Priorities

Priorities 2007

(Printer-friendly versions: PDF, Word)

The National Advocacy Center, guided by Gospel values, Catholic Social Teaching, and Good Shepherd spirituality, believes all people have a right to secure the basic necessities of life, expresses particular concern for the most vulnerable members of society, and affirms the responsibility of government to provide for the common good, promote equal opportunity for all, and ensure that the basic needs of all members of society are met.

Our priorities reflect the continuing mission of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd to promote reconciliation and peace. Each year’s priorities draw directly from responses to a survey sent to Good Shepherd communities and agencies throughout the country and are affirmed by the National Advocacy Center Advisory Board. The priorities are divided into three levels delineating the most appropriate strategy for the National Advocacy Center’s involvement.

LEVEL ONE: highest priority, require NAC to take a leading role through proactive and intensive advocacy, lobbying, and research

LEVEL TWO: require monitoring, some joint lobbying with coalition partners, and reactive strategies, such as letters and alerts

LEVEL THREE: monitor and address through work with coalitions and

LEVEL ONE

Strengthening Human and Economic Security

§ Promote Livable Wages

Support legislation to increase the minimum wage and benefits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit that boost wages for low-income workers as steps toward wages that bring working families out of poverty.

§ Enhance Social Investment

Support balanced tax and spending priorities that provide sufficient funding for critical social services and international humanitarian assistance, with special attention to funding for domestic violence, child welfare, and housing programs. Promote greater investment in affordable housing and

violence prevention.

§ Increase Access to Health Care

Support legislation to expand health coverage, particularly through the reauthorization of SCHIP.

§ Strengthen Prevention of Human Trafficking and Increase Supports for Survivors

Support continuing improvements to the Trafficking Victims Protection Act and monitor implementation. Promote full funding for TVPA programs, especially for victim services.

LEVEL TWO

Fostering Reconciliation Nationally and Globally

§ Peace Initiatives

Support reductions in military spending and efforts to end U.S. military involvement in

Iraq. Promote legislation for alternative conflict resolution, such as the establishment of a federal Department of Peace.

§ Immigration

Continue support for comprehensive and compassionate immigration reform and for legislation to lift restrictions on lawfully present immigrants’ receipt of federal benefits.

LEVEL THREE

§ Improving Mental Health Care

Support legislation to provide mental health/substance treatment parity and promote greater funding for and access to mental health services.

§ Promoting Global Economic Justice

Monitor funding and legislation for foreign aid and global health, and support fair trade initiatives and responsible/sustainable international development.

**To view 2006 priorities click here.