Dear Advocates:
“We support projects for economic justice, confront unjust systems and take
a corporate stance when appropriate.”
The 112th Congress begins on January 5, 2011, with 112
new members. Republicans have the majority in the House (242-193) and Democrats have a small majority in the Senate (53-47,
with 2 Independents counted as Democrats). We will be watching to see how this government will do, and praying that members
can work together to solve the problems that confront our nation and our world.
Republican leaders have
said that one of their first acts will be an attempt to repeal the new healthcare law, and they will likely keep trying to
dismantle the law as the year goes on. They also promise to cut government spending. Democratic leaders continue to say they
will focus on the economy and jobs.
The National Advocacy Center of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd along
with our Catholic coalition partners will continue to work hard to support legislation that will make affordable healthcare
available for all, and we will advocate for adequate funding for programs that help those who are struggling to find jobs,
homes, food, and enough income to provide for their families.
The NAC wishes to thank everyone who participated
in our annual survey to prioritize issues that affect Good Shepherd ministries and Good Shepherd People. We would like
to share the results of the survey as we gear up for the 112th Congress. Larry Couch, our lobbyist, and I will be contacting
the programs to find out if there is any legislation that will be brought to the floor this session that directly affects
our Good Shepherd ministries.
We thank you in advance for your advocacy; it is the only way we can change
the system to benefit the poor and marginalized people to whom we minister.
2011
National Advocacy Center Priorities
Inspired by the 2009 General Chapter Direction
Statement, the National Advocacy Center of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd will advocate at the national level for laws that
benefit the poor, the disenfranchised – particularly families, women and children. We will organize our Good Shepherd
constituency to participate in actions that petition the United States Congress to act favorably on these issues.
“Work zealously with women and children, especially those who are trafficked, forced
to migrate and oppressed by abject poverty.”
(2009 General Chapter Directive)
1. Human
Trafficking (includes involuntary servitude, sexual exploitation, military conscription of children, and sale of human organs)
2. Combat Poverty and Its Effects (protecting critical human needs programs during these challenging
economic times)
3. Domestic Violence (violence against women, increased funding for Domestic Violence
programs)
4. Immigration (seek humane Comprehensive Immigration Reform)
5. Budget
Fairness (advocate for policies that enable more families to find employment and move toward economic self-sufficiency)
6. Mental Health (includes substance abuse treatment and increased access to treatment)
7. Juvenile
Justice (reduce the number of youth in the adult criminal justice systems; resist over-criminalization for minor and nonviolent
adolescent misbehavior)
8. Housing and Homelessness (programs that provide housing assistance and
assistance for those experiencing homelessness)
9. Global Economic Justice and Peace (foreign aid,
global health, trade issues, peace efforts)
10. Economic equality in the workplace (women still
face discrimination in the workplace, and they still earn, on average, only 77 cents for every dollar earned by men)
“Foster a deepening of our spirituality and a new consciousness of our identity as Good Shepherd
which enlivens our prayer, community life, ministries and our desire to shepherd God’s creation.”
(2009
General Chapter Directive)
11. Environment (seek a deeper respect for God’s creation and
engage in activities that deal with environmental problems, particularly as they affect the poor)
