| How to Encourage Your Community
to Join RAN
Here are five quick stepping-stones that can help guide you in
your effort to encourage your community to become a member of the
Religious Action Network. Depending on the role that you play in
your community, you might be able to bypass some of these steps.
- Be in touch with the RAN Coordinator for support and advice.
Familiarize yourself with Africa Action, the Religious Action
Network, and the priority campaigns.
- Approach your religious leaders or committees and make a proposal
to become a member of the Religious Action Network. Find out who
needs to approve a suggested annual financial donation and any
action plan to become a part of the Religious Action Network.
- Follow up by making a presentation to the appropriate committee
or group in your community. See the sample presentations on the
Africa Action website for ideas. Answer questions or do what is
necessary to get their approval for the Religious Action Network.
If there are questions you don’t know how to answer, feel
free to encourage your leaders to contact Africa Action directly.
- Pick a contact person from your community to be in touch with
the Africa Action office. Begin plans for an Africa Service, educational
events and letter writing. Fill out the membership form. You can
send in a donation with the form, or tell us about your plans
to hold an offering or other fundraising event for the Religious
Action Network.
- Once we receive your membership form, you will have joined your
voice with our nationwide Religious Action Network!
Tips for Getting Started
- If your church has a social action, missions or outreach committee,
find out who the chair is and what time they meet. Join this committee,
if you are not already active, and attend meetings regularly before
giving a presentation about becoming a part of the Religious Action
Network.
- Connect with people in your congregation who have traveled abroad,
worked in developing countries or on social justice issues. These
people can be allies for building support.
- Ask the committee how to take the next steps to officially become
a part of the RAN. They may ask you to do an adult education presentation
on Africa or present to other bodies in your congregation.
- Follow up. Once you identify the decision makers, reach out
to them with a proposal on how your church can join. Get them
the information they need and make sure to respond to any questions
they raise.
- It may take time to generate interest in Africa. Take it step
by step, use the materials on this website and call the Africa
Action office for more information or to answer difficult questions.
Keep in Mind …
- Be patient but persistent. Your congregation may not be ready
or interested right away. Address concerns and questions respectfully.
It might take time to raise interest and commitment, but keep
trying.
- Speak from your heart and your faith. Stay close to the root
of your conviction in prayer, study and worship.
Stay in touch with the Africa Action staff for support:
1634 Eye Street, N.W., Suite 810
Washington, DC 20006
202-546-7961
mobilize@africaaction.org
This material was adapted from tools in the Jubilee USA Network
Jubilee Congregations Program Handbook.
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Religious Action Network
