Welcome to the LSS Office of Public Policy & Advocacy
Serving and caring for people in need is not limited to the many LSS programs that provide essential supports for children and families, older adults, people with disabilities or mental illness, refugees or victims of disaster.
Of equal importance to these works of charity is our focus on social justice, which helps to promote and sustain those public policies that create a just society for the benefit of all citizens, rich and poor alike. Please join me as we work to create a public policy network and voices of advocacy to further the cause of social justice throughout New England.
Bob Kay, Director, LSS Office of Public Policy & Advocacy
"A morally and civically responsible individual recognizes himself or herself as a member of a larger social fabric and therefore considers social problems to be at least partly his or her own; such an individual is willing to see the moral and civic dimensions of issues, to make and justify informed moral and civic judgments, and to take action when appropriate."
Thomas Ehrlich, Carnegie Foundation
“Do Justice, Love Mercy….”
The familiar words of the prophet Micah (6:8) remind us that justice and mercy (charity) go hand-in-hand; you cannot have one without the other. And yet our society places a far greater emphasis on works of charity, helping our neighbor in need. This is so because the lack of justice has created social conditions that make charitable works an ever-increasing and urgent necessity. But note that the prophet lists justice first, giving it equal weight.
Charity and Justice
In the parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus tells the inquirer that the key to eternal life is helping our neighbor in need, as did the Samaritan for the victim who had been robbed, beaten and left unconscious on the Jericho road. But as Martin Luther King, Jr. stated:
“On the one hand we are called to play the Good Samaritan on life’s roadside, but that will be only an initial act. One day we must come to see that the whole Jericho Road must be transformed so that men and women will not be constantly beaten and robbed on life’s highway. True compassion is more than flinging a coin to a beggar. It comes to see that an edifice which produces beggars needs restructuring.”
“Let Justice roll down…..”
These words are as relevant today as when spoken by the prophet Amos (5:24) centuries ago. And today, effective public policy advocacy can lead to this outcome. The voices of many, including YOURS, should be heard by our lawmakers and public officials if we are to “restructure” an “edifice which produces beggars.”
Public Policy
“Public policy is an attempt by the government to address a public issue, such as health care, education or environmental protection. The government, whether city, state, or federal, develops and implements public policy in terms of decisions, actions, laws and regulations. There are three main parts to public policy-making: problems, players, and the policy. The problem is the issue that needs to be addressed. The players are the individuals and groups that are influential in forming and implementing a plan to address the problem in question. Policy is the course of action decided upon by the government and public. Public policies are widely open to influence and interpretation by non-governmental players, including those in the non-profit and private sectors. Policies are dynamic, responding to changes in the environment and the public interest.”
Prof. Ross Gittell, Univ. of NH.
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Bob Kay speaks out about the National Health Care debate. Read more...
Subscribe to DO JUSTICE
our bi-monthly email newsletter and periodic alerts bringing you current information on important legislative and regulatory issues. . DO JUSTICE is a joint publication of Lutheran Social Services and the New England Synod, ELCA. |
Schedule a Justice Seminar at your congregation
I will lead a one hour seminar for your church group (any denomination) on the role of Justice and Advocacy in the life of the church. In addition to helping you understand how public policy advocacy plays a role in our democratic society, I will focus on practical ways to communicate your views to elected officials and policy makers in ways that will make them take notice. This seminar is suitable for high school students and adults and can be modified to meet your expectations.
Contact me, Bob Kay, for more information or call 781-997-0832. This is a free offering provided by Lutheran Social Services.
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