Background
One of the ways that the Trump administration pushes already vulnerable populations further to the margins is through unilateral executive action. They have rolled back, or altogether cut, pre-existing regulations that touch on nearly every area of our lives. We are called, then, to bring our voices to these processes, as well. The Collaborative Center has done this in the past, speaking as an organization. We now invite Voices for Justice Network members to take part in this advocacy practice with us.
Federal agencies interpret and enact laws through the development of rules and regulations. Under the Administrative Procedures Act (APA) of 1946, they are required to solicit comments from the public prior to implementing rules changes, for a period usually lasting 60 – 90 days.
Everyday citizens, industry groups, and subject matter experts alike may avail themselves of this mechanism. Per the APA, federal agencies are required to respond to each unique comment on a proposed regulation. Evidence-based arguments help to bolster your claim. However, this should not dissuade you from making values-based comments. We bring a powerful perspective informed by the Church’s social teachings. Now more than ever, we must bring that perspective to the public square.
Proposals are first published in the Federal Register. People may mail or fax a hard copy of their comments to the agency making the rule change, or they can simply upload them to the digital portal maintained by the government, regulations.gov. All comments enter the public record. You will receive public comment notices from us as you would any other action alert.
What We Will Provide
- Monitor proposed rules changes that will further marginalize already vulnerable populations
- Provide potential talking points Network members can put into their own words and expand upon if they so choose
- Link to relevant, accessible articles and op-eds on the matter at hand to provide more context
- Directly link you to the comment page
Your Contribution
- Engage your government. Provide a comment that is reflective of our shared values, your own considerations, and any outside research you might conduct. Comments can be as short or as long as you want. Feel free to summarize ideas that you have encountered elsewhere. What is important is that they are your words, and that they are clear.
- Engage your community. Share this information with your community members who are not part of the Voices for Justice Network. Encourage them to comment. Finally, ask them to consider joining the Network so we can continue to raise our voices as one!
