The Coalition of Religious Communities (CORC) is a network of different religious communities in Utah working to improve the lives of low-income people through education and advocacy. Realizing that even their most passionate members can find their first visit to the state legislature an intimidating experience, CORC developed Faith Days on the Hill, an introduction to the legislative process at the Utah capitol for citizen advocates.

CORC represents 18 faith communities that are committed to social justice, and they work to involve congregations, clergy and individuals in creating change. Faith Days grew out of a desire to show members from various faith communities how they can influence the legislative process. According to Linda Hilton, CORC's Project Director, the project's goal is "to bring real people to the Hill," not paid lobbyists, and for citizens who care about what happens in their community to meet their elected representatives. For many members, this may be the first time they have ever set foot on Capitol Hill, let alone talked with a state senator or representative about the issues that affect them.

To kick off the day, participants gather in a statehouse meeting room which CORC has reserved. After initial introductions, CORC facilitators make sure that all participants know their legislative district and who their legislators are. One of the goals for the day is for every participant to meet their elected officials since, according to Hilton, some legislators rarely get to talk to their own constituents.

Next, facilitators describe the hot button issues on the day's legislative agenda and provide brief fact sheets on the bills that CORC is focused on. The fact sheets summarize the bill, provide background on the issue and talking points. (Examples of fact sheets from the most recent legislative session can be viewed here.) The fact sheets help participants become instant experts on the issue Hilton says, "and that is very empowering." Facilitators also tailor each day's presentation to the individual participants present. For example, if there are participants from the district of a legislator holding a key vote on a particular bill, facilitators will describe that legislator's position so that participants might press the issue or express thanks and support as appropriate.

After the issues briefing, facilitators lead participants on a tour of the statehouse, showing participants where they can obtain copies of bills, describing how to send a note to a legislator in session, explaining how participants can arrange a meeting with their representatives and how to start a conversation with a legislator. Hilton suggests that participants can use the Fact Sheet talking points as an opening, but CORC also encourages participants to tell legislators how they personally are affected by an issue, how it impacts their family and people they care about. "Tell the story from your heart...that's where real people make the difference," she advises.

Following the tour, first-time participants are paired with more experienced members in case they have further questions throughout the day. Then participants are turned loose to pursue their issues, but they are invited to re-convene over lunch to discuss information they learn, changes to the day's legislative agenda or other questions that arise. CORC also maintains an e-mail list to keep members informed about the issues after their day on the Hill and to alert them when new action is needed.

CORC sponsors Faith Days on the Hill every Tuesday and Thursday while the Utah legislature is in session and hundreds of members have participated. Hilton offers the following tips for organizations that may wish to organize similar events:

• Start with the legislators who represent the individual participants that day. They respond to voters from their district.
• Remind participants to always leave something in writing with their legislator and to include contact information.
• Develop an e-mail list with members and their voting districts for future targeted action alerts.

The Coalition of Religious Communities (CORC) is an advocacy project of the Crossroads Urban Center. Project Director Linda Hilton can be contacted at linda@crossroads-u-c.org.