cover the spectrum of political opinion within the life of the United States and Canada, they are also called upon to follow the gospel call to welcome the stranger. Advocacy on behalf of refugees and immigrants is what Jesus would have done.

The number one thing legislators listen to when making decisions is what their constituents say. For this reason your concern for refugees and immigrants needs to be shared with your legislators. It is estimated that only 5 percent of Americans communicate with their representatives in government, and of those only 1 percent communicate on matters that go beyond self-interest to focus on the hurting people of our world. You do not have to be an expert on refugee and immigration issues in order to express your concerns. The conviction behind your words is as persuasive as extensive knowledge of the issue.

What to Advocate About!

Persons wishing to become advocates can receive information on legislative issues and administration policies that have an impact on refugee and immigrants in three different ways:

• Some of the issues in "What's New!" contain information on legislative issues and administrative policies.
  
  
• Persons with e-mail can sign up to receive Rapid Response Action Alerts as they are sent out.
  
  Recent Rapid Response Action Alerts include:
  • November 11, 2008: Participate in Platform on Immigration Reform to be Presented to Next Administration and Congress
    
  • September 9, 2008: Anti-Immigrant Lobbying
  • June 17, 2008: Medical Care for Detainees
  • June 3, 2008: Night of 1,000 Conversations -- June 19th
  • March 11, 2008: The SAVE Act Updated
  • January 31, 2008: The SAVE Act
  • September 18, 2007: Refugee Crisis in Iraq
    
  • August 8, 2007: Just, Humane, and CompassionateImmigration Legislation
    
  • July 15, 2007: DREAM Act
    
  • June 15, 2007: Immigration Reform Legislation
    
  • April 3, 2007: Immigration Reform Legislation
    
  • March 13, 2007: Proposed Immigration Fee Increases
    
    
• Persons with e-mail can sign up to receive Church World Service action alerts from "Speak Out" which is a public policy advocacy list serve. Subscribers who request action alerts on "Immigration & Refugees" issues receive six to ten e-mails a year.  Subscribers will not receive other CWS communications.  If you only want e-mails about immigration & refugees, be sure to only check that box.

How to Advocate

The RIM Packet contains Advocacy Tips to help advocates on refugee and immigration issues.