C h u r c h - b a s e d O r g a n i z i n g
A guide for diocesan social action offices
Prepared by
THE ROUNDTABLE
National association of diocesan social action directors
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INTRODUCTIONWhere did this discussion come from?For several years, Social Action Directors have engaged in a recurring conversation about church-based organizing. At the Roundtable's l992 Annual Symposium two workshops focused on this topic. The first considered basic information about organizing networks, processes, and outcomes. The second, attended by directors of dioceses where national networks are engaged in church-based organizing, indicated that while most believed that church-based organizing is good for the Church, good for parishes and clergy, good for the people involved, and especially good for the poor, some continue to ask serious questions about it. Questions directors asked include: Are parishes getting stronger and more vital as a result of organizing? Are leaders being trained for parish leadership as well as organizational leadership? Are parishes sometimes "used" to build the networks' reputations? Are the issues selected even before the organizing process begins (and determined by successful efforts by the network in other areas of the country)? Are these networks delivering on the promises made to the community? Questions were also raised about the social action director's role in church-based organizing. Should the director assist in bringing networks into the diocese? What is the role of diocesan staff after an organization is up and running? Should the diocesan staff hold the organization accountable to the needs and goals of the parish? Should a social action director serve on the board of a local organization or one of the national networks? Finally, they asked about turf wars. What happens when two networks vie for the same parishes within a diocese? Should the social action staff stay out of it, referee, or assist the parishes in deciding to link up with one? Should CHD funds be used to mitigate these "wars"? These Roundtable discussions had struck a nerve. Our members were asking for guidance on some very important questions. The Roundtable Board decided it must respond. Preparing a GuideFirst, we sent letters to the directors of all national networks doing church-based organizing, informing them that questions were being raised that we would seek to address. |
We said we would want to discuss these issues with them at a later time. Second, we asked Roundtable Board Members to fill out a questionnaire on church-based organizing as it applies in their dioceses. Questionnaire results generally showed strong support for church-based organizing. Members felt that, while the quality varies, most of the efforts have been helpful. They stated that a key element is clergy involvement. The survey conveyed that, while significant victories are being won by these organizations and leaders are being well trained for the organizing, development of leaders for internal parish efforts received mixed reviews. And some dioceses were experiencing significant difficulties; most pressing was the conflict between two or more national organizing networks vying for the right to organize a specific city or area.
Survey results also made clear that social action staffs are often uncertain about their appropriate role, feel that networks sometimes avoid dealing with them, and needed written guidance to assist them in dealing with these issues. They asked that a paper include a description of church-based organizing, criteria by which the quality of the organizing can be evaluated, suggestions on the appropriate role of the social action director, and information about the various networks doing church based organizing. This paper, prepared by G. Richard Fowler, is a response to their questions. THE LARGER CONTEXT FOR THIS DISCUSSIONWhile the discussion about church-based organizing is the focus of this paper, it should be made clear that this conversation lies in a larger context. For years, Roundtable members have been aware of the need to develop strong constituencies for justice within our parish communities, especially in low-income communities. The fact that dioceses and social action offices around the country are trying to determine what to do in struggling parishes is a clear indication of the crisis facing the Church in older, often very poor communities. Often this crisis is related to the difficulty of developing and supporting strong lay leaders. Many Roundtable members believe that the Church needs new, bold strategies to deal with this crisis and that one of the strategies with much potential in this regard is church-based organizing.This paper is an introduction (a primer) for those who are not familiar with church-based organizing and want to explore its potential. It will also attempt to address those who have been |
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