##{{red:Advocacy and Legislative Awareness}} ## ####Background As far as possible citizens should take an active part in *public life*. The manner of this participation may vary from one country or culture to another. *Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1915* ####Additional Catholic Teaching: In the Catholic tradition, government has a positive role because of its responsibility to serve the common good, provide a safety net for the vulnerable, and help overcome discrimination and ensure equal opportunity for all. Government has inescapable responsibilities toward those who are poor and vulnerable, to ensure their rights and defend their dignity. Government action is necessary to help overcome structures of injustice and misuse of power and to address problems beyond the reach of individual and community efforts. Government must act when these other institutions fall short in defending the weak and protecting human life and human rights. *U.S. Catholic Bishops, A Place at the Table (2002)* ####Act: - [Conduct a Parish Voter Registration Drive: Practical Tips][7] {{red:**NEW!**}} - [USCCB Do's and Don'ts Guidelines During Election Season][8] {{red:**NEW!**}} - Stay informed about current issues in the legislature and write to your [state][1] and [national][2] legislators. - Sign up to receive the [USCCB Action Alerts][3] - Visit the Archdiocese of Portland [Action Alerts webpage][4] - [Know your legislators][2] - [NETWORK A National Catholic Social Justice Lobby][5] ####Links: ####{{maroon: From the Office}} - [Prayer, Persistence, and Politics][oljp8] - [The Legislative Process: An Overview][oljp32] {{red:**NEW!**}} ####Other - [Catholic Relief Services Action Center][6] [1]: http://www.leg.state.or.us/findlegsltr/ [2]: http://www.congress.org/ [3]: http://www.usccb.org/sdwp/subform.shtml [4]: http://www.archdpdx.org/jprespect/Action_Alerts.html [5]: http://www.networklobby.org/ [6]: http://actioncenter.crs.org/site/PageServer?pagename=ac_homepage [7]: JP_Respect/Voter_Registration_Drive.pdf [8]: JP_Respect/Dos_Donts_Guidelines.pdf [oljp8]: JP_Respect/LJP_Prayer_Persistence_Politics.pdf [oljp32]: JP_Respect/LJP_Legislative_Process.pdf