At last Monday night's "Make Your Voice Heard" forum at Wyndham City Council, it was great to hear talk, especially from the mayor, about the need, no matter the depth of the issue, to advocate in a respectful way. This is because we are dealing with human beings - and this is not only the right thing to do, but also the way of going about it that will bring the best results. Decision-makers will respond better to your cause if they are approached properly. Yes, advocates need to "ruffle feathers" occasionally, but this can be done with eyes on the "ball" (issue) rather than the "man" (human decision-maker)!
Now this sounds a lot like the attitude and behaviour Jesus promoted - "In everything do unto others as you would have them do unto you" (Matthew 7:12). Now I will personally have to take this on board when I see outrageous (in my opinion) decisions being made, and remember that those making those decisions, rather than being only influenced by personal agendas, may be under great pressures of varying kinds, including a plethora of competing opinions and needs. These community leaders are also made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), and should be treated in a way that encourages and nurtures them in finding their home in God. So there's the rub of the prophetic voice of advocacy.
Rev'd Tim Costello spoke inspiringly, and I think lifted everyone in the room to lend their voice to what moved their heart. Barry Harvey was equally passionate. Jeremy Samuel, although I became aware I would be disagreeing with some of his political stances, gave some outstanding tips in the area of campaigning through social media that for me crossed over very effectively into promoting missional and gospel enterprise, with the catch-cry "Who are we and why should they care".
No comments:
Post a Comment