ADVOCACY

Data Analysis:

In doing our ministerial work we have learned that planning is constant, and operates in a continuum. Our planning sessions and positive interaction with parishioners and the community requires that we gather and share with church leaders and professionals the necessary current data and analysis that is required to better to understand issues within the Hispanic community.

 

Planning and Decision Making:

Assist diocesan offices, parishes and councils who have special interests in Hispanic concerns by serving as a clearinghouse and resources center.

 

Diocesan Policy:

Review diocesan policies and programs to monitor and advocate for diocesan ministry to better serve the Hispanic Catholic community. Actively participate in diocesan strategic planning efforts.

 

Diocesan Practices:

Advocate the Hispanic ministry needs within parishes. Such advocacy involves active membership and participation on boards and commissions related to areas such as health policy, including reform initiatives, public benefits programs, public safety and poverty issues.

 

Parish and Community Outreach:

The Office provides factual information and analysis on pending legislation as well as current immigration policy and law information to parish, community and civic groups. Printed materials in English and Spanish are provided. Group presentations are made in English or Spanish as requested. All parish-related outreach and advocacy activities are coordinated with the parish pastor or his designee.

 

Farm workers:

Serve as an advocate for farm workers throughout the diocese and advocacy community related to unsafe and unhealthful work conditions and wage/hour violations and medical care.

 

Resource Development:

The Office serves as a clearinghouse to Diocesan offices and parishes, as well as to other local advocacy groups with regard to immigration and the other areas of identified priority. The Office also serves as a resource for policy-makers and opinion leaders, and as a responsible voice for common-sense policies relative to the identified areas of priority. The Office remains current on the immigration debate and how it evolves, by tracking developments in Congress, at the White House and at the Immigration & Naturalization Service (INS). Whether grassroots activists, parishioners, or other groups, the Office’s contacts and community partners will continue to benefit from our expertise and leadership.

 

Citizenship and Voter Registration:

The Office encourages newcomers to become citizens of the United States so they can participate in our democratic system. The Office collaborates with the INS, Catholic Social Services and other community-based services providers, the private business sector and elected officials in launching initiatives to register newly naturalized citizens to vote. One of the Office’s most significant achievements took place two years ago when the Phoenix District Office of the INS sought out input in how the local INS could better meet the challenge posed by increased demands for naturalization service. As a result of our input changes were made for increased hours of service, increased staff and the creation of a mobile fingerprint unit, which now serves the northern remote geographic areas of the Diocese.

 

Parish Health Fairs:

Organize and conduct four major health fairs for the poor and underinsured in which individuals and families are provided with free diagnostic health screenings, disease prevention awareness.

 

Networking:

The Office helps the Hispanic community to distinguish between immigration facts and myths by personally appearing, by appearing with or providing speakers for television, radio, print media, public events and workshops. The Office coordinates closely with the Diocesan Office of Communications with regard to the announcement and promotion of other Office or Diocesan Center events.