Return to flip book view

Message ADVOCACYTOOLKITPresbyterian Ministry at the UN &Office of Public Witness

With step-by-step ideas, from writing to elected officials and organizing localevents, to using social media effectively and reflecting on scripture, you’ll findguidance for turning your beliefs into bold, compassionate action. This toolkitis designed to bridge the gap between learning and lasting impact, remindingus that advocacy isn’t just something we do during big events, but somethingwe live out every day. As Presbyterians, we are called to seek peace, pursuejustice, and love our neighbors near and far. Our hope is that this resourceencourages and equips you to carry that work forward in your own context,sustaining momentum and making space for transformation, connection, andfaithful witness in the world.Let’s keep advocating, together.Bella RamosYoung Adult Volunteer 2024-2025Presbyterian Ministry at the United NationsWHAT IS ANADVOCACYTOOLKIT? This Advocacy Toolkit is a resourcecreated by the Presbyterian Ministryat the United Nations (PMUN) andthe Office of Public Witness (OPW) tohelp individuals, churches, andcommunities take meaningful actionon justice issues rooted in our sharedfaith. Whether you’re just beginningyour advocacy journey or looking forways to deepen and sustain yourefforts, this guide offers simple andpractical tools to raise your voice,build stronger communities, and stayspiritually grounded in your work.

TABLE OFTABLE OFCONTENTSCONTENTS→Justice Library→Fostering Spiritual Growth→Sharing Your Story→Digital Activism→On-the-ground Advocacy→Building a Community

JUSTICEL I B R A R YAdvocacy begins withawareness, and reading is apowerful tool for deepening ourunderstanding. Books canchallenge our perspectives,expand our knowledge, andequip us with the tools toengage in meaningful change.When we stay well-read, ouradvocacy is more informed,,impactful, and rooted in truth.To fuel your passion for justice,here are a selection of booksthat inspire action within thechurch and beyond. May thesewords challenge, encourage,and reignite your commitmentto building a more just world.

FosteringSpiritual Growth01.PRAYERPRACTICESFOR JUSTICE02.SCRIPTUREANDREFLECTIONSet aside regular time to prayintentionally for justice issues. Thiscould look like lighting a candleand lifting up a specific group orsituation, using a breath prayerlike “God of peace” (inhale),“bring justice now” (exhale), orsitting in silence with God. Thesesimple practices create space toalign your advocacy work withGod’s presence and compassion.Reading and reflecting onscripture can help root youradvocacy in faith. Spend timewith a passage and focus onverses that highlight God’s heartfor justice, like Micah 6:8,Matthew 25, or Jeremiah 22:3. Askyourself: What is God calling meto notice? How can scripturefurther my passion for justice?How can I live this out today?03.CREATIVESPIRITUALPRACTICES04.SABBATH ASRESISTANCECreative expression can be apowerful way to connect withGod and reflect on justice work.Paint, write poetry, make acollage, start a journal, orcreate a playlist, write a letterto your future self, or respond toa scripture passage through art.These small creative acts offerspace for the Spirit to move andcan help renew your energywhen advocacy work feelsoverwhelming.Advocacy work is holy, but it canalso be hard and heavy.Practicing Sabbath, setting asideintentional time to rest, is a way tohonor your limits and trust thatGod is still at work, even when youpause. Whether it’s a full day orjust a moment, spend time doingwhat restores your soul- taking awalk, cooking, napping, praying,or simply being still. Resting is aspiritual act of resistance againstburnout and injustice.

LITANY OFJUSTICEFROM THE FEAR THAT OUR VOICES ARE TOO SMALL TO MATTER,DELIVER US, O GOD.FROM THE SYSTEMS THAT SILENCE TRUTH AND PROTECT POWER,DELIVER US, O GOD.FROM THE LIE THAT JUSTICE CAN WAIT,DELIVER US, O GOD.FROM APATHY IN THE FACE OF SUFFERING,DELIVER US, O GOD.FROM DESPAIR WHEN CHANGE FEELS TOO SLOW,DELIVER US, O GOD.FROM THE BELIEF THAT WE ARE ALONE IN THIS WORK,DELIVER US, O GOD.THAT WE MAY BELIEVE LIBERATION IS POSSIBLE,GOD OF JUSTICE, WE TRUST IN YOU.THAT WE MAY CONFRONT OPPRESSION IN ALL FORMS,GOD OF JUSTICE, WE TRUST IN YOU.THAT WE MAY FOLLOW THE WAY OF JESUS—TABLE-TURNER,HEALER, LIBERATOR, FRIEND,GOD OF JUSTICE, WE TRUST IN YOU.THAT OUR FAITH WOULD NOT BE PERFORMATIVE, BUT PROPHETIC,GOD OF JUSTICE, WE TRUST IN YOU.IN THE NAME OF JESUS, WHO TURNED TABLES AND FED THEHUNGRY, WE PRAY FOR PEACE THAT FUELS JUSTICE, & JUSTICETHAT BRINGS TRUE PEACE.AMENWRITTEN BY BELLA RAMOS

SHARINGYOURStorytelling humanizes issues.When people hear a personalstory, they can emotionallyconnect with the subject,making complex issues moretangible and relatable. Thisconnection encouragesempathy and a deeperunderstanding of the topic.A well-told story has the powerto inspire others to act. Whenpeople connect with anarrative, they are more likelyto take steps to support thecause, whether throughdonations, volunteering, oradvocating for change in theirown communities.Stories leave an imprint on thelistener long after theconversation ends. Powerfulstories can spark continuedreflection and discussion,ensuring that the message staysalive and encourages sustainedefforts toward change.Sharing your story is a wayto ensure that voices fromunderrepresented ormarginalized communitiesare heard. Stories oftenbring attention to strugglesand challenges that wouldotherwise go unnoticedS T O R Y1Pers onalconn ecti on3insp irin gacti on4crea tingimpa ct2ampl ifyi ngvoic esStorytelling is a powerfultool in advocacy. By sharingpersonal experiences, wecan connect with others,raise awareness, and inspireaction. Here are four waysyour story can make adifference:

Organize Community Events: Host protests, rallies, orworkshops to educate and engage community members onimportant issues, creating a space for dialogue and action.Lobby Local Officials: Meet with local lawmakers andpolicymakers to advocate for change, presenting petitions,data, or personal stories that highlight the need for action.Provide Direct Support: Volunteer with local organizations,offer resources, or create support networks to addressimmediate needs in the community, such as food drives orlegal aid.On-the-ground advocacy involves direct, in-person efforts tocreate change. This can include protests, lobbying lawmakers, orproviding direct support to those affected by social issues. Byengaging directly with individuals and communities, on-the-groundadvocacy brings awareness to issues and drives tangible change. ON-THE-GROUNDADVOCACY

Hashtag Campaigns: Use social media to create or participate inhashtag movements that raise awareness about important issues,such as #BlackLivesMatter or #MeToo.Online Petitions: Launch or sign petitions on platforms likeChange.org to rally support for policy changes, social justice issues,or environmental causes.Social Media Sharing: Share articles, videos, and infographics onplatforms like Instagram, TikTok and Facebook to educate othersand spread awareness about causes you care about.Virtual Protests or Events: Organize or participate in online events,webinars, or virtual protests to engage a larger audience in real-time discussions and actions.Crowdfunding Campaigns: Support or create fundraising campaignson platforms like GoFundMe to fund activism projects, helpmarginalized communities, or provide relief after a crisis.DIGITALACTIVISM.Digital activism can look like using onlineplatforms to raise awareness and promotedifferent causes. It allows people to quicklymobilize, spread messages and information,and influence change globally. Throughtools like hashtags, petitions, and viralcontent, digital activism can givemarginalized voices a platform and fosterglobal solidarity.

Creating a strong community involves fostering trust, inclusivity, andactive participation. By embracing diversity, supporting each other, andworking towards common goals, we build a space where everyone canthrive, collaborate, and drive meaningful change together.BUILDING ACOMMUNITY01.CULTIVATEBELONGINGCreate welcoming spaces—bothin person and online—whereeveryone feels seen, heard, andvalued. A strong sense ofbelonging helps people show upfully and engage more deeply.02.EMPOWERPARTICIPATIONEncourage community membersto take the lead, share ideas,and contribute their uniquestrengths. When people areempowered, they feel investedin the collective mission.03.GROWTOGETHERBuild relationships rooted intrust, care, and mutual respect.Growing together strengthensthe foundation for long-term,sustainable change.