Church Trials

Advocate Checklist

Completing the items in this lists will likely throw down some speed bumps along the highway to religious intolerance. You will be surprised to see how your cause can gather momentum.

Should you be the subject of religious discrimination, find someone trustworthy and determined to champion your cause, because you may not see the forest for the trees.

A third party can be objective, not having to share your unfortunate experience. This helps one to focus on the solution and not the problem. If you are an advocate for someone, be in agreement at every step.

Ten Steps for a Good Cause:

Step 1 - Witness and Document

1. Get witnesses.
2. Have the Press witness an event.
3. Video record critical activity.
4. Photograph events.
5. Audio record events.
6. Photograph signs.
7. Keep pamphlets, notices, rejection letters, etc.
8. Keep a journal of contacts, places and events.
9. Blog cautiously with discretion, without drama.

Step 2 - Seek Immediate Remedy

1. Contact a civil rights attorney.
2. Seek administrative remedy as soon as possible.
3. Get all responses in writing.
4. Use FOIA requests to garner any documentation related to your cause.
5. If no response, file suit.

Step 3 - Research

1. Research the law related the cause.
2. Find related cases.
3. Find related articles.
4. Find groups that might support the cause. Ask for information.

Step 4 - Discuss

1. With your family. Let them know what you are experiencing.
2. With friends. Get moral support.
3. With your congregation. Take note of supporters and scorners.
4. With club members. Take note of non-supportive arguments. They can help.

Step 5 - Initiate

1. Write a sincere letter to your State Senators discussing your concern.
2. Copy to District Representative.
3. Copy to U. S. Senators.
4. Copy to U. S. Representative.
5. Copy to Governor.
6. Send a letter to your local newspaper editor.

Note that items 1 through 5 are essential, but may result in a form letter reply, or no response. Letting the public know that you have contacted your government shows you have taken civil steps toward redress.

Step 6 - Organize

1. Form a small private group; No wild cards welcomed. They can hinder progress.
2. Share documents and research.
3. Discuss the pros and cons of the cause. Be objective.
4. Take note of all good suggestions.
5. Prepare a group charter to keep focus on the objective.
6. Assign tasks. Double-up for efficiency.
7. Pool resources, but do not solicit outside donations.
8. Create a public pamphlet discussing the importance of the issue.

Help others in your organization through Steps 2 through 5, one-by-one, or in a gathering.

Step 7 - Expand

This step can be skipped if your organization does not want to solicit outside donations.

1. Create a 501(c)3 organization.
2. Assign a trustworthy treasurer.
3. Open a non-interest bearing account to handle donations.

Step 8 - Publicize

1. Organize a public discussion/rally in your town.
2. Distribute Pamphlets.
3. Repeat Step 5 using the association's letter head.
4. Find sympathetic reporters. They may publish the concern of a group over that of an individual.
5. Create a web site.
6. Blog via social networks.

Step 9 - Represent

1. Visit with lawmakers.
2. Visit the state capitol to lobby.
3. Visit Washington D. C.
4. Visit congregations.
5. Arrange peaceful public demonstrations. Be sure to notify the local police of your activities.
6. Be polite, firm and knowledgeable regarding your cause.
7. Dress and carry yourself respectably.
8. Do not have private conversation in public places.
9. Do not talk to the press "off the record".
10. Live by the Golden Rule.

Step 10 - Endure

1. Overlook insults and taunts. Hecklers abound no matter the cause.
2. Take no rejection as personal.
3. Be willing to suffer for your earnest convictions. Otherwise, it's just a hobby.

This list is provided for educational purposes and personal dialog and is not intended to incite or underwrite any activities that are unlawful or disrespectful toward any individuals or associations of any kind. All speech herein is protected by the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States.