During what is quickly becoming the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and disempowered. With speculation, contradictions, and Twitter innuendo flying, one can lose sight of the bigger picture.
Here at our offices on Capitol Hill, we’re deeply concerned by the growing harm caused by the shutdown to millions of Americans.
But we’re also focused on longer-term goals and challenges. Our work goes beyond a single month, year, or session of Congress—it includes struggles that stretch across decades. We keep one eye on what’s right in front of us, and one eye on the horizon. We work for change that takes years of sustained, persistent effort to achieve.
Our Advocacy Teams are a major way that we help dedicated advocates channel their passion, experience, and time to make a difference in the world. With nearly 100 teams throughout the country, FCNL Advocacy Teams build relationships with staff and members of Congress—relationships which enable them to influence public policy.
This year, Advocacy Teams are working to repeal the 2001 and 2002 Authorizations for the Use of Military Force (AUMF), which have been used by three presidents to justify endless war. Key to this effort is Rep. Barbara Lee (CA-13), who was the only person to vote against the 2001 AUMF. She has repeatedly introduced legislation to reassert Congressional oversight of U.S. wars, and has helped move AUMF repeal from a dream to a real possibility.
On Jan. 9, Rep. Lee joined our monthly Advocacy Teams national call. She told the team members: “I don’t know what we would do without FCNL and your advocacy. Your work is remarkable. We are making progress thanks to you.”
Want to be part of this important work? You can learn more about Advocacy Teams via a short call, on January 23. RSVP to join.
