Dear Friend,

The title may be Heretic on the Hill but some of the most important advocacy work gets done off the Hill. A chance to talk with Members of Congress in a relaxed setting where they don’t have to worry about which way to vote on the next amendment is invaluable. That opportunity came along last weekend at a legislative retreat in the Washington suburbs. I was able to talk to eleven United States Senators, thank some of them for their support on secular issues such as the Do No Harm Act, and ask others to consider supporting our legislative priorities. There was also a chance to ask several of their senior staff about what’s happening in this busy month on Capitol Hill and get to know them in the process. The staff are vital to the follow-up for anything a Senator agrees to do. 

One of the other guests at this event was a Senator I used to work for who has returned to the private sector at the suggestion of the voters. He now petitions the government just like I do, just as the First Amendment provides for. In addition to stating that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof,” the First Amendment also ensures the right “to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” So I spend a lot of time petitioning the government on your behalf for a redress of grievances when it looks like Congress might pass a “law respecting an establishment of religion.” Just like James Madison set it up in one simple amendment.

The opportunity to attend this retreat came along because I believe in getting to know legislators from both parties who believe in the separation of church and state and who vote accordingly. If you get to know your legislators, follow their voting records, and volunteer for them when they run for re-election, you will also have opportunities to meet with them outside their offices. (They need people who will make phone calls, knock on doors, talk to people at farmers markets, and other things most of us can find time to do.) Once you get to know them, you can let them know that you appreciate their support for secular causes and explain what it means to you personally. 

Over time these relationships help us tremendously in Washington. If we can go into a meeting with a Member of Congress who already knows about our issues and knows constituents from the secular community back home, whatever specific request we have that day is much more likely to be viewed favorably. And if you happen to be coming to Washington, let us know and we will set up your meetings and go with you.