As people of faith, we believe that our Creator God intends health and wholeness for every human life.  The Wisconsin Council of Churches is working with other health care reform advocates to educate and mobilize Wisconsin's religious community to engage in the national discussion about health care reform.

Listed below are informational and advocacy resources to help individuals and congregations learn more about and evaluate current health care proposals.

Health Reform Advocacy and Information Organizations

       BadgerCare+ Program 

       Consumer Guide to Health Care

Four Opportunities For People of Faith To Engage in Health Care Reform

1. Prayer, personal and communal: Prayer opens us to hear in new ways and creates hope where hope seems illusive. Prayer is the beginning point of our faithfulness to God’s desire for compassion and justice in the world.

2. Community: Establish or enter regular communication with others concerned about health care reform. For people wishing to engage social and political involvement it is essential to gather and talk with others who can reflect, share information, take action and pray together. Your community might include members of your church or larger denomination, friends, neighbors, and members of organizations listed above. It is most difficult to proceed with hope unless we are connected with a community of faithful people on a regular basis.

3. Education: The health care reform process is constantly evolving, and new language and concerns are always emerging. Educating yourself and your community of support regarding concerns about our failing health care system is essential. Websites listed above delineate the elements of a just health care system, and some also advocate for particular legislative direction. Regularly checking websites you find helpful, being in contact with members of your community, attending public forums with legislators and other leaders are ways of getting necessary, up-to-date information.

4. Action: Taking action is essential if good health care reform is to be accomplished. Most action taken by concerned people of faith consists of regular, small steps. People of faith understand both the importance of taking each step and the limited effect a single step. Steps you can take include:

• Assess your local and organizational connections. Consider how you can be in dialogue with, educate and influence your family, friends, and civic, professional and religious groups/organizations.

• Work with various media sources – letters to the editor in local papers are effective ways of communicating concerns of community members.

• Be in contact with legislators through e-mails, letters and phone calls, especially at times of critical legislative votes. Several websites listed above provide sample letters that can be sent, important call-in times and contact information.