|
May, 2007 What gives you courage
to act in the face of your fears? Nearly 300 ISAIAH leaders from 38
congregations across the metro area reflected on this question during our Lenten
Vigil at the state Capitol. Over 100 of Nearly each day during Lent, leaders from ISAIAH congregations ascended the steps of the state Capitol, carrying their own stories of courage to share with legislators. We know it is tempting for elected officials, as for us, to act out of fear. We reminded our them that the only way we can have the bright future that we know is possible is if our lawmakers have the courage to act boldly toward a shared vision. We told legislators stories of how our fates are linked, and challenged them to show courage by embracing all Minnesotans, including undocumented students, and by fairly raising enough taxes to invest in our shared future. One ISAIAH leader was overheard asking, “Pastor Sue, do you expect me to say something on my first day in public life?!?” Yes, she was being asked to speak with courage about her own story and her own dreams for our shared future. More than that, she was being asked to model for her elected officials that it is possible to speak and act with the courage of your convictions. Michelle, a ninth grader from St. Paul, was one of those speaking with her legislators for the first time during the Vigil. She was nervous, but felt it was important to share her story and teenaged perspective, in order to be part of shaping a future that, as she said, “fits for everyone and not just some people.” How did she find the courage to overcome her fear? “I had people backing me up, so it wasn’t like going by myself.” This was a common theme—acting together gives us the courage to do what we fear to do alone. Through our constant presence, we hoped to share that courage with our legislators. Just two weeks before the deadline for the end of the legislative session, nearly 150 metro ISAIAH leaders gathered in the Capitol rotunda for one final ‘Boost of Courage’ to follow up on the Lenten Vigil visits. It was a joyful and powerful event! That very day, the Minnesota Dream Act had been pulled out of the higher education omnibus bill. So, wearing ‘badges of courage’, all those ISAIAH leaders trooped upstairs to the conference committee meeting room and paraded through, one at a time, to deliver messages to the committee leaders protesting their lack of courage in letting the dreams of immigrant students die. After that first action, we enjoyed a rousing rally, including a hilarious dramatization of the situation at the Capitol, featuring three blind mice and a big cheese. Inspired by a sermon delivered by our president, the Rev. Grant Stevensen, each leader wrote ‘prescriptions’ for vision and courageous action for the Governor and his or her legislators—and then headed up to the House floor session to deliver them in person to state Representatives! A delegation of our leaders delivered prescriptions for the Governor and Senators the next morning, along with signed petitions for the Governor supporting the Dream Act. Our faith gives us hope and courage. We believe that we are called, all of us, to be co-creators of a hopeful future for all Minnesotans. We were able to do that in a powerful way through the Lenten Vigil and the ‘Boost of Courage’ event. Whatever the outcomes of the current legislative session, we will continue to en-courage our elected officials as we move together toward our shared future. Sarah Gleason is the chair of ISAIAH's Legislative Issues Strategy Team Chair and a member of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Minneapolis.
|
Lenten Vigil at the Capitol! Vigil
Statistics: ISAIAH congregations were at the Capitol, talking with our legislators, throughout the season of Lent (February 21st through March 29th). We continued to deepen the conversations we began this fall about a new political and moral vision that puts the common good at the center of our life together. Our values, our vision, and our stories echoed through the Capitol, as legislators considered the direction Minnesota’s future will take. Participants said this about the vigil... ~ "It was empowering to meet face-to-face with people that are making life-changing decisions... It felt good being part of a group coming together to make our ideas and values known. I like that we were mixed together -- Anglos and Latinos. It showed that we are all part of the community and we support each other." ~ The issues we are pursuing through ISAIAH are certainly those needed to maintain and improve the common good." ~ "Power in numbers! It was very informative and enjoyable. I would definitely do it again. Legislators are people -- they were willing to listen, if not agree." ~ "Great opportunity to be reminded about how democracy works and the need for us to get involved." ~ "So many people coming for the first time -- that takes courage." ~ "This is an experience I've always wanted to have." ~ "I have gained respect for the intelligence and apparent sincerity of the politicians I have met today, but I must say I think they would be very efficient in the game of dodgeball."
|
those leaders were taking the bold step of visiting their legislators for the
first time ever! They found the courage to participate coming from their faith,
and from the inspiration of our shared vision for Minnesota. Many of them
returned to participate in a joyful action in the final weeks of the session,
reminding state lawmakers of our vision, and bringing a ‘Boost of Courage’ to
the Capitol.