Resources for fighting poverty: Advocacy

Join the Healthy Child campaign

People of faith have a special responsibility in moving our nation toward justice by guaranteeing comprehensive health and mental health coverage to all our children regardless of where they live. Learn how you can participate in this campaign.

Download the Children’s Defense Fund summary of the Healthy Child Campaign

Download a bulletin insert

Download the Healthy Child Action Page

The PC(USA) has endorsed the Health Child Act. Download an endorsement form.

Universal Health Care

More than nine million children under age 19 in the United States have no health insurance — and nearly 90 percent of them are in working families.

All children need access to comprehensive, quality, health care services.

Calling faith-based advocates for children

This July 16-20, join clergy, seminarians, Christian educators, young leaders and other faith-based advocates for children at CDF Haley Farm in Clinton, Tennessee, for the 13th annual Samuel DeWitt Proctor Institute for Child Advocacy Ministry. Engage in five days of spiritual renewal, networking, movement-building workshops and continuing education about children adrift in a wide sea of need. Learn how to create a harbor of hope and health care for all children.

Download a registration form.

Resolution on Advocacy for the Uninsured

This resolution addresses the need for advocacy for immediate action on behalf of uninsured persons, especially those with low income or fixed income.  It includes a guide for personal and congregational advocacy.  The resolution was approved by the 214th General Assembly (2002).

$5.00 • PDS #68-600-02-004

The Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

CHIP, passed by Congress in 1997, is the most significant federal investment in children's health coverage since Medicaid was enacted in 1965. But health coverage for children through these programs is not automatic. Because children must be signed up, getting the word out about enrollment is especially important. Among the resolution’s recommendations are to advocate for the adequate funding of CHIP so that health-care coverage will be available for all children and the expansion of CHIP legislation to include the parents or caregivers of children covered under its provisions.

Order a packet on how to enroll children in CHIP.

Church World Service

Women and children are the world’s most vulnerable majority. Seventy percent of those who suffer from hunger worldwide are women and girls. As a result of hunger, one child out of every seven dies each year before reaching the age of five. Many children are forced to work at an early age in unconscionable conditions, deprived of basic education.

Presbyterians partner with the Church World Service to learn more about the needs of women and children worldwide and to advocate on their behalf. Learn more.

Insuring Children’s Health: A Community Guide to Enrolling Children in Free and Low Cost Health Insurance Programs

Published by Children’s Defense Fund

This community guide offers step-by-step instructions on how to organize strong outreach campaigns on the local level and suggests simple ways to engage schools, congregations, small businesses and other community members in this effort.

The Answered Call: Presbyterian Response to Year of the Child

A collection of ideas celebrating the wonderful work that was done to the benefit of children during Year of the Child. Compiled by Patricia Chapman, Child Advocacy Office (2002). Beautifully illustrated, it can also serve as a source of ideas for ministry to/with children.

$3.00 • PDS #7265102001

How to Be an Effective Advocate: Making our voices heard!

From the Presbyterian Washington Office

Provides "how-to" techniques for Presbyterians who wish to successfully advocate public policy positions to elected officials. Published by the Presbyterian Washington Office

Free (limit 100) • PDS #7282206001