Year-Round Catholic Advocacy in WA State
Promote the Common Good
Building a Catholic Network
The Washington State Catholic Conference (WSCC) seeks to work with the three Catholic Dioceses of Washington state to grow a year-round, statewide legislative and policy advocacy network. This advocacy effort intends to engage diocesan staff, parish groups and other stakeholders to support a statewide, Catholic network of legislative and policy advocates. This network will engage in training and advocacy activities around the state. All advocacy efforts will be in line with Catholic Social Teaching and the bishops’ legislative priorities. Plans for this Statewide Legislative Advocacy Project may be viewed here.
Catholic Legislative Advocacy Tool Kit
In addition to advocating for the bishops' priorities during state legislative sessions that begin in January, the WSCC also encourages the faithful to engage in year-round advocacy. Check out the WSCC's Catholic Legislative Advocacy Tool Kit for step-by-step instructions for planning, organizing and participating in activities throughout the year.
Additional WSCC advocacy resources
Legislative Priorities of the Bishops of WA State for 2025 (PDF): Establishes policy priorities for the upcoming legislative session that are grounded in the social doctrine of the Catholic Church.
Tips for Parish Leads, Year Round Advocacy Phase I (PDF): Provides step by step guidance for developing Catholic advocacy in your parish.
Guidelines for Parishes and Agencies on Political Activity 2025 (PDF): The Catholic Church engages in political activity in non-partisan ways informed by our doctrine. These guidelines help parishes and agencies ensure political events and involvement are conducted consistent with the requirements of our Church.
How To Give Effective Public Testimony (PDF): Tips to help Catholic advocates share the Good News in the public square.
The US Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) also has a number of resources for engaging in advocacy.
USCCB - Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship (PDF): Catholic engagement in politics requires continual faith and conscience formation. This document provides guidance for our formation as we navigate political issues, campaigns, and advocacy.
Civilize It (PDF): Respond to Pope Francis' call for “a better kind of politics” by pledging charity, clarity, and creativity to promote the common good.
USCCB - Seven Themes of Catholic Social Teaching (PDF): The social doctrine of the Catholic Church is organized into seven themes which outline the principles we rely upon as we interact in political, economic, social and cultural realms.
9 Rules for Civility from the Catholic Tradition (PDF): As Catholics, we seek to model Christ-like behavior. Learn the 9 rules for doing so in the political sphere.
With ample notice, the WSCC can provide advocates with issue papers that can be share with legislators or used to inform the faithful
Provides a brief explanation of bills on assisted suicide and abortion and requested legislative action.
Sample Issue Paper #2 - Care for God's Creation
Provides a brief explanation of bills on clean fuel standards and environment justice and requested legislative action.
Sample Issue Paper #3 - Housing
Provides a brief explanation of bills related to tenant rights and housing assistance programs and requested legislative action.
ENGAGE
Lend Your Voice
Joining WSCC's advocacy network makes it easy to contact your public officials and keep up-to-date on important issues facing the Washington State Legislature and United States Congress.