Must See TV on Channel 13?

The CBS Religion Unit sent a film crew behind the scenes at Bread for the World’s Lobby Day in June of this year to experience faith-based advocacy in action. The producer interviewed several Bread members and staff and followed two participants on their congressional office visits.  The interviews were incorporated into a documentary entitled  Religion, Politics, and Advocacy.

CBS will release the documentary on Sunday, Sept. 27, and local affiliates have the option to air the program at their discretion during the next four weeks.  

At this point, we're not sure if Channel 13  in Albuquerque and Channel 4 in El Paso will decide to air this program.  That's why we're asking you to call and ask them to do so.  You an either send an e-mail to Channel 13 by  clicking this link or call the programming department (505) 764-5248

In Las Cruces & southern New Mexico, send an e-mail to KDBC (El Paso), generalmanager@kdbc.com or call (915) 496-4444

Here is a one-minute excerpt from the program that was posted on YouTube.  Bread president David Beckmann appears at the beginning of the excerpt.  California Bread activist and board member Elizabeth Henry is quoted at the end.

And here is a excerpt from the official press release for the program.

Faith groups have always played the role of "activist" in society. Churches, synagogues and mosques run soup kitchens, provide shelter for the homeless, and run disaster relief operations in the United States and abroad…but they also play an important role in shaping legislation.

The program follows "citizen advocates" who participate in the Bread for the World's annual Lobby Day in Washington, D.C. This is a Christian advocacy organization, whose mission is to end hunger and poverty throughout the world. We hear from the group's founder and president emeritus, Arthur Simon, and current president, Rev. David Beckmann, as well.

During lobby day, spiritually minded citizens from all across the United States put faith into action. Through working groups and role playing, participants learn–the finer points of lobbying, everything from how to shape their message, to how to approach their legislators on Capitol Hill. Lobby Day ends with a one-on-one visit with their local Congressman and Senator.

John P. Blessington is the executive producer; Liz Kineke is the producer. This special is produced with the cooperation of the National Council of Churches, The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, The Islamic Society of North America, The Union for Reform Judaism, and the New York Board of Rabbis.