Time to Get Involved
by
Christopher Dodson
Executive Director, North Dakota Catholic Conference
January 2009
Now that the 2009 North Dakota Legislative Assembly is in
full swing, it is your opportunity to get involved in the
legislative process.
In Catholic teaching, citizenship is a virtue and
participation in the political process a moral obligation.
Indeed, the Church teaches that the laity has the primary
responsibility of shaping society so that it conforms with
the principles of justice, respect for all human life, and
the common good.
Fortunately, North Dakota Catholics have many opportunities
to make their voices heard. North Dakota’s citizen
legislature and the state’s open meetings law means
that citizens cannot be shut-out of the process. Moreover,
the state’s small legislative districts create unique
opportunities for people to meet and get to know their
legislators.
Don’t assume, however, that these opportunities for
citizen involvement mean that it always happens. Some
people still feel intimidated by the process. Others feel
that they do not know enough about the issues to say
anything. Still others think that someone else is doing the
work. Finally, there exist those who simply do not care.
For Catholics, not caring is not an option. The commandment
to love our neighbor necessarily compels us to care and to
act in the development of public policy. Like the prophets
of the Old Testament, we must be the voice calling for
public officials to respect and aid those in need -- the
unborn, the poor, the marginalized, the newcomer. Catholics
must speak out for protection of the family, religious
liberty, and the common good.
If you feel intimidated by the legislative process, feel
tongue-tied, or nervous when speaking to elected officials,
consider yourself in good company. God’s prophets of
the Old Testament felt the same way when talking to their
society’s leaders. However, like Jonah, they learned
couldn’t escape from doing Gods will. Besides, unlike
Nebuchadnezzar, North Dakota legislators can’t throw
you in a fiery furnace.
The Legislative Action Network of the North Dakota Catholic
Conference can help Catholics get involved. By joining the
network, members get:
• Regular e-newsletters with up-to-date information on
the latest legislative happenings and upcoming events;
• Action alerts on bills needing special attention;
• A six-page guide to the legislative process and how
citizens can make a difference; and
• A directory of state and federal elected officials.
Anyone can sign-up for the Legislative Action Network
through the North Dakota Catholic Conference web site at:
ndcatholic.org. Just look for “LAN Sign Up” in
the menu.
The conference also has Legislative Action Network
registration cards that will send out at no charge. You can
use them to hand out at bible studies, and church meetings,
such as RCIA, altar societies, Catholic Daughters, and
Knights of Columbus. Parishes can order them for
distribution to parishioners, such as in church bulletins.
The North Dakota Catholic Conference web site has lots of
information for people who want to make a difference. The
News and Updates page has regular postings about
legislative developments, actions by the U.S. Bishops on
public policy matters, commentary, and news stories from
around North Dakota. The Legislative Resources page has
material to download and important links about the North
Dakota legislature and the legislative process. Visitors
can also read testimony from past and current legislative
sessions.
There really does not exist any reason not to become
involved. Go and make a difference in the name of Christ!
