What Can I Do?
You don't need a law degree or a seat in your country's legislature in order to be a voice for religious freedom. Anyone, anywhere, can become an advocate for religious freedom, and join thousands of others around the globe who are working for an end to religious repression and persecution.
Here are some ideas for how you can join the effort to protect and promote religious freedom.
Be informed
- Stay up to date regarding your country's laws and constitutional provisions regarding religious freedom, and read about the history and development of religious freedom in your country.
- Learn about the international instruments of the United Nations and other international bodies dealing with human rights and religious liberty.
- Create an online news alert that flags articles about religious freedom issues or about legislation that may impact religious freedom.
- Take a look at the links section of this website, and browse the websites of different organizations that are dedicated to promoting religious freedom.
Educate others
- Find ways to share information about current religious freedom issues with others.
- Create an email list for sharing news and updates.
- Offer to give talks about current religious liberty issues at local churches, community events, or schools.
- Encourage local churches to hold annual religious liberty days for members.
Express yourself
- Write to your political representatives regarding current religious liberty legislation or challenges, and encourage others to do the same.
- Consider organizing a religious liberty event--either a concert, or festival, or other public event. The goal is to attracts members of your community to learn more about religious freedom, or to express their support for religious freedom. Enlist the support of local churches or community organizations. Share news about your event with the local media, and invite them to attend.
- Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper about a current religious liberty concern, or submit an opinion piece.
Network
- Consider attending the IRLA's World Congress, held once every five years, which brings together academics, lawyers, faith leaders, public officials and others from around the world. Each Congress is held in a different location, and you can find more information under the World Congress tab of this website.
- Get to know other people and organizations in your area, state or country who share similar goals. You can support their efforts and share information and resources.