Advocacy Ministry

The Advocacy Committee seeks to help First Presbyterian learn about the challenges facing our neighbors in Charlotte and to inform the congregation about opportunities for addressing those challenges, both individually and as a church.

Our six main areas of advocacy are listed below. You can click into each topic page to learn more about each. We also have a searchable resources section for you to learn on your own time. 

Mission + Objectives
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Sent on the second Friday of the month. This newsletter focuses on the outreach and advocacy work of First Presbyterian. 

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Homelessness + Housing

Housing stability is a crucial part of upward mobility. What are the challenges in Charlotte, and how can we address them?

More info

Plowshares Book Group

Through discussions of challenging books, we hope to learn more about the needs in our community while deepening our relationships.

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Equity in Education

Quality education provides opportunities to move out of poverty. What are the barriers to equitable access and how can we remove them?

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Climate Change

Climate Change is among the largest challenges ever faced by humanity. We must mitigate its effects by addressing the root cause.

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Anti-Racism

Anti-racism is the active endorsement of policies and ideas, by individuals and institutions that lead to racial equity.  

More info

Gun Violence Prevention

As followers of Christ, we can support initiatives to reduce gun violence and lessen its impact on our neighbors in Charlotte.

More info

Resources

We want to understand challenges, amplify voices, explore opportunities, and take action within our community. Below is a list of resources to help you learn and grow.

Topic

Type of Resource

Time Requirement

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Article

National Low Income Housing Coatilition’s Affordable Housing Gap Report for Charlotte Area & NC

Housing & Homelessness

A research team's studies of supply and demand trends and analysis of market and demographic data shows the need for low-income housing across the country.

5-10 minutes

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Article

Benefits Cliff Article by Pedro Perez, former Executive Director of Charlotte Family Housing

Housing & Homelessness

An article written by Pedro Perez, former Executive Director of Charlotte Family Housing, explaining the Benefits Cliff and how it keeps low income families from getting ahead.

5-10 minutes

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Article

It’s Not Just Wages. Retailers Are Mistreating Workers in a More Insidious Way

Housing & Homelessness

NY Times article explaining how companies are abusing workers with part time jobs that although they might offer great hourly wages, they also come with complications like unpredictable schedules and low hours to avoid providing benefits.

5-10 minutes

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Article

Students Are Making a ‘Surprising’ Rebound From Pandemic Closures. But Some May Never Catch Up.

Equity in Education

An analysis of nationwide data on schools’ recovery led by Professor Sean Reardon shows that achievement gaps have widened, with the poorest students the furthest behind.

5-10 minutes

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Article

Chatham County offers new mental health service to students

Equity in Education

Chatham County students now have more options for their mental health needs at no cost.

Less than 5 minutes

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Article

Skipping School: America’s Hidden Education Crisis

Equity in Education

Absenteeism has nearly doubled since the pandemic. With state and federal governments largely abdicating any role in getting kids back into classrooms, some schools have turned to private companies for a reimagined version of the truant officer.

10-30 minutes

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Showing 7-12 of 17 results

News

Updates and information directly from the Advocacy Committee.  

Advocacy Focus: Civil Rights Trip

Have you ever walked across a bridge that played a major role in our history? Or witnessed the anguish still present today in a person who was brutally attacked by police and firemen when they were young? Have you ever thought about what those four young girls were...
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A Beacon of Hope

Make a Home a Reality this Easter updated April 29, 2024 Homeownership is one of the best ways to create family stability and generational wealth, yet it’s out of reach for most Charlotteans. Today, teachers and social service providers like nurses, police officers,...
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Advocacy Ministry Focus: Anti-Racism

First Presbyterian’s history dates back to 1821, when the small town of Charlotte (yes, Charlotte was once considered a small town!) set aside a plot of land for the creation of a town church. The church’s 203 years spanned a number of racial periods: from the Civil...
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Lack of Affordable Housing is Uprooting Teachers and Families at Westerly Hills

In March of 2023, the Session created an Affordable Housing Strategy Team with the goal of bringing a recommendation to help our church address one of our city’s most pressing needs—the lack of affordable housing in our city.  Housing cost increases have outpaced...
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Triptych

Use the links below to navigate to a triptych topic. Repentance and Resurrection Statement Artist's Statement     Repentance and Resurrection Statement Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?  Jesus said to him, You shall love the Lord your...
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FPC Senior Pastors

• Robert Hall Morrison • Abner Johnson Leavenworth • Cyrus Johnston • Arnold DeWelles Miller • Alexander Sinclair • John Alexander Preston • James Robert Howerton • William Morris Kincaid • David Hopkins Rolston • Albert Sidney Johnson • William Addison Alexander, Jr....
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Mixed Income Developments Panel

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to live in a mixed income housing development? Are you curious as to how developers make the financials work, particularly in areas like Uptown where land costs are high? This panel discussion answers these questions and more...
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A Culture of Care

Nov. 2020 marked the 20 year anniversary of our partnership with Westerly Hills Academy. To honor this milestone, we established a food pantry at the school. The project was recently featured in the CMS Foundation yearbook.

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Have Questions?

We’d love to answer them for you.

Please reach out to the Advocacy Committee through the button below.

How Can We Help?