Students Learn About Legislative Advocacy

As part of February’s Ignatian Family Advocacy Month, 11 Xavier students participated in legislative advocacy training alongside parishioners from the Church of St. Francis Xavier and St. Ignatius Loyola on February 26. The training was led by Nick Napolitano, the provincial’s assistant for social ministries for the USA Northeast Province of the Jesuits.

The training built upon lessons learned at November’s Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice in Washington, D.C., an annual gathering of members of the Ignatian family who come together in the context of justice and solidarity to pray, network, and advocate together. Director of Campus Ministry Kaija DeWitt said last week's training allowed students to use knowledge gained at the Teach-in and in Xavier classrooms to affect practical change in their communities.

Using strategies they learned at advocacy training, students will be paired with adults from Xavier and St. Ignatius parishes for legislative visits to the offices of New York Sen. Charles Schumer and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand. “Students will focus on the Jesuit priorities of Latin and Central American policy, climate justice, and immigration reform, but they are also encouraged to reflect on what issues are most important to them,” Ms. DeWitt said.

Isaiah Blake ’17 said he is looking forward to his legislative visit, where he plans to share his passion for education. What he learned at the advocacy training has already sparked conversations at home with his mother, Gloria Blake P’17.

Keep reading the Xavier E-News for updates about students’ legislative visits in the coming weeks.