Social justice

Advocacy is the pursuit of influencing outcomes that directly affect people’s  lives and situations. This includes helping shape or change decisions in public policy that directly affect our political, economic and social systems. Many times these policies and decisions are intertwined with our Catholic faith, giving us the opportunity to be witnesses in carrying out the Church’s
mission through our promotion of what is just.

In addressing the plight of those around us, we are truly living out Christ’s message to love
and serve all those in need. Our faith calls us to be advocates for justice in our own
communities, as well as for those across the world.

Why Community Organizing?

The Office of Human Life and Dignity focuses on the value of community organizing as a tool to develop leadership and deeper relationships around issues that clearly affect the dignity and respect of our communities. Community Organizing utilizes the tools given to us by our faith and our experiences, and begins to construct a vision that seeks to bring out the full potential of our parishes, families and societies.

Beginning in the summer of 2004, nearly all parishes have been working toward the availability of affordable housing by building better relationships with their legislative representatives and encouraging others to vote with our faith's values in mind.

We look forward to continuing our mission and utilizing the leadership our parishioners possess to develop a society and public policy that speaks to the reality of our communities.

The Office of Human Llife and Dignity offers Advocacy Training for anyone or any group interested at any of our Archdiocesan parishes. Our goal is to learn what issues you or others in your parish community are facing, and work together in addressing them. Issues could by anything from poor street lighting in our neighborhoods to job loss or lack of health care for our families. If you are interested in learning more about Advocacy and how you can work with others to address the root causes of social injustices in your community, contact us at 415-614-5570.