Congregations are where most of us as Christians nurture our faith, and it’s from organized communities of faith that much of the ministry of the Church is carried out. As such, congregations are an ideal place from which hunger activists can engage in this year’s election. Voting and being involved during an election season, some of the open parts of our democratic process, are part of our stewardship of the gifts God gave us.
Below are 9 ways congregations can be involved to help get the U.S. government on track in 2017 toward the goal of ending hunger by 2030. This is a goal that Bread has been working toward along with many other organizations, both secular and faith-based.
Bread wants all candidates to:
- make ending hunger and poverty by 2030 a legislative priority
- make her/his position on these issues public
- commit to meeting with Bread leaders within 30 days of being elected
1. Sign the “I vote to end hunger” pledge. Get members to commit to joining our voices and urging our political leaders to make hunger, poverty, and opportunity a higher political priority in the 2016 presidential and congressional races. You can direct members to sign the pledge here.
2. Pastors: Preach about the elections and the issue of hunger. Pastors can preach about the importance of ending hunger and how to engage in the elections as Christians. Encourage everyone to ask the hunger question of candidates, what they would do to end hunger and poverty if elected. Surely, this is one concern that is in the heart of God.
Resources to help you:
- Series of elections posts on Bread Blog.
- Download The Bible and Elections.
- Sign up for Bread for the Preacher, a monthly lectionary-based email newsletter.
3. Observe Bread for the World Sunday in October. Every year, we encourage congregations to dedicate at least one Sunday to understanding the issues of hunger and poverty better. This year, Bread for the World Sunday materials highlight the importance of the elections to people who are hungry in our country and around the world.
Resources to help you:
Download Bread for the World Sunday resources.
4. Watch the candidate videos and use the study guide. The Circle of Protection coalition has asked the major party candidates to produce videos about what they would do to provide help and opportunity to people who are hungry and poor in our country and around the world.
Resources to help you:
Watch the videos and download the study guide.
5. Amplify your voice: Use Facebook, Twitter, texting, write letters to the editor of your local newspaper, and blog. Candidates are watching local media for what is important to local residents. Your flock wants to know what is important as well. By using all of your social media tools and writing a letter to the editor of your local newspaper, you can publicly raise the issues and ask the hunger question. You can also write a letter to the editor and post photos after meeting with a candidate. The letter could come from the pastor, the leadership of the church, or a group of local pastors.
Resources to help you:
- Follow us through Bread’s Facebook page and Twitter page.
- Download the Elections Matter booklet.
- Read Bread Blog
- Learn about writing a letter to the editor
- Learn about writing an editorial in Elections Matter
6. Write letters to the candidates. Just like an Offering of Letters to members of Congress, letters can be written to candidates asking the hunger question: If elected, what will you do to end hunger, alleviate poverty, and create opportunity in the U.S. and abroad? Will you meet with us?
Resources to help you:
- Bread’s Election Platform provides a snapshot of the domestic and international policies that Bread for the World believes will help put the world on track to end hunger by 2030.
- Download the Elections Matter booklet.
7. Take a church group to town hall meetings or to visit candidates’ campaign offices. At meetings, you can ask the candidate questions about what he or she will do to end hunger and poverty. You can confirm that you and many voters plan to vote to end hunger and ask for a follow-up meeting after the elections. Leave behind Bread’s Elections Platform and elections survey information. Bread can help you prepare for these meetings. Call 800/822-7323 and ask for the elections coordinator.
Resources to help you:
- Bread’s Election Platform provides a snapshot of the domestic and international policies that Bread for the World believes will help put the world on track to end hunger by 2030.
- Download the Elections Matter booklet.
- Using Effectively Using Public Meetings to Engage with Congressional Candidates
- Download a handout on Bread’s elections survey about American’s attitudes toward hunger and the role of the government; use the related graphics
8. Hold a candidate forum at your church. Invite candidates to a public forum hosted at your church. Be sure to invite all major candidates, ask the hunger question, and get commitments from candidates. Learn more using the Elections Matter booklet.
9. Report your actions. Let Bread and the public know what you do and what your candidates promise to do.
Resources to help you:
