How are we doing
in our advocacy work?
Should MCC simply feed the hungry or should it also encourage government policies to prevent hunger? Should MCC simply provide prostheses for cluster munition victims, or should it also urge strong government support for an international ban on cluster munitions?
Ongoing questions like these have prompted our office to undertake an innovative Advocacy Research Project to better understand the perspectives of MCC supporters when it comes to advocacy.
 While MCC is committed to advocacy as one of the "tools" in its toolbox of strategies for doing relief, development and peace, we want to better understand and respond to the challenges and concerns that are raised by some of our supporters.
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Parliamentary business:
A kerfuffle about CoSA
On February 20, Correctional Service Canada (CSC) informed MCC that funding contracts for Circles of Support and Accountability (CoSA) programming across the country were being terminated.
 CoSA involves teams of dedicated volunteers--supported by professionals--who accompany individuals with sexual offending histories when their prison sentences end. Team members hold the individuals accountable for their actions, while helping them reintegrate into the community. MCC was greatly encouraged by the efforts of Members of Parliament, constituents, and the Minister of Public Safety (the Honourable Steven Blaney) who listened to our concerns and advocated on behalf of this important program. We believe these collective actions played a crucial role in CSC's reinstatement of MCC's CoSA contract in mid-March. Secured funding ensures we are able to continue delivering a community-based justice initiative with a proven track record of enhancing public safety.
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New resource:
New issue of Intersections
The latest issue of Intersections, MCC's quarterly publication on theory and practice, focuses on community-led advocacy. It offers a rich and broad definition of advocacy that goes beyond traditional notions.
"We should not think of advocacy simply in terms of political engagement in the global north, but also in terms of:communities in the global south mobilizing to engage local, regional and national government officials in their contexts; solidarity among communities and organizations from the global south; Indigenous groups learning from each other's post-colonial struggles; and more."
-- Nate Howard, MCC worker and co-compiler of this issue
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Ottawa Office Newsletter archives
Read previous editions of our newsletter here. |
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Quotation
of the month
"All of us advocate by the choices we make in our lives, so the question is not whether or not to advocate but rather what do we advocate for and how do we do that."
-- Dr. Karen Cornies, Dean of Students, Redeemer University College, and member of the Steering Committee for the Ottawa Office Advocacy Research Project
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Opportunities:
Days of Prayer and Action for Colombia
If your group or church has sponsored refugees from Colombia, or has a special interest in Colombia, consider participating in Days of Prayer and Action (DOPA) April 6-7 or at some other time. 
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Journeying toward reconciliation
Read the statement made by Anabaptist leaders.
Read a reflection by Pamela Peters-Pries, Associate Program Director for MCC Canada.
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Staff update:
Paul Heidebrecht
Ottawa Office Director
Paul spent the last days of March on a speaking tour arranged by MCC Ontario. He spoke about the work of the Ottawa office to classes at Redeemer University College in Ancaster and Conrad Grebel University College in Waterloo, to church conference leaders and MCC provincial staff in Kitchener, as well as MCC supporters in Toronto.
Last month Paul also celebrated the publication of his first book,
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