VICPP recognizes that most congregations tend to be more active in acts of mercy than acts of justice. Handing out food at a soup kitchen seems more straightforward than advocating for increased wages so workers can buy food. VICPP encourages congregations to do BOTH acts of mercy and acts of justice.

Every congregation or faith community is unique. Each has its own set of leaders, committees and ministries. How best to engage the advocacy or justice ministry in congregations varies greatly, which is why VICPP seeks a Congregational Liaison for each congregation. Email Sheila or see below for more information on this program.

Book studies:

Color of Compromise book study
This book by Dr. Jemar Tisby articulates the ways that Christian institutions (particularly white churches) have capitulated to racist systems throughout the history of the United States. Great book study for understanding context and helping congregational members understand that people of faith haven't always lived up to their ideals.

Poverty, by America book study 
This book, written by sociologist Matthew Desmond, explores how institutions have helped maintain poverty in the United States, rather than promoting economic equality.
Activities for poverty abolitionists

Suggested films for further learning:

"College Behind Bars" (about higher education in prison)
"Everybody's Work" (about disparities and discrimination in health care)

Guide for Interfaith Immigration Prayer Service
This is a guide for making it happen, and includes a sample prayer.

Interfaith Welcoming Seder
A guide for a Jewish community to host a Passover/ Seder meal that invites in participants from different faith traditions, and offers prayers focused on immigration.

Labor Day Litany
A responsive prayer in support of workers; can be used on Labor Day or any other occasion!

When we Loose the Bonds of Injustice
A song used at several VICPP lobby days, that is also helpful for justice-oriented services.

Five Ways to Support Workers
Half-page handout articulating five ways to support workers. Created for Labor Day, but useful all year!

Paid Sick Days- Grocery Store Action
Toolkit to run an action at your local grocery store to raise awareness on the need for Paid Sick Days.

Guide to Welcoming and Supporting Immigrants
Includes resources for congregations with immigrant members, as well as those who want to support immigrants in the broader community
Guide in English    |      Guía en español

Solitary Solidarity Toolkit
Toolkit to understand solitary confinement, and run a "Mock Cell" action at your local congregation. The toolkit includes a fact sheet on a bill, and a litany that can be used in prayer

The Role of Liaisons

Core Functions: Congregational liaisons are asked to do the following core functions:

• Share VICPP resources with congregation members as appropriate
• Ask the congregational leadership to include VICPP resources in bulletins, newsletters, social media, or other materials.
• Participate in at least one meeting a year with legislators and invite others to participate.
• Participate in Day for All People (usually the third Wednesday of January)

Additional Functions: If able, the liaisons are invited to:

• Invite the congregation to support VICPP financially through a special offering or inclusion in the budget. (This would promote the congregation to "partnership" status)
• Invite congregation members to do some advocacy before or during the General Assembly (like meeting with legislators or sending emails)
• Connect interested members of your congregation with key VICPP program areas:
  - Criminal Justice Reform - Do you have a prison or jail ministry?
  - Health equity - Do you have a health ministry or want to form one?
  - Living wages - Do you want to encourage living wages in your community?
  - Welcoming all - Do you want to welcome immigrants in your community or build a partnership with other faith traditions?
  - Affordable Housing - Are you interested in using congregational land for housing?
• Encourage civic engagement – registering to vote, educating voters, help getting out the vote, etc. (all non-partisan activities)
• Invite members to serve as social media volunteers and/or “Witness at the Capitol” volunteers during the General Assembly

VICPP supports Congregational Liaisons:

• Monthly zoom calls to focus on organizational issues or current initiatives.
• Provide materials as needed to distribute and display (posters, brochures).
• Send occasional special resources for congregations.
• Find speakers for programs and events at the congregations or online.
• Connect the congregation with chapters and/or other interested congregations in the area.