"Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all the unfortunate. Open your mouth, judge righteously, and defend the rights of the afflicted and needy." Proverbs 31:8-9

Advocacy

Advocacy means pleading the cause of an injustice (often on behalf of those who cannot do so themselves) before the person or organisation that can bring change. Ultimately this means bringing situations to God, but it also means taking issues before the God-appointed leaders who are in the position to bring about justice.

We are all called to be an advocate on behalf of those who cannot speak for themselves. In one way or another, we all are to take part in this weighty responsibility. Perhaps it is by interceding and labouring in prayer for change. Or maybe it is by giving financially to organisations that are involved in a cause. It even could mean sending an email, making a telephone call, or writing a letter. You may advocate on behalf of those wrongly imprisoned, or on behalf of a piece of legislation, or on behalf of a cause. What matters is that you act upon your convictions of justice.

If you choose speak on behalf the oppressed peoples of Burma or the poor and afflicted in Indonesia, here are some guidelines and references to help you.

Letter-Writing Guidelines (courtesy of Christian Solidarity Worldwide)

• Keep to one issue per letter
• Keep to the facts
• Be polite but firm; show respect
• Be positive
• Be brief and to the point
• If writing to your Member of Parliament, state that you are a constituent
• Don't be aggressive or offensive
• Don't discuss politics or ideologies or use political jargon
• Give the full name of the prisoner/victim and other relevant facts
• Write in English unless you are sure you can get a proper translation
• Type the letter, or write in clear neat handwriting
• Emphasise names, places, and dates by writing in CAPITALS or underlining them
• Don't use the name of organisations, as it may be used against the prisoner

You can also raise awareness by writing to your local and/or national newspapers or magazines.

Voice your concerns in the form below and we'll forward it to your Member of Parliament.

Related Links

Websites to help you write a letter (including sample letters):

Christian Solidarity Worldwide

Amnesty International

Free Burma Rangers

The following are websites that you can go to for the names and addresses/emails of Members and Senators of the Parliament of Australia.

House of Representatives

Senate

Key Addresses:

The Hon Kevin Rudd MP
Prime Minister
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600

The Hon Stephen Smith MP
Minister for Foreign Affairs
House of Representatives
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Email: Stephen.Smith.MP@aph.gov.au

The information and views expressed on external sites are not necessarily those of Partners.

Downloads

Global day of prayer guide for Burma, 2007 (1.1 MB)

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