Witness for Peace : How To Tips

How To Tips

We believe that we CAN achieve a U.S. foreign policy toward Latin America that we can be proud of... but we have our work cut out for us! We must raise our collective voices in our communities, in the media, and to our policymakers. Don't worry if you have not visited your member of Congress or written a letter to the editor before. This section will provide you with some tips for successful activism.

Guide to Congressional Partnership

Your faith community's guide to supporting peace, justice and sustainable economies in the Americas.

Host a Movie Night: Roots of Migration

Is your community talking about what pushes migration? Spur this critical discussion by hosting a showing of Roots of Migration, a provocative film shot in Oaxaca, Mexico to unearth immigration's root causes. Click the link for instructions, discussion questions, a factsheet, and more.

Witness through Nonviolent Direct Action

Direct action is the strategic use of immediately effective acts, such as strikes, demonstrations, sit-ins, and more to achieve a political or social end.

Witness to Congress

Taking action to influence legislation is one of the most important ways to change U.S. foreign policy toward Latin America. Members of Congress pay attention to their constituents, and you can have a valuable impact.

Reaching the Media

The media has a massive influence on politics in the United States. We need to democratize our media, but as we do that we must also work with the media to broadcast the messages and values that are important to us. In this section, you will find useful tips on how to write op-eds, letters to the editors, and press releases, as well as links to information regarding media outreach.

Organizing Locally

Local organizers play a key role in educating members of the community. This type of organizing strengthens the democratic process, ensuring that officials' positions reflect the values of their constituents.

Sample Press Release for Delegates (prior to delegation)

Use this sample press release as a model to submit to your local news outlets. It's always useful to call to follow up with the reporter after you send the release.

Letters to the Editor

Sample Letter to Congress for Returning Delegates