Advocacy
CBFVA believes in long-term presence. Advocacy is a long-term process of being present in a community, understanding the needs of that community, and understanding the systems that need to be changed. Then, pushed by the spirit of God, we advocate for the dismantling of the systems that hold people down. While this work takes time, we know it is pivotal in creating deep seeded change.
Rise Against Hunger & Bread for the World
Food Advocacy
In 2023, CBFVA challenged churches to help us pack 100,000 meals through Rise Against Hunger. This challenge is so important as we live out our faith in the world in concrete ways while learning about systems that keep those who are hungry in a that place of hunger.
Then, churches would have an option to connect with one of our CBF Global partners, Bread For The World. Here is a powerful blurb that talks about Bread’s work in our nations capital: “Churches, charities, food banks, and nonprofit organizations can’t solve hunger alone. Government programs and policies play an especially important role. Thanks to an abundance of resources, federal nutrition programs provide 10 times as much food assistance as private churches and charities combined. When enough people speak up, government leaders listen.” This is advocacy in action.
About Jessica Hearne
Jessica, and her husband Joshua, serve with and through Grace and Main Fellowship. The foundation of their ministry is simple: building relationships and community.
Bridges for Hope
Rural Advocacy
Bridges for Hope is a partnership between CBFVA, WMUVA, BGAV and Bluefield University. The project takes the Together for Hope model of asset-based community development to engage in transformational mission utilizing the gifts already in the Bluefield area.
Our major partners in the area are the Wade Center, the Crea Company and T & T Organics. Our goal is to invest in organizations already working on the ground to increase the capacity and reach of their ministries.
The Together for Hope Model
“We are better when we work together, so we continue to build a coalition of organizations, churches, and individuals who share our goals, while we work to provide resources, support, and networking for existing partners.”
LUCHA Ministries
Global Immigration & Migration Advocacy
LUCHA Ministries, Inc., led by Sue and Greg Smith, CBF Field Personnel, demonstrates the love of God towards immigrants by defending their rights, meeting social, emotional, physical, and spiritual needs, and by strengthening community engagement.
You can engage by praying for our field personnel and all they encounter, by learning more about the plight of immigrants and refugees and by connecting with the Smiths to see how you can make a difference.
Grace and Main
Housing & Homelessness Advocacy
Led by CBF Field Personnel, Jessica Hearne, Grace and Main continues to be involved in a number of neighborhoods and apartment communities throughout Danville. Grace and Main works with tenants and neighbors to make sure they know what their rights are when it comes to state and city regulations concerning renting and housing, “believing this is an extension of our work for secure and stable shelter and we believe in prayerful, faith-based organizing around justice issues like this one and others.”
In 2019, CBFVA helped Grace and Main purchase a housing unit that the ministry uses to create equity for folks that otherwise would not have that option. This advocacy work really does challenge systems.
advocacy in action
When enough people speak up, government leaders listen.
Mission Grants
We know that there are advocacy needs in your community! As you dig in, talk to your neighbors and find out where God is calling you to connect, CBFVA wants to offer 1000-dollar grants to help your congregation do this work without straining your budget.