Advocacy 101: Walking with People on the Margins

The People's Seminary offers a five week training course designed to inform and sensitize people desiring to serve as advocates for the most vulnerable in our society.

Immigrants, homeless people and ex-offenders together with local advocates, representatives of the legal system and helping professions will present diverse social and theological perspectives essential to effective advocacy and mentoring.

Special attention will be given to issues related to advocacy in Washington State.

Our objective is to equip volunteers, advocates, pastors, church administrators, lay pastors, Skagit County Jail Ministry volunteers, and anyone else who wishes to more effectively walk with people on the margins.

Course Topics

Local and theological perspectives on advocacy

Who is in need of an advocate? Real life situations from the "front lines" of advocacy.

Biblical and theological perspectives on advocacy and spiritual accompaniment.

How does the system work?

Understanding the legal system.

Understanding the I.N.S.

Defining the role of the advocate and mentor

Common pitfalls (boundary issues, enabling, manipulative behavior…) and to avoid them

Common conditions of the marginalized

What the advocate needs to know about chemical dependency and treatment.

What the advocate needs to know about domestic violence perpetrator and victims.

What the advocate needs to know about mental health issues facing people on the margins.

Sustaining spirituality for advocacy over the long haul

Panel presentation and discussion.

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for more information about courses through the People's Seminary, call 360-755-5299, or click on the upcoming events link at right.

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Tierra Nueva  •  PO Box 161, Burlington, WA 98233  •  360-755-0768  •  info@peoplesseminary.org