Voices for Justice
***Dates for Voices for Justice 2010 announced***
Voices for Justice 2010
19-22 June 10
Voices for Justice 2010 will be held earlier in the year next year. This is because it is necessary for the gathering to be held during a Parliamentary sitting week and before the election, which we anticipate will be held in the last quarter of 2010.
An election year is an important time to get our message and the voices of those in poverty heard. We want to see Global Poverty firmly established as a key election issue - with both major parties making a time-tabled pre-election commitment to increasing the aid budget to 0.7% of GNI. That is why it is essential that Micah Challenge supporters continue to speak up for the poor and make our presence known in Parliament House Canberra in 2010.
What is Voices for Justice?
Four action-packed days of advocacy training, biblical teaching, workshops, worship and prayer - and a chance to put all these things into practice as we creatively engage with our nation's leaders together in events, workshops, forums and meetings at Parliament House. Young or old, beginner or experienced, come and speak up with us for justice for the world's poor.
Click here to download a report for Members and Senators on Voices for Justice 09
Voices for Justice 09 - a summary
- 270 grassroots campaigners for God's justice, age 8-71yrs from every state and territory
- 129 Appointments with federal politicians - more than half of all elected representatives
- 5612 handwritten Offering of Letters to the PM delivered to Parliament House by rickshaw
- 95 politicians sign giant 5th birthday card to the PM in support of reducing child mortality rates
- Multiple speeches made, motions moved, and questions asked in parliament, with more to come
- More media attention than ever before. Click here for a list of media articles
- Click here for a detailed update on Voices for Justice 2009...
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Voices for Justice 09 - a call to prayer
On 12-15 September, more than 250 Christians of all ages from all over Australia will converge at Parliament House Canberra for the annual Micah Challenge national gathering, Voices for Justice.
These campaign supporters also represent the voices of thousands of Christians from every denomination who are passionate about justice and believe that God has a heart for people living in poverty. Micah Challenge supporters believe that Australian citizens have a responsibility to "speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves" (Proverbs 31:8), by advocating for the poor to our elected leaders. Several Voices for Justice participants are school aged, and many have never lobbied their Member of Parliament before.
In the lead up to Voices for Justice, Micah Challenge is calling Christians across Australia to pray for the participants as they lobby in Canberra. "Please pray that, like Esther in the bible, we will be received with favour when we meet with the leaders of our Nation", said Micah Challenge National Coordinator, John Beckett. "Pray that our message will be heard and that our government will take action."
2009 Program Highlights:
• Advocacy training: How to get your message heard
• Political Forums at Parliament House
• Theological teaching on faith and politics
• Opening Celebration on the front lawns at Parliament House
• Launch of Goal 8 Report 2009 - Assessing Australia's Progress Towards MDG 8
• Opportunities to meet with your federal MP or Senator from your state
• Delivery of thousands of Offering of Letters from campaigners across Australia
2009 Speakers:
TIM COSTELLO
Tim Costello is CEO of World Vision Australia, one of the Co-Chairs of the MAKE POVERTY HISTORY campaign, and is on the Panel of Reference for Micah Challenge. Tim is a long time practitioner of speaking up for justice for marginalised people - both at a local and global level. Tim will bring us some theological insights to help us understand the connection between our faith and working for justice.
LYN LUSI
Lyn Lusi set up HEAL Africa with her husband in Goma, providing holistic care for the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo, training health professionals, strengthening social activists and providing physical, spiritual and social healing. HEAL Africa also provides fistula surgery and pastoral care for women who have experienced sexual violence in the Congo. Lyn will bring us stories of what the healing process can look like for these women.
ALSO FEATURING:
- Tim Dixon (political advisor and economics textbook author)
- Alex Maroya (political expert)
- Rev Dr Andrew Sloane (Theological lecturer, Morling College)
- John Beckett (New National Coordinator of Micah Challenge Australia)
- And other experts in the field of development, advocacy and theology
Offering of Letters:
We are aiming to collect 10,000 Offerings of Letters to present to the Prime Minister at Parliament House during Voices for Justice, asking him to increase overseas aid to the internationally agreed level of 0.7% of GNI. Take part with your church, school or group between April and August to add your voice to the letters that we will present to the Prime Minister at Parliament House during Voices for Justice. Click here for more information and to download the Offering of Letters kit to use with your group.
Under 18s:
This year there is a special program for under 18s. Come and find out how you can make a difference with your voice, and get your school involved too. There is a limit of 60 students only, so get in quick. If you'd like more info about the youth program, contact Robert Howie at rhowie@tear.org.au.
Can't make the conference?
You can still make an impact by:
- Committing to pray for lobby groups as we visit politicians.
- Taking part in the Offering of Letters. We would love to have thousands of letters from Christians around the country to present to the Prime Minister in Parliament House during Voices for Justice, encouraging him to help make poverty history. Get your church, school or small group to join in between April and August. Click here to visit the Offering of Letters page.
- Volunteering in Sydney or Canberra in the lead up to the conference. Contact info@micahchallenge.org.au if you're interested in volunteering.
News from last year's Voices for Justice 2008:
Voices for Justice 08 was a great success. Participants made a huge impact on our Nation's leaders with more than 100 visits with politicians and their advisors and 30 speeches made in parliament. Thank you to everyone who came to Canberra and used their voice to speak up for those in need. Click here to download a report for MPs about Voices for Justice, delivered to Parliament House in November 2008.
Click here to view an interview of Rev Dr Joel Edwards, special guest at Voices for Justice in 2008. In this video he speaks with John Dickson from the Centre of Public Christianity about Micah Challenge. Joel is the Director of Micah Challenge International, that seeks to mobilise public support to lift millions out of hunger and acute poverty. He is also a member of the UK Equality and Human Rights Commission and Tony Blair's Faith Foundation.