Each faith community has unique concerns, but broad public policy consensus brings together diverse communities to address injustice. The Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy is uniquely positioned to support the moral voice of the faith community on behalf of people that are marginalized and limited to participate in policy advocacy. Our advocacy efforts focus on three methods:
Direct Advocacy: State Level
Much of our direct advocacy focuses on the Virginia General Assembly. We are also increasingly called to work on the national dimensions of our state policy issues. In both aspects of this work, we collaborate with legislators, staff, and coalition partners to develop policy that supports our positions on the issues, facilitates passage of bills we support, and defeat of bills we oppose.
We motivate our members to be active in the legislative process while their legislators are home and at the General Assembly. The Center organizes member trips to the General Assembly and one-on-one meetings with legislators for our Day for All People advocacy day. Using “calls to action” the Center mobilizes our network of advocates to make contact with legislators by email and phone to make their voices heard.
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Direct Advocacy: Federal Level
Outside of the General Assembly and Congressional Sessions, the Center facilitates ongoing contact with elected leaders at the federal, state and local levels. We organize opportunities for leaders of various faith communities to meet with key political leaders around the Commonwealth, host town hall forums, and help to build bridges between elected leaders and faithful advocates.
Coalition Building
Finally, we work with like-minded organizations around the Commonwealth to build coalitions on issues affecting Virginia and the nation. By combining voices, we have a greater impact on policy outcomes.