National Campaign Update and Virtual Convergence
When CTA first announced our plans for a 2020 National Campaign, we had a vision that aligned with the liturgical year. CTA chapter leaders, Re/Generators, and representatives from partner organizations would gather in June for a Convergence in Minneapolis, an in-person training that would equip them to shape the strategy and vision for the National Campaign. They would lead the way toward a series of coordinated actions across the country in Advent 2020.
Even as we mourn what we had to give up by cancelling the Minneapolis Convergence, we are invigorated by new, emergent possibilities. Some members of the CTA staff found inspiration in online trainings with Social Movement Technologies. They shared what they learned about creative ways of building virtual community and even direct action in a time of social distancing.
We are still planning actions during Advent 2020. They may look a little different than previously imagined, but we can still act for change in our church. In fact, it’s more urgent now than ever before. We are drafting a statement for how the church must respond to COVID-19 and the injustice that it exacerbates. This is the framework for our work now: the church must respond to the times and build structures that will enable everyone to survive and thrive in moments just like this.
We hope you will join us on Saturday, June 6th for our first-ever Virtual Convergence! From 2-5 pm ET/1-4 pm CT/11 am-2 pm PT, participants will learn about our four strategies — education, lobbying, direct action, and alternatives (a recently added fourth strategy!) — and how they fit together. This is an opportunity to develop a strategic vision for Catholic reform, grounded in movement ecology. Participants will be people who want to hone their knowledge and skills as activists within the context of the 2020 National Campaign. After learning about the strategies, you’ll discern which strategy best suits your skills and interests — and prepare to join a Strategy Working Group.
After the June gathering, Strategy Working Groups will get off the ground. These groups are responsible for vision and leadership, ensuring that activists across the country coordinate their efforts toward a common goal. The Strategy Working Groups are crucial to the National Campaign. They bring something new and exciting to CTA: a framework for integrating projects on a national scale and targeting them to create effective change in the Church.
If you would like to join us for the Virtual Convergence, please click here to register. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
If you cannot attend the Virtual Convergence but hope to participate in the National Campaign, sign up here to receive information about how to plug in. We will be in touch!
