Prayer Caucus Chairman Handbook

Transcription

1 Prayer Caucus Chairman Handbook Copyright January 2016 CPCF. All rights reserved.

2 Prayer Caucus Chair Handbook - 2 Table of Contents Section 1 Definition of Terms... 3 Section 2 Congressional Prayer Caucus Foundation... 3 Our Vision... Error! Bookmark not defined. Our Approach... Error! Bookmark not defined. Our Mission... Error! Bookmark not defined. Our Strategy... Error! Bookmark not defined. Our Values... 4 Our Funding... 5 Our Organizational Chart... 5 Section 3 Congressional Prayer Caucus... 6 A Call to Prayer for America... Error! Bookmark not defined. Section 4 American Prayer Caucus Network... 7 Purpose of the State Legislative Prayer Caucus... 7 Role of State Legislative Prayer Caucus Chair(s)... 7 Role of the Prayer Caucus Network State Director... 8 Purpose of the State Prayer Caucus Network... 8 Section 5 CPCF Initiatives... 9 Current Initiatives... 9 Section 5 Resources to Support You Private Government Leaders Section at the Main CPCF Website CPCF Mobile App CPCF Social Media and Websites CPCF Contact Information State Prayer Caucus Information... 13

3 Prayer Caucus Chair Handbook - 3 Section 1 Definition of Terms Congressional Prayer Caucus Foundation, Inc. (CPCF) A non-profit, non-partisan organization created to work alongside elected officials who are calling America back to prayer and trust in God. Committed to protecting religious freedom, preserving Judeo Christian heritage and promoting prayer. Established in Led by Lea Carawan, Executive Director / President. Congressional Prayer Caucus (CPC) An official bicameral and bipartisan Congressional Member Organization formed to promote prayer and pursue common legislative objectives to protect religious liberties. Established in Members include U.S. Representatives and U.S. Senators. Led by Rep. J. Randy Forbes and Senator James Lankford. State Legislative Prayer Caucus A group of legislators from one state who are united by their commitment to prayer and the preservation of the Judeo-Christian values that formed America. Affiliated with APCN. Members include state legislators. Led by a chair(s). State Prayer Caucus Network A crucial support system organized to establish a prayer covering and practical support for each State Legislative Prayer Caucus. Affiliated with APCN and CPCF. Members include volunteer citizen members. Led by a state director. American Prayer Caucus Network (APCN) The entire nationwide network of legislators and citizens who are part of the Congressional Prayer Caucus, State Legislative Prayer Caucuses and State Prayer Caucus Networks. Established in Members include government leaders and citizens. PrayUSA: Government Leaders Calling the Nation to Prayer (PrayUSA) A nationwide prayer initiative spearheaded by government leaders who are calling for unceasing prayer for America. Established in Members include citizens and elected officials who join in prayer. Room 219 / 219 Prayer A room in the U.S. Capitol where members of the CPC meet regularly to pray. Also a prayer initiative where citizens commit to pray for America and her leaders. Established in CPCF initiative. Members include any citizen and elected government official who joins in prayer. In God We Trust. Put it Up! (IGWT) A nationwide initiative encouraging the public display of America s National Motto. Citizen response to landslide Congressional vote on H. Con. Resolution 13. Established in CPCF initiative. Members include any citizen and elected government official who joins in prayer and action. LIFFT America Religious Liberty Summit The annual gathering for members of the APCN hosted by CPCF. Established in Members include leaders and elected government officials. Call to Prayer Proclamation A Proclamation that was first written and signed by members of the CPC in 2005 calling on God s people to unify with one heart and one voice to pray for America. The Proclamation has been modified for use in the nationwide PrayUSA Initiative as well as the statewide Prayer Caucus Launch Events. Members include citizens and elected government officials.

4 Prayer Caucus Chair Handbook - 4 Section 2 Congressional Prayer Caucus Foundation The Congressional Prayer Caucus Foundation, Inc. (CPCF) is a non-profit, non-partisan organization created to work alongside elected officials who are effectively spearheading a national movement to protect God s enduring place in the public square. CPCF is committed to preserving our right to be a nation that trusts in God by mobilizing and unifying like minded government leaders who believe in the power of prayer, and are willing to proactively defend and protect American religious liberty at the national, state and local levels. CPCF equips, resources and provides infrastructure for members of the American Prayer Caucus Network; and provides a platform for elected officials to lead and equip a nationwide network of praying citizens. Our Vision Protect religious freedom, preserve America s Judeo-Christian heritage and promote prayer. Our Approach Utilizing an established set of effective programs, the CPCF has been proactive and focused on the unifying theme of protecting religious freedom. We endeavor to reach across all denominational, socioeconomic, political, racial and cultural dividing lines. We diligently implement strategies that are both top-down, deploying the highest levels of national leadership and bottom-up, mobilizing a broad base of motivated citizens. Our Mission The CPCF will restore and promote America s founding spirit and core principles related to faith and morality by equipping and mobilizing a national network of citizens, legislators, pastors, business owners and opinion leaders. Our Strategy 1. Unite and Activate Government Leaders: Provide forums for high-level leaders within federal, state and local governments, to connect, strategize and strongly advocate for Judeo-Christian values and religious liberty. 2. Equip and Mobilize a Grassroots Community of Committed Advocates: Build a powerful network of committed citizens and government leaders nationwide to increase active prayer, multiply advocacy efforts to protect against attacks on religious freedom, and ensure enduring legislative solutions are in place to preserve America s Judeo-Christian heritage. 3. Provide Broad-based Education and Awareness to the Public: Utilize a variety of key venues and existing national infrastructure to impact public opinion through thought leadership, promoting relevant content to increase awareness of attacks on religious freedom; advancing a clear and winsome appeal for prayer, faith and morality in the public square; and implementing programs that equip individuals to practice and advocate for these core principles.

5 Prayer Caucus Chair Handbook - 5 Our Values Our Funding God first We are citizens of the Kingdom of God in Christ and governed by His principles. Prayer We are dependent on His guidance and mercy. Relationships We value relationships and will build unity with others whenever possible. Stewardship We consider it a sacred trust to preserve and protect the freedom and Christian heritage God has given us in America. Truth We seek to live and teach according to the truth revealed by God in the Bible. The Congressional Prayer Caucus Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit, non-partisan organization. Contributions are tax-deductible in accordance with IRS rules and regulations. No funds are used for political or campaign activities. Our Organizational Chart

6 Prayer Caucus Chair Handbook - 6 Section 3 Congressional Prayer Caucus The bipartisan and bicameral Congressional Prayer Caucus (CPC), formed in 2005 by Congressman J. Randy Forbes [R-VA] and cochaired by Senator James Lankford, is an official Caucus of the U.S. Congress with nearly 100 members. A Congressional caucus is a group of members of the U.S. Congress formed in order to pursue common legislative objectives. The Congressional Prayer Caucus was formed to pursue common legislative objectives as well as allow for quick and unified riposte to proposed legislation opposing religious liberties. It was formed to acknowledge the important role that prayer and Judeo-Christian principles play in American life and history, as well as to defend against the concerted effort to remove all vestige of God from the public square. A Call to Prayer for America Following the launch of the CPC, Virginia Congressman J. Randy Forbes and over 30 other Members of Congress from 19 states held a bipartisan press conference on the West Steps of the U.S. Capitol to call America back to prayer at noon on Wednesday, March 28, The ceremony included the signing of a Call to Prayer Proclamation. State Prayer Caucuses are using the original Proclamation as a pattern for their own Call to Prayer Proclamations. Which members of Congress belong to CPC? The list is continually growing. Go to to see a current list of members. Are the Congressional Prayer Caucus (CPC) and the Congressional Prayer Caucus Foundation (CPCF) one in the same? No. The Congressional Prayer Caucus is an entirely separate entity from the Congressional Prayer Caucus Foundation. The Congressional Prayer Caucus is an official Congressional member organization and caucus of the U.S. Congress. It was formed in order to pursue common legislative objectives and is registered with the Committee on House Administration. Rules of the House of Representatives prevent commingling of resources between the two organizations. Who is J. Randy Forbes? Congressman J. Randy Forbes (VA), founder of the Congressional Prayer Caucus Foundation, Inc. is a husband, father, attorney and public servant representing the diverse and expansive Fourth Congressional District of Virginia. Serving his fourth term in the U.S. House of Representatives, he focuses his efforts on protecting the security and sovereignty of our nation, preserving the moral and historical roots of our country, strengthening our military and supporting veterans, growing educational opportunities for our children, and promoting economic development through fiscal responsibility.

7 Prayer Caucus Chair Handbook - 7 Section 4 American Prayer Caucus Network The American Prayer Caucus Network is supported by the Congressional Prayer Caucus Foundation, Inc. (CPCF). CPCF is successfully uniting elected leaders across the nation with praying and action-oriented citizens in a concerted effort to protect America s rich spiritual heritage and the religious liberty granted us by our Creator and defined in the First Amendment. Your position of influence gives you the opportunity to unite people of faith on both sides of the aisle for this very important cause. Purpose of the State Legislative Prayer Caucus Unite legislators who would like to begin meeting and praying together, or who are already meeting and would take the initiative to the next level; Advance information related to America s Judeo-Christian heritage, the status of religious liberty, strategy to effectively combat the growing ant-faith shift in America. Use the legislative process both through sponsorship of affirmative legislation and through opposition to detrimental legislation to assist the nation and its people in continuing to draw upon and benefit from the expression of faith in the public square. What is a typical agenda for a Legislative Prayer Caucus meeting? Legislators meet to pray for guidance on current issues as well as discuss and create areas of strategy around prayer, legislation, education and mobilization to protect our Judeo-Christian nation and religious freedom. Role of State Legislative Prayer Caucus Chair(s) The role of the State Legislative Prayer Caucus Chair(s) can vary depending on the amount of time available to dedicate to this mission. Prayer Caucus Chairs invite legislators to join the Prayer Caucus, as well as keep this mission a priority in the hearts and minds of Prayer Caucus Members. Prayer Caucus Chair(s) work together with the State Director to create an annual strategy for effectiveness; including, but not limited to: Legislator-led prayer and State Prayer Caucus Network Prayer initiatives New Prayer Caucus member acquisition Legislative strategies to protect our Judeo-Christian heritage and religious liberty Defense of faith and morality in the public square Advocacy for persecuted Christians Champion the truth about our Founding Principles, Judeo-Christian heritage and other important concepts like Separation of Church and State, Freedom of Religious vs. Freedom of Worship and Rights of Americans to pray in the public square Mobilize the State Prayer Caucus Network on mission-related issues

8 Prayer Caucus Chair Handbook - 8 As the Prayer Caucus Chair, the following are suggested actions that will help to ensure a healthy Legislative Prayer Caucus. PC Chair Actions Consider holding a Prayer Caucus Launch event Work with the State Director to create and implement a state strategy annually Coordinate legislative prayer in your state capitol Invite new members to join the Prayer Caucus Connect to members of the APCN in other states on TeleBriefings and Annual Summit Receive American Prayer Caucus Network s Meet regularly with the State Director Role of the Prayer Caucus Network State Director The State Director will serve as a liaison between legislators, the State Prayer Caucus Network and the Congressional Prayer Caucus Foundation. They will work alongside elected leaders and citizens to implement the fullness of the vision of the CPCF in each state. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: Meeting regularly with the State Prayer Caucus Chairman and collaborate on strategy Serving as a liaison between state legislators, citizens and the CPCF Creating and organizing a support system to establish a prayer covering for each State Legislative Prayer Caucus that is transformational and sustainable Collaboration of prayer and action at the state level to accelerate the rate at which religious freedom is secured nationally Mobilize the State Prayer Caucus Network to stand with State Legislative Prayer Caucus members as they support legislation that protects individual freedom of religion Work alongside State Legislative Prayer Caucus members as they facilitate organized calls to prayer, partner with churches and para-church organizations and ultimately preserve faith in God as lifeblood of America Regularly join with the State Director Trainer and other State Directors across the Network Provide monthly activity reports to the CPCF State Director Trainer Purpose of the State Prayer Caucus Network The State Legislative Prayer Caucus Network is a crucial support system organized to establish a prayer covering and tactical support for each State Legislative Prayer Caucus that is transformational and sustainable. Successful collaboration of prayer and action at the state level will accelerate the rate at which religious freedom is secured at the national level.

9 Prayer Caucus Chair Handbook - 9 Section 5 CPCF Initiatives Current Initiatives 1. PrayUSA: Government Leaders Calling the Nation to Prayer An extraordinary prayer initiative that was birthed on March 7, 2015 at the historic LIFFT America Religious Liberty Summit in Charlotte, North Carolina, convened by the Congressional Prayer Caucus Foundation, along with Congressman J. Randy Forbes and Senator James Lankford, co-chairs of the Congressional Prayer Caucus. 16 members of Congress and 36 state legislators representing 25 states gathered to coordinate a tactical strategy to effectively challenge the growing anti-faith movement in our Country. Hundreds of government leaders and over a hundred thousand citizens have already answered the call and signed a Call to Prayer for America; but that is just the first step. Now churches nationwide are scheduling time on Sunday morning to have an elected official read the Proclamation, play the 3-minute PrayUSA video and allow their congregation to sign the Proclamation. Downloadable resources are available at PrayUSA hosted social media sites: PrayUSA Prayer Caucus Chair Actions Like and follow all PrayUSA social media Add Your Signature to the nationwide PrayUSA: Government Leaders Calling the Nation to Prayer Initiative prayer Proclamation Invite your state churches to host a PrayUSA Sunday and help coordinate a State Legislative Prayer Caucus member to attend

10 Prayer Caucus Chair Handbook Prayer Every week before session, Members of Congress meet to pray in Room 219, a strategic room in the U.S. Capitol. Room 219 is a strategic prayer initiative from CPCF. In 2002, Congressman J. Randy Forbes from Virginia gathered together a small group of Congressional Members of the U.S. House of Representatives to meet together to pray for God to heal our nation. Prayer Caucus Chair Actions Increase prayer by encouraging citizens to establish a Room 219 group or add 219 Prayer to existing groups after a PrayUSA event or State Legislative Prayer Caucus launch Participate in prayer meetings, programs and events with churches and citizens 3. In God We Trust. Put It Up! Campaign: The nationwide In God We Trust. Put It Up! Campaign is designed to promote the display of our National Motto. This initiative was inspired by the passage of H. Con. Resolution 13 by an overwhelming 396/9 vote in the House in November of 2011; reaffirming our National Motto and encouraging its public display. Now, elected leaders and citizens have taken action to display In God We Trust in government buildings, courtrooms, schools and businesses. The CPCF is providing the infrastructure to provide leadership, resources and the momentum required to raise the banner of In God We Trust. We are encouraging the widespread public display of our national motto, creating a safe harbor for acknowledging God within the public square.

11 Prayer Caucus Chair Handbook - 11 Prayer Caucus Chair Actions Like and follow In God We Trust social media Consider participating in one of the various components of this initiative including but not limited to: passing legislation, hanging an In God We Trust display, hosting an In God We Trust art contest winner in the capitol. Promote this initiative which is on the State Prayer Caucus website In God We Trust hosted social media sites: In God We Trust 4. LIFFT America Religious Liberty Summit: Leaders Inspiring Faith and Freedom in America LIFFT America is an annual Religious Liberty Summit where members of the Congressional Prayer Caucus, American Prayer Caucus Network, State Directors and Christian leaders gather for a strategic meeting around the goal of coordinating a tactical strategy to effectively challenge the growing antifaith movement in our country. Prayer Caucus Chair Action Attend the annual LIFFT America Religious Liberty Summit Help identify and invite key State Prayer Caucus members to the Summit

12 Prayer Caucus Chair Handbook - 12 Section 5 Resources to Support You Private Government Leaders Section at the Main CPCF Website Our exclusive web portal was designed as a valuable information hub especially for legislators and government leaders just like you. When you need access to pertinent legislative issues, associated research documents, historical references and more, this resource will provide critical tools to assist you in making proactive decisions that help secure and defend our religious liberties. Access links to legal/regulatory precedence and the rule of law, supportive talking points, opposition talking points, the states that have successfully enacted legislation, contacts for sponsoring legislators, historical references and additional links to like-minded organizations. jessicayoung@cpcfoundation.com to receive a link to this private webpage or download the CPCF App for mobile devices. CPCF Mobile App CPCF has created a private mobile app to provide of secure communication between members of the APCN and access to important tools and resources. Available for Android, Apple, and Blackberry. CPCF Social Media and Websites CPCF utilizes social media to communicate with the public around our initiatives, our mission and our messaging to support campaigns. We use different media for different purposes. PC Chair Actions Like and follow all of our Facebook sites Follow our Twitter posts Visit our blog site (hosted at WordPress) and read our position statements and blogs around religious freedom in America Visit our websites and become familiar with our initiatives and campaigns Subscribe to our YouTube site and share the videos through your networks CPCF hosted social media sites: CPCFoundation CPCFoundation CPCFoundation.wordpress.com CPCFoundation

13 Prayer Caucus Chair Handbook - 13 CPCF Contact Information Name Address Lea Carawan Executive Director / President lea@cpcfoundation.com Mike Morisi National Development Director mikemorisi@cpcfoundation.com Summer Ingram National Prayer Director summer@cpcfoundation.com Jessica Young Office Manager jessicayoung@cpcfoundation.com Dr. Eric Scalise Senior Editor etscalise@gmail.com Kristi Makin Communications Manager kristi@cpcfoundation.com Office Address Phone CPCF Main Office 524 Johnstown Road Chesapeake, VA State Prayer Caucus Information State Prayer Caucus Website Each State Prayer Caucus is provided a website to serve as a networking hub for legislators for streamlined communication with like-minded citizens; equipped with social networking tools, event calendar and other cutting edge tools. Many state pages have been completed and can be accessed here: State Prayer Caucus Branding CPCF provides branding material every Prayer Caucus including: State Prayer Caucus logo State Prayer Caucus and Facebook headers Note: Please only use images and designs provided or approved by the Foundation when printing your state letterhead, envelopes, and any other state-specific Prayer Caucus affiliated promotion items. A variety of templates are available for your use. Contact CPCF or your State Director for access. Prayer Caucus member acquisition letters and s Prayer Caucus Launch Event s, flyers, agendas State Prayer Caucus Social Media Social Networking is an effective way to communicate with your network quickly and efficiently. We encourage you to utilize the various technological avenues available. CPCF has provided each state with all social media accounts: State-specific Prayer Caucus Facebook State-specific Prayer Caucus Twitter Youtube and Wordpress (available upon request) Teleconference Lines Free teleconference lines are available to host statewide teleconference calls, and can be used for legislators to connect when out of session, connect the Legislative Prayer Caucus with network, statewide/regional prayer calls, etc.