October Update: SVdP Georgia Advocacy Blog

Welcome to the second post in our new advocacy blog!

As you are aware, The Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA has an advocacy committee, it is newly renamed The Vincentian Charity and Justice Team!  This committee was previously “Voice for The Poor.”  Members represent every section of our country.  The goal of this national committee is to support policies that will reduce or eliminate poverty.

At the state level, we are pleased to introduce you to the newly formed SVdP Georgia Advocacy Committee, which now serves as the body that coordinates Vincentian advocacy positions across Georgia addressing local, state, and national issues and drawing on the witness of Vincentians who encounter poverty firsthand through home visits and direct service.

The Advocacy Committee will train and support districts and conferences to discern trends and root causes of need, and work with SVdP’s advocacy leaders in local, state, and national advocacy campaigns.  In addition to this blog, the Advocacy Committee will provide advocacy updates to conferences via district presidents and conference presidents.

When you have a local issue of relevance to your service as a Vincentian, the Advocacy Committee can activate Voter Voice alerts and other tools.  For example, in Dekalb County, there is currently advocacy to urge the Dekalb County commissioners to reject an urban camping ordinance.

During the Georgia legislative session beginning in January, this blog will contain information shared by Elizabeth Appley, Esq., a deeply experienced and passionate attorney and public policy advocate who is joining us as a policy coordinator for a second year to spearhead our efforts at the state capitol. Elizabeth has been a leading voice under the Gold Dome for three decades.

Please stay tuned for blog posts!