Advocacy in Action at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish
On August 31, 2024, Encounter GA led an Advocacy Workshop at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Atlanta, GA as a part of the Focloare Maripolois retreat. This gathering brought together members of the Focolare Movement, a global community dedicated to fostering unity and dialogue. The event reflected the heart of Encounter Georgia’s mission: empowering communities to advocate for justice, care for creation, and the common good.
Encounter GA Member and Workshop presenter Drew Reynolds with workshop participants.
At the workshop, Encounter GA member Drew Reynolds led the group in a discussion on advocacy around the See-Judge-Act model, a framework developed by Cardinal Joseph Cardijn and deeply rooted in Catholic Social Teaching. Together, we explored how this approach can guide faithful responses to social challenges, helping participants move from awareness to reflection, and ultimately to action. From discussing practical advocacy strategies to connecting them with our shared values, the workshop provided tools to help participants make a meaningful impact in their communities.
We had deep conversations about the use of plastic, reducing waste, planting gardens, and engaging our parishes and faith communities in the work. We also emphasized the importance of listening and engagement with communities, recalling that no one wants to be talked at - rather, true ecological conversion comes with dialgoue.
Focolare members in conversation at the Advocacy Workshop
The spirit of encounter was palpable throughout the day. The participants’ enthusiasm and commitment to fostering a culture of care reminded us why we at Encounter GA do this work. Their thoughtful questions and insights were a testament to the power of community and dialogue in addressing the challenges of our time.
As we look ahead, we’re reminded that advocacy is an ongoing journey. Workshops like these are just the beginning—a chance to equip individuals and communities with the tools and inspiration they need to bring about meaningful change.
If you’re interested in joining us for a future workshop or learning more about how Encounter Georgia is helping communities take action, we’d love to hear from you. Let’s continue this journey together, working toward a more just and compassionate world.
