From our Legislative Contact, Russ Dondero:
As you know I represent the Interfaith Committee on Homelessness in Salem when the legislature is in session. That time has come. On March 14th, people of many religious traditions will be in Salem for Oregon Interfaith Advocacy Day. It's a day for grassroots citizen lobbying to let our elected leaders know our priorities.
It's been my experience that legislators pay attention to their constituents for obvious reasons - they want your votes in the next election! But they also want to hear from you because most legislators don't have fixed positions nor expertise on some issues. Your voice can make a big difference. Given our constituency - those in need of safe and decent housing - our voice on behalf of the homeless needs to be heard.
Please, on March 14th join me with your fellow Oregonians in Salem. In tough times like these talking truth to the powerful is especially vital. We have to push back against a tide that's sweeping Salem to cut services to the most vulnerable members of our community and state in the name of revenue shortfalls.
Yes, tough decisions must and will be made but they should not be made on the backs of the "least of these". So please join me in Salem on the 14th. It will also make my voice stronger as I represent the IFCH in Salem during the rest of the session. I collaborate with members of the Housing Alliance and the Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon (EMO). Please join me so that our message is heard!
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The Interfaith Committee on Homelessness, Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon and the Interfaith Project on Homeless Children and Families invite you to a day of activities at the Oregon State Capitol to help draw attention to the growing number of homeless families statewide and the growing number of homeless children in our public schools. Please download, print and post the poster by clicking the link.
Recently the Oregon Dept. of Education announced there were 18,059 homeless children enrolled in Oregon's public schools last year (2008/09). That number was up 14% from the previous year, and it represents an increase of 122% since 2003/04.
The day begins with an Interfaith leadership briefing on opportunities to provide service to homeless children and families � both directly, and through policy advocacy. Speakers include representatives from key state agencies, non-profit providers, and clergy.
Please forward this information to your contacts. As we search for ways to address the growing crisis of homelessness and homeless students, we need to have a visible presence at the Capitol as the Legislature meets in special session.
So please attend this event and invite your faith community, friends, co-workers, and families to join you by sending out this flyer to your e-mail contacts. The Registration Brochure for Interfaith Advocacy Day 2011 is now available online at www.emoregon.org.
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1923 Elm Street, Forest Grove, Oregon 97116
(503) 357-3282
Contact: Eric Canon, Chair - Interfaith Committee on Homelessness
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