"We believe that overcoming poverty involves both acts of direct service to alleviate the outcomes of poverty and advocacy to change those structures that result in people living in poverty." A Common Foundation: Shared Principles for Work on Overcoming Poverty

JRLC invites you to be part of bringing this social justice work into your faith community. We all need to learn more about root causes and the human and social costs of poverty. We want to make sure that every legislator hears from us about our work, about God's call to end poverty, and about proven policy tools that work.

For further information about how to get engaged, contact JRLC. Here are examples of what you can do:

• Become a signer of A Common Foundation: we'll provide copies so you can recruit more signers
• Attend Day on the Hill 2010: March 25th at RiverCentre and the Capitol
• Become a District Leader: we'll provide resources, contacts, and strategies
• Join the JRLC Legislative Network: you'll get policy updates and action alerts
• Join the Interfaith Children's Advocacy Network to end childhood poverty
• Recruit others to get involved: organize your justice committee or civic group

Background
In 2004, 35 religious leaders in Minnesota signed A Common Foundation: Shared Principles for Work on Overcoming Poverty. In 2006 the Minnesota State Legislature, with bi-partisan support, created the Legislative Commission to End Poverty in Minnesota by 2020. The Legislative Commission completed Phase I of its work in Spring 2008, having traveled the state to deepen their understanding of poverty and its consequences for all. Phase II involved "exploring solutions" and working groups drafting parts of the report. In early 209, recommendations were approved in a final report.

JRLC's organizing plan calls for 2 District Leaders in each of the 67 Minnesota senate districts to coordinate efforts to ensure an effective Legislative Commission and to build a base of grassroots support for the Commission's recommendations.

JRLC/Minnesota Without Poverty District Leaders
Media Coverage of the Poverty Commission
Download A Common Foundation (petition-style for collecting signatures from your congregation and community)
Download A Common Foundation (with religious leaders as signers)
Download PDF of Bulletin Insert/Postcard 5.5"x8.5"
Sample Letter to the Editor
Poverty Awareness Bulletin Board