About

Mission Statement

The National Advocacy Center (NAC) works at the federal level to encourage just policies, to challenge unjust policies, and to develop positive alternatives when needed so as to be in solidarity with those on the margins.  Through its activities, NAC serves as a voice for the Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd and Partners in Mission in the United States, bringing their concerns to national legislators, and informing the sisters, their partners, and the public at large about its social justice focus areas.  

At the National Advocacy Center, we:

National Advocacy Center Goals
amplify the Good Shepherd voice by linking the ministries and services of the Sisters, lay associates, and lay staff around the country to speak up and work for change in the structures of society.
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  • Build awareness and encourage action related to legislative priorities and relevant social justice issues.
  • Prepare educational materials for Good Shepherd groups in the United States, including e-letters, action alerts, newsletters, and presentations to the Sisters and agency personnel on policy and advocacy.
  • Lobby and foster relationships with members of Congress and their staffs.
  • Join with other human needs advocacy organizations in coalitions to strengthen the voice for social justice.
  • Prepare and sign on to policy statements and engages in peaceful demonstrations and other public events.
  • Collaborate with the Good Shepherd NGO representative at the United Nations in New York to support international advocacy efforts.
​The National Advocacy Center of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd advocates on a national level for laws that benefit poor and disenfranchised people – particularly families, women and children. Focus areas also are influenced by what is moving in Congress and the work of our coalition partners.    
 
NAC organizes the Good Shepherd constituency to petition the U.S. Congress to act favorably on issues that impact those on the margin.  With your active participation, advocacy, and prayers, NAC will continue to:
  • Combat Human Trafficking
  • Fight Poverty / Work for Economic Justice
  • Promote Comprehensive and Compassionate Immigration Reform
  • Advance Racial Justice and Racial Equity
  • Mitigate Climate Change
  • Stop Domestic Violence / Gun Violence
  • Focus on U.S. Policy as it Impacts Other Countries, Particularly Those Where Good Shepherd Serves

The Call for a "National Advocacy Center"

The  1997 "General Chapter"  -- a meeting held once every six years that brings together the Sisters and provides direction and guidance to the community -- called the Congregation of the Good Shepherd Sisters to be "life bearers for the poor of our world."  Those at the gathering recommended a specific means of implementation:

At the 1997 General Assembly of the Contemplative Sisters of the Good Shepherd (at this time, the Contemplative Sisters gathered separately), the group expressed an urgency to "find ways to be more open to 'Justice and Peace' issues, especially the rights of women and children." 
 
The idea for a National Advocacy Center was born and in October 2001 the National Advocacy Center was founded in our nation’s capital.
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