"Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all the unfortunate. Open your mouth, judge righteously, and defend the rights of the afflicted and needy." Proverbs 31:8-9

Advocacy

Advocacy means pleading the cause of an injustice (often on behalf of those who cannot do so themselves) before the person or organization that can bring change. Ultimately this means bringing situations to God, but it also means taking issues before the God-appointed leaders who are in the position to bring about justice.

We are all called to be an advocate on behalf of those who cannot speak for themselves. In one way or another, we all are to take part in this weighty responsibility. Perhaps it is by interceding and laboring in prayer for change. Or maybe it is by giving financially to organizations that are involved in a cause. It even could mean sending an e-mail, making a telephone call, or writing a letter. You may advocate on behalf of those wrongly imprisoned, or on behalf of a piece of legislation, or on behalf of a cause. What matters is that you act upon your convictions of justice.

If you choose speak on behalf the oppressed peoples of Burma or the poor and afflicted in Indonesia, here are some guidelines and references to help you.

Letter-Writing Guidelines (courtesy of Christian Solidarity Worldwide)

• Keep to one issue per letter
• Keep to the facts
• Be polite but firm; show respect
• Be positive
• Be brief and to the point
• If writing to your Congress person, state that you are a constituent
• Don't be aggressive or offensive
• Don't discuss politics or ideologies or use political jargon
• Give the full name of the prisoner/victim and other relevant facts
• Write in English unless you are sure you can get a proper translation
• Type the letter, or write in clear neat handwriting
• Emphasize names, places, and dates by writing in CAPITALS or underlining them
• Don't use the name of organizations, as it may be used against the prisoner

You can also raise awareness by writing to your local and/or national newspapers or magazines.

Related Links

Websites to help you write a letter (including sample letters):

Christian Solidarity Worldwide

Amnesty International

The following are websites that you can go to for the names and addresses/emails of your Congress person.

House of Representatives

U.S. Senators

Free Burma Rangers

Addresses:

U.S. Senate
Washington, DC 20510

U.S. Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice
U.S. Department of State
2201 C Street NW
Washington, DC
20520
Fax: (202) 261-8577
Phone: (202) 647-4000
Email: secretary@state.gov

The information and views expressed on external sites are not necessarily those of Partners.

Downloads

Global day of prayer guide for Burma, 2007 (1.1 MB)

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