Network and the Interfaith Working Group on Domestic Human Needs (DHN) are working with The Jewish Council for Public Affairs and Catholic Charities USA, which are co-chairs of a national project to elevate the issue of poverty in the 2008 elections. The centerpiece of the initiative is to take place September 10-16, 2008.The goal is to persuade candidates to commit to cut poverty in half by 2010.
See: Fighting Poverty with Faith for:
1. ideas for things you might do, organize, or join in your community
2. resources you can use (reflections, tool kit, talking points, etc.)
3. activities around the country, as they are planned
4. posting an activity (prayer vigil, letter campaign…) in your area.
Act now: Keep up the momentum of the Convention for the Common Good, act on the Platform for the Common Good by engaging in this week of action to raise awareness of the ills of poverty.
A few ideas:
1. develop a bulletin announcement for your church,
2. write a letter to the editor of your local paper about the plight of families in your area who have the least economic power, asking readers to engage candidates in the work of eliminating poverty,
3. contact media to join you and others as you process, with signs, to the office of your elected official – telling them to commit to the elimination of poverty.
4. plan a prayer vigil focused on the meaning of scripture passages such as Matt. 5: 1-12, or Matt.25: 31-46.
5. Watch for, and join, nation-wide conference calls for discussion of poverty issues and what can be done. A nation-wide conference call, planned for September 9, at 1:00 pm Eastern time, will kick off the events. More information is at http://www.fightingpovertywithfaith.com/
6. Watch for, and join – or plan and advertise - local area activities
