I received the following recently in an email from the ELCA e-Advocacy Network. Even if you don’t want to submit your essay, it provides a good intro to Advocacy issues.

“What Inspires You to Respond to Global Poverty?

Share Your Story and become Eligible for a Scholarship to the “Mobilization to End Poverty” in Washington, D.C.

For decades the U.S. government has helped developing countries address the challenges of poverty and disease through Official Development Assistance (ODA). However, the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, which provides the framework for how foreign assistance is delivered, is outdated and in need of revision.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and Lutheran World Relief (LWR) bring decades of implementing experience, relationships with global church partners and Lutheran teachings to the debate about foreign aid reform, and are uniquely placed to contribute to a new vision of the Foreign Assistance Act. Click here to read more about the Lutheran principles for foreign aid reform.

During the current global economic crisis some Members of Congress may not be convinced that reforming U.S. foreign aid should be a priority. As Lutherans, our faith frees us from concerns about our own salvation and inspires us to be active in love for the well-being and dignity of others in need, especially those who are most vulnerable. We know that the call to “Uphold the rights of the poor and oppressed” (Psalm 82:3) is universal and therefore applies beyond national borders.

Many Lutherans in the United States understand the importance of U.S. policy and foreign aid because of their global companion relationships. In fact, all 65 Lutheran synods have at least one global companion church relationship, often with Lutheran churches in developing nations. These transformative relationships inspire action for those most in need, result in lasting personal relationships and encourage cultural dialogue.

As stated in today’s “Pilgrims on the Justice Journey” alert, advocacy is about telling stories – our stories and the stories of others. Advocacy listens, then speaks. As Congress begins to debate foreign aid reform, we want to hear your story. How does your synod’s global companion relationship inspire you to advocate for those suffering from extreme poverty and global disease? What lessons have you learned from your global companion relationship that you think Members of Congress should know? Click here to download the story form and tell us your story! The three synods that submit the most inspiring story will receive a scholarship to support a member of their synod to attend the Mobilization to End Poverty event in April where participants will be able to share their synod’s story directly with Members of Congress and their staff.

Please contact Kim Stietz by email at Kim.Stietz@elca.org with any questions.

Remember, March 6th is the deadline!

Thank you for sharing your story!”