God has called God’s people to work for justice and on behalf of the poor for more than 2,000 years. Micah’s call (6:8) is the basis of our vision. The 2017 General Assembly heard this call in the plans for the new Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival and answered with adoption of a resolution to support this effort based on Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s original campaign 50 years ago.
Follow the Poor People’s Campaign on Twitter @unitethepoor | Follow them on Facebook
Summer 2021
The Poor People’s Campaign is demanding a Third Reconstruction in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Drawing on the transformational history of the First Reconstruction following the Civil War and the Second Reconstruction of the civil rights struggles of the 20th century, the Third Reconstruction is a revival of our constitutional commitment to establish justice, provide for the general welfare, end decades of austerity, and recognize that policies that center the 140 million are also good economic policies that can heal and transform the nation.
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March 12, 2020
Today marks 100 days from the generationally transformative Mass Poor People’s Assembly and Moral March on Washington (June 20). The Moral March will be taking a digital format in an effort to keep the most vulnerable among us safe from COVID-19.
In light of the recent spread of the Coronavirus and in hopes of helping keep people safe, they are cancelling all MORE Tour activities for the next 30 days.
The cancelled tour stops include:
- Seattle/Aberdeen, Washington – Fri. March 20- Sat. March 21
- Springfield, Missouri – Thurs. March 26
- Topeka, Kansas – Sat. March 28
Next steps
April 15, 2019
The Poor People’s Moral Action Congress is taking shape for June 17-19, 2019. An opening worship is being planned for Sunday evening, June 16. Included in the activities will be: the release of the Moral Budget, a forum with presidential candidates, a Freedom School for leaders and a congressional hearing for impacted individuals to share their experiences. Some very low cost housing options are available and the registration fee will be covering food and local transportation.
Feb. 25, 2019 Announcement
Phase 2 of the PPC remains focused on the goal of organizing the 140 million poor folks in our country who live paycheck to paycheck. In order to defeat the evils of racism, poverty, the war economy, ecological devastation and the distorted moral narrative, in Phase 2 we are leading with a few key upcoming events and projects. First, we are launching a National Emergency Truth and Poverty Tour beginning March 28th through the month of April (see below to sign up). In 28 states, PPC will tour locations in order to amplify the real emergency in this country. We will also be developing a moral budget that will be shared after the tours. Then, we will gather from June 17-20 in Washington DC for the People’s Moral Action Congress. Following this congress, the Rev. Dr. Barber and Rev. Dr. Theoharis will tour approximately 20 states. In June 2020, we will return to Washington D.C. for the Poor People’s Assembly and March on Washington.
Video that was shared in the briefing.
Please also see the Poor People’s Audit, which frames the work of Phase 2 as well as the press conference.
2019 Spring Bus Tours
The Poor People’s Campaign is organizing statewide tours in 28 states as part of the National Emergency Truth and Poverty Bus Tour from March 28th through the month of April to amplify the real emergency in this country of 140 million poor and low-wealth people who live paycheck to paycheck. We are inviting faith communities and faith leaders to engage in this tour by signing up to support using this form. Then, someone from the Faith Team of the Poor People’s Campaign: a National Call for Moral Revival will follow-up to make the local connections. Help us all tell the truth about the real emergency in this country! Fill out the form here
Voter registration
Beginning in July 2018, Repairers of the Breach and the Poor People’s Campaign are calling for an end to voter supression and a renewed effort for voter registration. You can watch a video of Rev. Dr. William J. Barber here.
First efforts during 40 Days of Advocacy …
Go to the Disciples Public Presence Facebook page to find many examples of Disciples in action during the initial May-June rallies. (Scroll down for worship resources and more.)
Most up-to-date information
Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival Facebook page | Repairers of the Breach Facebook page
Sign up for local action information
Interactive map to find an event near you
Worship resources
Disciples-specific liturgical tool kit (Google doc) Contact Peter Heltzel if you would like to join in Tuesday discussion calls.
Week 2 (May 20) liturgical took kit
Week 3 (May 27) liturgical tool kit
Week 4 (June 3) liturgical tool kit
Week 5 (June 10) liturgical tool kit
Royalty-free images (please credit artist)
Disciples’ reflections
- Ohio pastor reflects on participation in Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival
- California pastor reflects on Poor People’s Campaign
- Green Chalice minister reflects on Poor People’s Campaign
Recordings/videos
Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II’s sermon for May 13 mass meeting
Recording of Washington DC May 13 mass meeting (Facebook)
National Council of Churches’ video, featuring Rev. Terri Hord Owens
“The Poor People’s Campaign Ramps Up Nationwide” via Splinter
Demands and principles
A Moral Agenda Based on Fundamental Rights
Fundamental Principles of the Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival
Other Resources
Souls of Poor Folks – audit of civil rights 50 years after the original Poor People’s Campaign
Kairos Center study materials – includes links to articles and papers
Royalty-free images (please credit artist)