PHPC has a rich history of impacting communities facing poverty. As one of the founding congregations of North Dallas Shared Ministries, PHPC played a pivotal role in providing free services to prevent families from falling into homelessness. Additionally, PHPC founded Literacy Achieves (formerly known as Vickery Meadow Learning Center) to teach English to immigrants, offering them a path to success in the US. Through these and other significant partnerships, church members have effectively advocated for individuals in need and promoted educational opportunities in impoverished neighborhoods.
In 2022, the Session of PHPC approved The Christian Call to Advocacy, establishing an Advocacy Impact Team with the goal of broadening our advocacy efforts to address systemic issues perpetuating poverty. A dedicated group of members then engaged in book studies and listening sessions to discern the direction of our advocacy initiatives.
The Advocacy Ministry Team actively engages with small groups within the church to introduce the ministry, gather feedback, and identify areas of passion for advocacy within the congregation. Additionally, we are committed to educating ourselves about and implementing best practices for sustainable development.
The lack of affordable housing in Dallas has been selected as an immediate focus based on a recent report from the Child Poverty Action Lab. Currently, deliberations for The Advocacy Impact Team has collectively chosen to prioritize the issue of affordable housing in Dallas, driven by a May 2023 report from the Child Poverty Action Lab (CPAL). The report highlights a significant gap in rental unit supply, with 33,660 units needed for the city's lowest-income households (earning at or below 50% of the Area Median Income, which is $44,500 for a family of four in Dallas). Without intervention, this gap is projected to increase to 83,500 rental units by 2030 for households at or below 50% of the AMI. With a lower homeownership rate compared to the rest of the state and 52% of renters experiencing housing cost burdens, it is evident that action is urgently needed to address this pressing issue. Dallas Capital Bond allocations include discussion of support for housing in the package under the category of economic development and following on successes in Houston and Austin. Information for advocacy on this topic is available from the Dallas Housing Coalition.
Churches and religious organizations, like many other charitable organizations, qualify for
exemption from federal income tax under IRC Section 501(c)(3) and are generally eligible to receive
tax-deductible contributions. To qualify for tax-exempt status, the organization must meet the following
requirements:
The IRS regulations on the activities of congregations can be summarized as follows:
Advocacy is any action that speaks in favor of, recommends, argues for a cause, supports or defends, or pleads
on behalf of others. It includes public education, regulatory work, litigation, and work before administrative bodies,
lobbying, nonpartisan voter registration, nonpartisan voter education, and more.
Lobbying is communicating with decision makers (elected officials and staff; voters on ballot measures), about
existing or potential legislation, and urging a vote for or against. All three components of this definition are
required: decision makers, actual legislation, AND asking for a vote.
First United Methodist Church, Dallas. “We focus on three core areas to direct our educational and advocacy efforts: Public Education, Social Transformation and Mental Health.”
PC(USA). The Presbyterian Office of Public Witness is the public policy information and advocacy office of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Its task is to “advocate, and help the church to advocate, the social witness perspectives and policies of the Presbyterian General Assembly.”
Temple Emanu-El, Dallas. “Advocacy is central to Reform Judaism and to Temple Emanu-El. The Social JusticeCouncil seeks approval of new advocacy positions and efforts from Temple’s Board of Trustees. Our advocacy issue-oriented; not partisan, but often political.”
Westminster Presbyterian Church, Minneapolis. “Our Social Justice Ministry Team equips members ofWestminster and the larger community to work for justice. Across a broad spectrum of concerns, the team provides educational programming, supports the development of advocacy statements, and promotes action.”
Wilshire Baptist Church, Dallas. The Christian Advocacy Ministry is about “equipping the church to be advocates on issues of justice.”
Questions 1 & 2. “The Real Rules: Congregations and IRS Guidelines for Advocacy, Lobbying and Elections.”Unitarian Universalist Association.
Question 3. “Advocacy vs. Lobbying.” National Council of Nonprofits.
Question 4. Websites of indicated institutions.
The IRS Tax Guide for Churches and Religious Organizations is available in Publication 1828 (Rev. 8-2015).
