Walking With People on the Margins:
Advocacy and Spiritual Accompaniment 101

January 28 - Feb 25, 2002
Monday evenings
7:00 - 9:00 PM

The People's Seminary is offering a five week training course designed to inform and sensitize people desiring to serve as advocates for the most vulnerable in our society.

Immigrants, homeless people and ex-offenders together with local advocates, representatives of the legal system and helping professions will present diverse social and theological perspectives essential to effective advocacy and mentoring.

Special attention will be given to issues related to advocacy in Washington State.

Our objective is to equip volunteers, advocates, pastors, church administrators, lay pastors, Skagit County Jail Ministry volunteers, and anyone else who wishes to more effectively walk with people on the margins.

Jan 28: Local and theological perspectives on advocacy

Who is in need of an advocate? Real life situations from the "front lines" of advocacy.
   > Roger Capron & Rocio Robles, Tierra Nueva Family Support Center.

Biblical and theological perspectives on advocacy and spiritual accompaniment.
   > Bob Ekblad, Director of Tierra Nueva & The People's Seminary.

Feb. 4: How does the system work?

Understanding the legal system.
   > David Sverin, District Court Judge

Understanding the I.N.S.
   > Bart Stroupe, Seattle Immigration Attorney

Feb. 11: Defining the role of the advocate and mentor

What do we hope to accomplish? What are some common pitfalls (boundary issues, enabling, manipulative behavior…) and how do we avoid them?
  > Rich Ward, former Director of District Court Probation.

Feb. 18: Common conditions of the marginalized

What the advocate needs to know about chemical dependency and treatment.
   > Tim Tackles, Skagit Recovery

What the advocate needs to know about domestic violence perpetrator and victims.

What the advocate needs to know about mental health issues facing people on the margins.

Feb. 25: Sustaining spirituality for advocacy over the long haul

Panel presentation and discussion.
   > Rich Ward, Bob Ekblad

Cost: $50.00 per person, or $100.00 per congregation plus $10.00 per member attending. (Note: scholarships available.)

To confirm participation, please call Rob at 360.755.9062 or write to courses@peoplesseminary.org