Advocates give voice to poor
Citing an obligation to advocate for the poor — as representatives of religious charities — more than 75 people gathered at the (Oregon) state Capitol on Monday to discuss strategies and to schedule meetings with lawmakers.
February 22, 2005 During welcoming remarks at the Oregon Catholic Conference’s eighth annual Advocacy Day, Archbishop John Vlazny of the Archdiocese of Portland urged participants to voice their support, along with their concerns, when meeting with state legislators.
“They need our support during these challenging times; it can be lonely at the top,” he said. “They also need to hear from us.”
Faced with the possibility of having to close down its food bank one day per week, the head of St. Vincent de Paul Society said the religious community cannot stand by silently.
“We’re in crisis,” said Kimberly Allain, executive director of St. Vincent de Paul Society’s Mid-Willamette Valley office. “The stories you have to tell are very important; you’re on the ground (as) ambassadors of hope.”
Alfonso Lopez, an educator from Portland, said he decided to participate in the day of advocacy because of the level of poverty and hunger that he sees.
“I’m very concerned about the needs in the community,” he said. “We have a major crisis.”
Among the specific topics discussed by the group was pushing for a refundable state earned-income tax credit, increasing the Housing Trust Fund and restoring funding for emergency assistance programs.
Although all participants agreed that charities — especially religious ones — need to provide for the poor, these services should not replace the government’s responsibility, participants said.
“Those who say churches and charities should step up to the table should know we’re at the table and our plates are full,” said Janice Pelster, a member of the public policy advisory committee of the Oregon Catholic Conference. “We cannot do more.”
Tags: Advocacy