Vulnerable Populations
The vulnerable populations action group supports and works closely with the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy (VICPP) which is the oldest faith-based social justice organization in Virginia. VICPP advocates for changes in state laws and policies that affect the poor and working poor, at-risk children and youth, the homeless, immigrants, and those in the criminal justice system. The Center advocates with senators and delegates in the General Assembly, providing a moral voice in the halls of power and speaking for those whose voices often are not heard. In addition, the Center works in coalition with other like-minded groups on specific projects and public education. Here is a sampling of the current work of the Center:
- Increasing access to healthy foods in the Hampton Roads area to improve children’s nutrition and to decrease childhood obesity
- Taking a public stand against the death penalty
- Creating a fairer process by which felons who have completed their sentences can have their civil rights restored
- Increasing access to health care for families and children
- Promoting legislation to cap the interest rates that predatory lenders (payday lenders and car title lenders) can charge
- Expanding unemployment insurance
In addition, the Center has created Virginia Power and Light to educate congregations and the public about the moral obligation to be good stewards of creation. And, anticipating changes in the wake of the 2010 Census, the Center is advocating for a non-partisan redistricting process in Virginia.
Our Congregation is a member of the VICPP. For more information about what they do and how to become an individual member, go to Virginia Interfaith Center
