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NETWORK: Sisters Lead in Lobbying for Justice
by Marge Clark, BVM |
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“On Capitol Hill, NETWORK is a respected and effective voice for justice for people who live in poverty. NETWORK's lobbyists are knowledgeable and committed. When they speak, I listen.” —Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Majority Leader of the |
One whirlwind weekend in December 1971 a group of 47 women religious known for their work in community organizing and social justice gathered in Washington, D.C.* They committed themselves to founding “The NETWORK,”—of Sisters to deal with social policy questions. One month later, a core group including Monica Cahill, BVM (Monita) designed the organization, hired the first coordinator and developed the following goals:
These amazing women created what is, today, one of the most well-respected, faith-based Washington lobby organizations. Through its 35 years of growth and transformation, NETWORK's essence remains firm, and the 2006 mission statement frames the goals in new terminology. NETWORK— a Catholic leader in the global movement for justice and peace—
for economic and social transformation. Staff and membership are now far broader than “Sisters,” with BVMs still well represented.
Many individual BVMs, BVM houses, and BVM Associates are among the 11,000 NETWORK members. Many congregations are represented on the Board of Directors, and two other Sisters are on the staff: Catherine Pinkerton, CSJ lobbies on international trade and investment policies, and our Executive Director Simone Campbell, SSS lobbies on the rebuilding of Iraq and on immigration. Our staff of 12 is diverse in age and ethnicity and includes three young associates, who serve for 11 months. Asking Values Questions Work for social and economic justice is difficult in the current legislative and administrative milieu. Federal revenue is limited due to excessive tax cuts, which most significantly benefit the wealthiest families among us. These limited resources are increasingly diverted from human needs and sustenance of healthy communities to military engagement, maintenance of obsolete weapons systems and overpriced government contracts. In this time, the work of many excellent legislators is lost, or squelched, in political rivalry. As lobbyists, we persist in asking questions of the values on which a legislator based his/her action on a bill. Our time in House and Senate offices is usually spent talking with legislative “staffers” who study and work to inform their “boss” on an issue. They have tremendous influence on the decisions made by legislators. It is critical that these staffers understand and communicate the NETWORK position to the Senator or Representative. I approach each office with well-analyzed information, the NETWORK position and the Catholic Social Tradition behind it. A brief written statement is left behind, to be given to the legislator. NETWORK's relationships with offices vary greatly. Most are very welcoming of our position, even when they don't agree. Many agree with our position, and are grateful for the background we share with them. And with other offices, we work more closely to develop programs and legislation. Catherine Pinkerton works with Representative Marcy Kaptur (D, OH-9), her staff and other members of the faith-based Working Group on Trade and Investment. Currently, they are preparing a briefing on the impact of trade agreements on workers in the U.S. and the trade partner, for March 2007. Simone works with members of a legislative caucus concerned about Iraq, as NETWORK continues to engage with the Iraqi women we brought to Washington, D.C. in March, for a briefing and meetings with Members of Congress. Work continues on a plan for Iraqis to rebuild their nation, with support from the U.S. —and as a means of justly removing our forces from their nation. I am a liaison between a faith-based coalition and a House caucus in developing a budget (FY'08) for the common good. We also receive calls from a number of offices requesting our support of legislation they are proposing, or asking for suggestions as they develop a future bill. Our relationships are truly varied! Constituencies Key Our success as lobbyists depends heavily on the responsiveness of those who use the NETWORK website as a vehicle for communicating with their legislators. Some offices ask: How many members do you have in the Representative's district? The answer weighs heavily on how we are heard in these offices. It is really important to be able to say we know that the Senator or Representative has recently heard from a number of constituents on the issue we are bringing before him/her. They are VERY responsive to the people who have the power to keep them in office, or who force them to look for a new job. The NETWORK field and education offices are critical catalysts in educating and motivating our members –putting constituent power behind the positions we present on the Hill. Our vehicles for education include presentations and exhibits at conferences, workshops and development of materials. Our field staff prepares email alerts, sample letters and talking points for those who sign up to contact their legislators. CONNECTION, a bi-monthly magazine, presents members with a variety of perspectives on an issue theme, and helps keep them abreast of Congressional activity—including a voting record in each January-February issue. Building Coalitions NETWORK actively engages with ecumenical and interfaith coalitions, as designed in the 1972 goals. This is valuable in bringing a critical mass of voices together to challenge and influence the thinking of legislators and their staff members. We remind them of the numbers we represent who hold the same view. On joint lobby visits we frequently take the coalition's faith-based statement—and each of our own office's or organization's statement. We offer to help staffers with incorporation of appropriate faith language when they may be struggling with the words. Despite the struggles for effectiveness in representing economic and social justice in this milieu, it is exciting and rewarding. The sense of community at NETWORK, and with our coalition partners, reinforces positive energy. Meeting with staff of “friendly” offices is always encouraging. There are so many lobbyists whose goal is “personal” or client gain, rather than the promotion of the common good; it is sad and gives advocacy an unfortunate image. As I walk along the streets, and through the halls of Congress, I look around at the very professional lobbyists, and wonder at what they are about. But, then I turn a corner and see a group all wearing identical tee-shirts with the message: SCHIP (State Children's Health Insurance Program) SAVES CHILDREN'S LIVES and I am renewed. We really are not alone in advocating for the needs of those with little economic power. Ways to Connect Another sign of the energy around advocacy for the common good is Ecumenical Advocacy Days held each March. NETWORK contributes significant participation in the planning and presentation of this outstanding conference, drawing nearly 1,000 participants in 2006. Information may be found at: www.advocacydays.org. I invite you to take part with NETWORK in this global movement for justice and peace. The NETWORK website: www.networklobby.org will give you issue background, information and easy contact with legislators, and will allow you to sign up for email alerts. The website will also give you the opportunity to join our work for justice through membership. * Among the 47 were BVMs Monica Cahill, Joanne Crowley (now Joanne Crowley-Beers) and Therese Eileen Cashman (now deceased). About the author: Marge Clark, BVM was on the education department faculty at Clarke College, Dubuque, before joining NETWORK as a lobbyist. Return
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