Refugee & Immigration Ministries
Become an Advocate
 Why
Advocate!
Recognizing that members of Disciples congregations cover
the spectrum of political opinion within the life of the United
States and Canada, they are also called upon to follow the
gospel call to welcome the stranger. Advocacy on behalf of
refugees and immigrants is what Jesus would have done.
The number one thing legislators listen to when making decisions
is what their constituents say. For this reason your concern
for refugees and immigrants needs to be shared with your legislators.
It is estimated that only 5 percent of Americans communicate
with their representatives in government, and of those only
1 percent communicate on matters that go beyond self-interest
to focus on the hurting people of our world. You do not have
to be an expert on refugee and immigration issues in order
to express your concerns. The conviction behind your words
is as persuasive as extensive knowledge of the issue.
What to Advocate About!
Persons wishing to become advocates can receive information
from RIM on legislative issues and administration policies
that have an impact on refugees and immigrants in two different
ways:
- Some of the issues in "What's
New!" contain information on legislative issues
and administrative policies.
 Persons with e-mail can sign up to receive Rapid
Response Action Alerts as they are sent out.
Recent Rapid Response Action Alerts
include:
- Mach 11, 2008: The SAVE Act Updated
- January 31, 2008: The SAVE Act
- September 18, 2007: Refugee Crisis in Iraq
- August 8, 2007: Just, Humane, and CompassionateImmigration Legislation
- July 15, 2007: DREAM Act
- June 15, 2007: Immigration Reform Legislation
- April 3, 2007: Immigration Reform Legislation
- March 13, 2007: Proposed Immigration Fee Increases
- May 18, 2006: Immigration Reform Legislation in the Senate
- May 12, 2006: Resettlement Denied to Thousands of Refugees
- March 14, 2006: Immigration Reform Legislation
- March 16, 2006: Refugees Denied Entry to United States
How to Advocate
 The
RIM Packet contains Advocacy
Tips (68 Kb PDF file) to help
advocates on refugee and immigration issues.
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