Advocate.

Want to continue to bring the principles of Catholic social teaching to bear on the public policy making process on key issues in Washington and Albany?

Here are some helpful organizations for your reference:

Catholic Advocacy Network of the New York State Catholic Conference of Bishops

This is the official public policy voice of the Catholic Church in New York State. To become a member of the Catholic Advocacy Network just click on the following link and click on "Join the Network."

View Site.

Catholic Community Relations Council of New York (CCRCNY)

The Archdiocese of New York and the Diocese of Brooklyn designed CCRCNY to examine, promote, and participate in informed discussion of public policy issues, such as education, human services, housing and real property, as they affect the work of the Church in the five boroughs of the City of New York. The council draws on their experience in relations with local civic and governmental agencies and their leadership regarding public policy that not only to meet the needs of our own Catholic community but also contributes to the common good of the residents of our city.

Catholic Charities Department of Social and Community Development's Faithful Citizens: A Constituency for Social Responsibility

This site keeps up on important issues, alerts, updates, and information on issues of importance to the Church on a local, national and international basis. If you would like to become a member of Catholic Charities' Faithful Citizens, please e-mail Thomas Dobbins.

thomas.dobbins@archny.org

Catholic Charities Priority Issues:

Legislative Issues for Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York

Protect and Nurture Children and Youth

• Increase funding for emergency food programs, food stamp education, and outreach.
• Increase, and strengthen access to quality health care for children.

Feed the Hungry and Shelter the Homeless

• Provide education and training programs that lead to gainful employment with adequate benefits.
• Ensure safe, affordable, quality housing for low and moderate-income families and individuals.

Strengthen Families and Resolve Crisis

• Expand supports for low-income working families (child day care, housing, education and training, transportation, health care coverage, and the state earned income tax credit).
• Increase assisted living program units and other initiatives to enable the frail elderly to live at home and in the community.

Welcome and Integrate Immigrants and Refugees

• Provide access to essential health, education, housing, employment, just compensation and social services for all New Yorkers, regardless of immigration status.
• Support and advocate for comprehensive immigration reform.

Support the Emotionally and Physically Challenged

• Ensure adequate funding for, and access to, mental health, alcohol and substance abuse treatment and prevention services.
• Advocate for the caring of people with mental illness in prisons.