General Advocacy Resources
Learn more about what it means to participate in a Ministry of Public Witness:
The Role of Religion in Public Life: A Primer and The Role of Religion in Public Life: Facilitator’s Guide
Advocacy Tips
There are some time honored tips for those who desire to have their voices heard in the public square. Check out the links below for information that will help to amplify your voice.
- Tips for Contacting Your Legislators & Decision Makers (generic visit planning document)
- Writing Letters to the Editor—tips and worksheet to guide you in writing effective letters that get printed
- Editorial Board Manual (prepared for NRCAT—guidance for planning and conducting your own editorial board meeting)
Not sure where to start? Check out our Guidelines for Sacred Conversations
Featured and Timely Resources
- Lenten Values: Spring Into Action—A Resource on Immigration Justice
- Spring 2023 Holy Days and Holidays Toolkit
- Creation Justice Ministries 2023 Lenten Resource
- Ending Childhood Lead Poisoning Is Possible—Resources Available
- 52 Ways to Care for Creation Bulletin Inserts
- Humans Out of Solitary Film Series
- ReImagine Your Community: Faith in Action Toolkit
- Monitor World Conflicts with Global Conflict Tracker
- Beware of Social Security Scams
- Senator Casey—Services Available from the Senator’s Office
- Guidance for Responding to Threats in Your Community
God’s Kingdom is for Everyone: Discussing Poverty in a Christian Framework
Loving Our Brothers and Sisters: A Study for Youth on Bullying, Violence, and Prevention in a Christian Context
The National Issues Forum and Everyday Democracy (formerly Study Circles) address a number of issues from a secular perspective. The goal is to promote public deliberation about difficult issues. These guides can be used to structure congregational study programs that promote thoughtful dialogue.
Issue Specific Resources
Criminal Justice
- Humans Out of Solitary Film Series
- What does your denomination say about Criminal Justice?
- Criminal Justice Book Recommendations
Resources for Returning Citizens
Economic Justice/Worker Rights
- View Fact Sheets to Learn Who Would Benefit from Increasing the Minimum Wage
- Ask an Economist: Debt and Deficits During the Pandemic
Education
- Education Voters of PA Issues and Advocacy Training Series
- New Tool: How Underfunded Is Your School District?
Environment
- 52 Ways to Care for Creation Bulletin Inserts
- Compare Prices for Rooftop Solar on EnergySage
- Download Faithful Resilience Guide for Congregations
- GreenFaith International Multi-Faith Resource
- Greener Together—Activities for Connecting with the Natural World
Impacts of Climate Change
- Interactive Map Identifies Oil and Gas Waste Sites
- Interactive Climate Map: How Your Location Will Change with Climate Change in 60 Years
- DEP Chronicles Story of Susquehanna River Stresses and Cites Successes on New Interactive Multimedia Website
Resources for Individuals Concerned about Their Environmental Impact
- Ending Childhood Lead Poisoning Is Possible—Resources Available
- Use EnergySage Tool to Learn About Going Solar
- New Consumer Guide for Saving Energy
- Learn More About Plastic Pollution and How to Reduce Your Impact
- Personal Choices to Reduce Your Contribution to Climate Change
- Plastic Pollution: A Guide
- Download Your Climate Action Kit
- Get the “Get the Lead Out” Toolkit
Activities and Resources that can be Shared with Children
- Preparing Students for a Changing World—Resource
- Child’s App Boosts Gardens for Pollinators
- Environmental Resources for Children and Youth, Shared Sermons
- Get Free Rain Barrel Workshop Materials; Learn About Water Conservation
- Download “Canning for the Climate” Kit; Can Your Summer Produce to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
Spiritual Tools for Addressing Climate Change
- ReImagine Your Community: Faith in Action Toolkit
- Creation Justice Ministries Launches New Resource Hub
- Climate Vigil Songs Worship Guide
- GreenFaith International Multi-Faith Resource
- Sermon Starter/Devotional Series on Creation Care
- New Book: Creation-Crisis Preaching
- Preaching and Prayer Resources for Public Lands
- Make Your Congregation Carbon Neutral
- A Cosmic Adventure through Science & Faith
- Resources from Creation Justice—Climate Change and More
- Creation Justice Ministries New Action Center
- Season of Creation: Focus on Public Lands
Financial Resources
- PHFA Offers No-Fee Coaching to Help People with Personal Finances
- What’s the Cost of Living in Your Area?
Guns/Gun Violence
Talking about Gun Violence with your Congregation:
- Short Video on Extreme Risk Protection Orders
- New Gun Violence Prevention Guide Available for Congregations
- What does your denomination say about Gun Violence?
Personal Resources to Promote Gun Safety:
- Resources for Gun Safety
- Resources for Gun Safety at Home
- Talking About Guns with Friends and Family
Gun Law Fact Sheets:
- Fast Facts About Gun Violence in PA
- Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) Fact Sheet Giffords Law Center
- ERPO FAQ Giffords Law Center
- ERPO at Work Giffords Law Center
- Background Checks Fact Sheet Giffords
- Brady ERPO Fact Sheet
- Brady Assault Weapons Fact Sheet
Local Organizations Working to Prevent Gun Violence:
Health Care
Immigration
Video Resources
Resources for Immigrants
- Know Your Rights When ICE Comes to Your Door
- Information for Immigrants: Know Your Rights
- Free Online Resource That Helps U.S. Immigrants Apply for Citizenship
- Step-by-Step DACA Renewal Guide Available
Resources for Congregations
- New Toolkit/Liturgy for Worship—Refugees and Immigrants
- Toolkit—Creating Sanctuary Policies
- Learn About the Sanctuary Movement
- The Call to Sanctuary—Video and Discussion Guide
- Auburn Seminary/Groundswell Resources for Anti-Family Separation Advocacy
- Study Guide: Immigrant Justice is Racial Justice
Legal Information About Immigration
Take Action
Militarism
- Monitor World Conflicts with Global Conflict Tracker
- All Five Half Hour Videos on Drone Warfare Now Available
Poverty
- Racial Wealth Gap Learning Simulation—An Interactive Resource
- EPI Family Budget Calculator Shows What Families Need to Get By
- Documenting the Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival
- Mapping Tools for Poverty Rate/SNAP Participation
Racism/Other Discrimination
- Guidance for Responding to Threats in Your Community
- Putting the Conflict in Context: Resources for Fighting Racism in These Critical Times
- Resources for Acting and Speaking Out Against Racism
- Courses to Learn More About Social Justice and Racial Inequality
- Resources for Community Response to Hate
- Responding to Hate: A Quick Reference Guide
- Silence is the Welcome Mat for Hate—Learn More
- Videos Help Raise Awareness for Situations of Bias
- Sexual Harassment at Work: Know Your Rights in Pennsylvania
- United Against Racism: Churches for Change
- Transfigurations: Transgressing Gender in the Bible—Study Guide, Screening Information
- Diversity Toolkit: Building Principles of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice in Organizations
Updated 2/24/23