What do you think of when you hear the words “Lobbying and Advocacy”? Maybe you’re not even sure what they mean! So let’s get some definitions down….
Lobbying: To try to influence the actions of public officials, esp. legislatures to urge the passage of a bill or piece of legislation.
Advocacy: The act of arguing in favor of something, such as a cause, idea or policy.
Generally, people that it takes a lot of work to do advocacy or lobbying. But with advancements in technology and the power of the Internet, you can become an avid advocate from the comfort of your own home! Often you can sign up online for a group (Such as the SPCA or Amnesty International) and they will send you email, updating you on legislation or asking you to sign electronic petitions. When this happens, often all you have to do is sign your name to a prewritten email, and then suddenly….you are an active advocate for the issues you care about!
Maybe you’re still unsure. Feel like you’re not sure where to start? Well think about what you’re interested in. Are you really into animal rights and preventing animal cruelty? You should sign up with the SPCA. Are you really into the environment and sustainability? Look up the Sierra Club and get information from them.
Are you still not sure? Well take a look at some of the following websites. Some of these you can sign up to be a member and receive periodic emails about upcoming legislation or issues that concern the group. Others a more informative and help you gain knowledge about your issue before you act on it. Either way, you are now fully armed and ready to take on the world and begin to be a true advocate!
Amnesty International
Amnesty International is a group that focuses on human rights. They have more than 2.2 million members world wide! When you get on the website you can join up as a member and receive information from them about upcoming campaigns. Issues they focus on include: women’s rights, abolishing the death penalty, controlling the arms trade, and demanding dignity for those living in poverty.
Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
The SPCA exists to raise awareness about animal rights issues around the world. You can sign up to donate to their cause, adopt a shelter, and learn about pet care. On their homepage you can sign up to receive their newsletter and receive information concerning advocacy.
The Wilderness Society
The Wilderness Society has been protecting America's wilderness since 1935 through the potent combination of science, advocacy and education, and its mission is to deliver to future generations an unspoiled legacy of wild places, with all the precious values they hold. The Wilderness Society brings to bear scientific expertise, analysis and bold advocacy at the highest levels to save, protect and restore America's wilderness areas. Join now to receive important information on how to support upcoming legislation concerning pure drinking water!!
Change.org
Change.org is a comprehensive website that has a “blogging” feel to it. This group opens forums for a surplus of issues, like women’s rights, animal rights, global warming, human trafficking, and health care. Visit the site and read articles that others have written. Sign up to be an activist and receive emails. You can even start YOUR OWN petitions! They even have advertising for justice centered jobs for after graduation!
Catholic Relief Services
CRS mission is to assist the poor and disadvantaged, leveraging the teachings of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to alleviate human suffering, promote development of all people and to foster charity and justice throughout the world. CRS operates on five continents and in more than 90 countries. CRS aids the poor by first providing direct assistance where needed, then encouraging them to help with their own development. Together, this fosters secure, productive, just communities which enable people to realize their potential. As the official international relief and development agency of the U.S. Catholic community, CRS is also committed to educating the people of the United States to fulfill their moral responsibilities toward our global brothers and sisters by helping the poor, working to remove the causes of poverty, and promoting social justice.
NETWORK
A National Catholic Social Justice Lobby, NETWORK educates, lobbies and organizes to influence the formation of federal legislation to promote economic and social justice. Through faith-based educational resources and programs related to public policy, NETWORK Education Program (NEP) engages people in envisioning and working toward a just and equitable society. NEP's vision of a just society is grounded in Gospel values, Catholic Social Teaching, concern for the integrity of creation and the life experiences of people who are poor or marginalized.
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
With about 315 members, The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) is an assembly of the hierarchy of the United States and the U.S. Virgin Islands who exercise pastoral functions on behalf of the Christian faithful. The Conference promotes greater good through various programs, including and especially opportunities to get an internship, volunteer and donate.