Advocacy
Advocacy
has its root in the word “Advocate” which comes from the
Latin word
advocare (“to summon”). Essentially an “Advocate” is
one who pleads the cause of another. “Advocate” (as in “advocate
and guide”) is one of the attributes of the Holy Spirit as illuminated
by the Te Deum laudamus (BCP 95). Child Advocacy is standing up for children.
It is an attitude, a process you go through, and all the steps along the way
that bring about changes to help children grow and develop physically, mentally,
emotionally and spiritually.
Churches that
advocate for children make sure that children are not only included
in worship, but also fully participating. They not only operate
Sunday Schools, but also sponsor after school programs or day
care programs. Churches that advocate for children offer feeding
programs, collect clothes or school supplies. They even train
parents, raise community consciousness, and participate with
other groups to effect positive legislative and policy changes.
Within our Diocese there are several opportunities for your parish
to get involved in the ministry of Child Advocacy. To find out
how your parish can get involved, please contact The
Rev. Debra Kissinger.
To read more on Child Advocacy, click here.
Diocesan
Child Advocate Testifies on Inequitable Public Education Funding
Diocesan Life,
January 2002
To
see ideas, in our Treasure Chest, for Children and Advocacy,
click here.
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