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The Ministry Of Advocacy

Open your mouth in behalf of the [mute], and for the rights of the destitute; Open your mouth, decree what is just, defend the needy and the poor
(Prv 31:8-9).

The ministry of advocacy engages the Church to examine its priorities and practices to determine how well young people are integrated into the life, mission, and work of the Catholic community. It places teens and families first by analyzing every policy and program - domestic, parish-based, diocesan, and international - for its impact on youth and families. Poor, vulnerable, and at-risk teens have first claim on our common efforts. The ministry of advocacy struggles against economic and social forces that threaten teens and family life, such as poverty, unemployment, lack of access to affordable health care, lack of decent housing and discrimination. The ministry of advocacy supports policies and programs that support and empower youth and their families and works to overcome poverty, provide decent jobs, and promote equal opportunity. In all advocacy efforts we must remember to focus on youth and families with the greatest need. This is the "option for the poor" in action (Putting Children and Families First).

As a Church, we need to provide strong moral leadership; to stand up for youth, especially those who are voiceless and powerless in society. We call upon all ministry leaders and faith communities to use the resources of our faith community, the resources and talents of all our people, and the opportunities of this democracy to shape a society more respectful of life, dignity, and rights of youth and their families.

The ministry of advocacy includes

• Affirming and protecting the sanctity of human life as a gift from God and building societal respect for those who most need protection and support - the unborn, the poor, the disadvantaged, the sick and the elderly;
  
• Standing with and speaking on behalf of young people and their families on public issues that affect their lives, such as support for education, quality housing, employment opportunities, access to health care, safe neighborhoods, and availability of meaningful community activities and services (We can help lift up the moral and human dimensions of public issues, calling the faith community to informed participation in the political process. We need to find ways to influence the political arena without being partisan; joining legislative networks, community organizations, and other advocacy groups. In election years, we can sponsor educational programs and forums to involve and inform others. Youth cannot be heard in the clamor of political and community debate and thus need strong champions for their interests.)
  
• Empowering young people by giving them a voice and calling them to responsibility and accountability around the issues that affect them and their future (This involves education, leadership training, skills building, and organization to mobilize young people for action.)
  
• Developing partnerships and initiatives with leaders and concerned citizens from all sectors of the community to develop a shared vision and practical strategies for building a healthy community. These partnerships also create opportunities for community-wide initiatives to address critical issues affecting youth and their families.
  The ministry of advocacy encourages the Church to examine its practice of fully integrating youth into the life of the Church. How are the voices of young people honored and heard in the Church? How are the gifts, talents, and energy of young people respected and utilized within our faith communities? It is imperative that the Church models what it advocates for society.