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Email conversations about "ending hunger in Ohio through changing conditions which cause poverty"
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Advocates for reducing hunger |
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Hunger Network in Ohio |
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Add-our-voice |
What word is more popular among social activists than “advocacy”? Whether in battles over reducing hunger, reforming health care, providing housing, or defending the gamut of human services, we call on advocates to lead us into the fray.
But what is “advocacy”?
It is traceable to 1400 century Latin meaning to “to be called to stand beside,” to render aid to someone in need. It simply means a direction toward or to add “voc”--call (akin to v_x voice) or voice. Advocates speak and act on behalf of other persons. Advocacy is also known by a legion of handles such espousing, arguing, pleading and embodied in protagonists, champions, intercessors, and even drumbeaters.
Within the Hunger Network in Ohio and companion organizations, advocacy encompasses notions of power relations, people's participation, and a vision for a just society. It represents a series of actions taken and issues highlighted to change “what is” into “what should be” as a more compassionate, decent and fair society.
In anticipation of the about to explode debate (following Gov. Kasich's proposal is introduced next Tuesday) on how Ohio will balance its budget in the next two years, advocates will be especially needed to protect Ohioans whose lives will be most severely impacted by anticipated cuts in human service programs.
During this Lenten season, opportunities to meditate on, learn about, and do advocacy are widely available. Here are seven springing forth in upcoming weeks:
1. Lenten Advocacy Calendar. Daily biblical reading and quotes during the 40 days before Easter (PDF attached)
2. Faith Coalition for the Common Good. Principles for considering the budget matters have been given to state elected officials and encouraged for discussion in congregations (Below)
3. One Ohio Now. Rally on State Budget April 5 @ 12:00 Statehouse North Plaza/Broad Street in Columbus sponsored by this coalition of organizations seeking a balanced approach to resolving Ohio's pending budget crisis. (http://oneohionow.org/)
4. Health Care Action Advocacy Day: April 6, 2011, 9:30 am - 3:00 pm Trinity Episcopal Church, 125 E. Broad St. in Columbus (http://uhcanohio.org/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=80)
5. Ohio Council of Churches Legislative Advocacy Day. Wednesday, April 13, 2011; 2:00 pm -6:00 pm; Trinity Episcopal Church and Statehouse Atrium in Columbus (http://www.ohcouncilchs.org/ShowArticle.aspx?ID=195)
6. Self-Advocates: WANTED. Saturday, April 9, 9:30am -12:30pm Where: United Methodist Church 4 All People 946 Parsons Ave. Columbus for persons wanting to know how to advocate for ministries they believe in and support (www.umcommunityministries.org)
7. Advocates for Ohio's Future Community Conversations. They seek endorsements while convening dozens regional conversations bringing together legislators and community stakeholders who have been affected by the economy. These are upcoming:
YOUNGSTOWN-March 14, 2011 11:00am
NEW PHILADELPHIA-March 18, 2011 10:00am
MARIETTA-March 25, 2011 10:00am
(http://www.advocatesforohio.org/Background.htm)
1. Lenten Advocacy Calendar. In preparation for whatever we DO, we first are
called to BE. As a resource for spiritual development during these days emulated
Jesus wilderness struggle with his own soul, the Hunger Network has created an
Advocacy Calendar which is attached.
2. Faith Coalition for the Common Good is a gathering of faith, nonprofit
and advocacy organizations to protect the least of Ohio's citizens during this
budget crisis. They are presenting a platform available to all faith leaders,
advocacy groups and concerned citizens to continually remind our legislators of
their moral imperative to do make equitable and compassionate decisions while
attending to the current budget crisis in the state of Ohio.
A VOICE OF PRINCIPLE FROM THE FAITH COMMUNITY
Budgets are moral documents expressing our common values and priorities.
The following principles are offered by the faith community to inform and guide
the development of the upcoming two-year budget for the state of Ohio:
SERVE THE COMMON GOOD
A primary goal of government-as our founders affirmed-is to work for the “common
good.” Provision of essential human services is more efficient and effective
than crisis management.
DO NO HARM
Basic human compassion underlies this bedrock ethical mandate. Every policy will
be weighed and each fiscal decision measured by the principle of not harming the
people of Ohio.
SHARE SACRIFICES
The current budget situation requires significant sacrifices. As Ohioans,
we commit to share the necessary sacrifices equitably and unselfishly, so that
all Ohioans do their part to ensure that the most vulnerable are protected.
SHOW CIVILITY
contributes to teamwork and helpful dialogue. Therefore in all budget
discourse we will use words that respect and build up the people of Ohio.
Contact Info: Rev. John Edgar Phone: 614-327-5468 Email: revjohnedgar@aol.com;
Rev. Deniray Mueller Phone: 614-668-6036 Email:
deniray@deniray.com
3. One Ohio Now. Rally April 5 @ 12:00 Statehouse. The national economy is
still weak and Ohio's revenues continue to fall below what's required to meet
people's rising needs. In response, Ohio has over-relied on reducing services
that assist communities and vulnerable families. In its next two-year budget,
our state faces a record shortfall of up to $8 billion. Schools, police,
hospitals, libraries, and local services are all endangered. It will take a
balanced approach that includes revenues to minimize the impact on Ohioans and
ensure our state emerges strong when prosperity returns. Many organizations have
endorsed One Ohio Now's principles and others are encouraged to join them.
4. Health Care Action Advocacy Day: April 6, 2011, 9:30 am - 3:00 pm
Columbus. A unified consumer voice - insured, uninsured, and underinsured - is
essential to protecting our health care in Ohio. Join us for this Advocacy Day
and protect the Affordable Care Act, protect Medicaid, protect vulnerable
Ohioans!
5. Ohio Council of Churches Legislative Advocacy Day & Legislative Reception.
Wednesday April 13, 2011; 2:00 pm -6:00 pm; Trinity Episcopal Church and
Statehouse Atrium. Meet your legislators and staff to advocate for health, human
services and education programs. Afternoon gathering/informational speakers 2:00
p.m.- Trinity Episcopal Church - across the street from the Statehouse. 3:30-
4:30 pm- Selective meetings with legislators at their offices 4:30 - 6:00 pm
Legislative reception 5:00- 6:00 pm- Presentations by elected officials
$30 per person/ $10 per student (Please register by April 1, 2011). For more
information, contact Tom Smith, 614/ 885-9590 ext. 15. Or email to
tsmith@ohcouncilchs.org
6. Self-Advocates: WANTED. Saturday, April 9. Join us for a Community
Ministries training where you'll gain the tools necessary to build what you've
been called by God to create, whether it's better health care, the end of
poverty, safer neighborhoods, or more inclusive communities. Learn to tell the
story you need others to hear and build relationships with your neighbors to
help them to find power in their own voice and courage to tell their own story
through: listening conversations, creating community forums, lawmaker visits,
and letter writing. Call Rev. Beth Weisbrod (614) 228-1010 Register at:
www.umcommunityministries.org
7. Advocates for Ohio's Future. Advocates for Ohio's Future works to
maintain vital public services - health, human services, and early care &
education - at a level that meets people's basic needs and protects our most
vulnerable populations.
Ohio Consumers for Heath Coverage
UHCAN Ohio
Ohio Council of Churches
One Ohio Now
Advocates for Ohio's Future
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