Adapted from “A New Way for Advocacy” by Sister Teresa Kotturan
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed deep inequalities across the globe. The crisis reversed decades of progress in ending poverty, improving health, and securing basic rights for people on the margins. While it brought the world to a standstill, it also spotlighted the urgent need to act — to build just, sustainable, and inclusive systems for all people and the planet.
In 2019, the United Nations Secretary-General called for a Decade of Action to accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. The goals outline a universal call to action across 17 interconnected areas, from ending poverty to ensuring climate action. The pledge to “leave no one behind” remains at the heart of this agenda.
The Moral Compass for Action
The SDGs serve as a global roadmap. For people of faith and religious communities, the encyclicals Laudato Si’ and Fratelli Tutti offer a moral and ethical compass. These teachings urge us to care for our common home and to build fraternity and social friendship that transcends borders.
This commitment is reflected in the Sisters of Charity Federation’s vision to work in solidarity with people who are poor and marginalized. The call now is to turn that vision into concrete action — locally, nationally, and globally.
Inequality, Poverty, and the Need for Systemic Change
The pandemic magnified existing disparities. Billionaires saw record gains while millions faced hunger, job loss, and eviction. Wealth concentration grew, along with vaccine inequity and limited social protection for billions.
These outcomes highlight the need to change systems that exploit and exclude. The current global economy does not serve the common good. It requires reform grounded in justice and dignity.
Investing in social protection, quality education, decent work, and healthcare is essential. Equally critical is challenging policies that favor profits over people — such as monopolies on life-saving vaccines or the privatization of water and sanitation.
Voices from the Margins
We must center the experiences of those most impacted by injustice. Women, children, Indigenous people, and those experiencing homelessness must not only be seen but heard. Their participation is vital in shaping solutions.
Religious women have long stood in solidarity with those on the margins. That commitment continues today. Through collaboration, advocacy, and courageous public witness, the Federation and its partners are helping shape a better future.
A New Space for Advocacy: Social Media
Advocacy today requires engaging the public where they are — often online. Social media provides a platform to amplify voices, challenge injustice, and build new partnerships for action.
Strategic messaging, collaboration across networks, and digital education are needed to increase visibility and impact. Social media is not just a tool for outreach. It is a space for ministry — a modern public square where prophetic voices must speak with clarity and courage.
A Proposal for Federation Collaboration
To strengthen advocacy efforts, the Sisters of Charity Federation proposes creating a working group. This group would include leadership, communications personnel, and NGO representatives. The goal is to develop a shared platform for coordinated advocacy on global justice issues, rooted in the Gospel and guided by the charism of Charity.
Looking Ahead
In a world strained by crises, the need for unified and compassionate action has never been more urgent. The decade ahead is critical. Our collective actions now will determine whether we can meet the SDGs and build a more equitable world.
As Sisters and partners, we are called to connect and collaborate with compassion and courage — to act boldly, speak truth, and remain rooted in our mission.
“Love is inventive to infinity,” wrote St. Vincent de Paul. Let us answer the call of this moment, together.