With multiple state legislative sessions starting, the Saint Francis Ministries Advocacy Team stands ready to monitor and engage with legislation that could impact the children and families the organization serves. Guided by the Team’s Annual Advocacy Agenda, Saint Francis will champion supportive legislation while working to slow or prevent well-intentioned bills that may unintentionally harm those in SFM’s care.
The Advocacy Team’s approach to advocacy is collaborative and intentional:
- Senior and Executive Leadership Teams (ELT) members will meet with legislators to discuss key issues affecting child welfare.
- Saint Francis will actively partner with associations and organizations focused on child welfare to amplify the organization’s shared goals and influence policy decisions.
- The Advocacy Team will provide written and oral testimony as requested and appropriate to ensure SFM’s perspective is represented in the legislative process.
- To ensure alignment across the organization, the Advocacy Team will maintain a regular cadence of updates for the ELT, which are then shared with program and support staff, keeping everyone informed and engaged.
By working together and staying informed, Saint Francis can ensure that the voices and needs of children and families remain at the forefront of policy decisions.
Persons interested in learning more about SFM’s advocacy approach or issues that affect Saint Francis’s mission, contact Vice President of Advocacy Matt Stephens at matt.stephens@st-francis.org.
Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.
