Social Justice - Cycles of Hope

Our vision is radical. We strive to do more than just help individuals in their need. Individual need is linked to wider policies and systems that can hinder people making progress. For this reason we believe it important to do some good reflecting and thinking about what we are observing and experiencing. We do this with our bias towards those with lest voice and power. We do this within Wesley Community Action and in the many wider forums that we are a part of.

Our aim is to play a part of creating solutions to the sets of issues and needs that impact directly on our services. In doing this we contribute to the cycle of hope within our communities

The Cycle of Hope document outlines the Methodist approach to Social Services. In this document it states:

We are all encouraged:

to recognise we live in a changing, damaged and fragile world;
to seek innovative solutions as well as continuing to respond to immediate need;
to liberate people for life;
to enable people to achieve their own goals, rather than impose goals upon them;
to strengthen children and adults of all ages and build a better sense of neighbourhood, and;
to move away from “charity” to the transformation of society through partnership with all people of goodwill.

To this end Wesley Community Action …

Engages with Government (Central and Local) through making submissions and talking to politicians

(e.g. Repeal of Section 59 of Crimes Act, Treaty and Foreshore Legislation)

Organises seminars and workshops on key policy issues

(e.g. Working with young men, strength based approach to the Treaty based partnership)

Participates in campaigns and protests movements

(e.g. Every Child Counts, Prostitution Law Reform)

Advocates for individuals and groups

e.g. helping people get rightful benefits

In tackling these challenges Wesley Community Action used an approach illustrated in the diagram below.