About Us
NETWORK is a progressive voice within the Catholic community that has been influencing Congress in favor of peace and justice for more than 30 years.
Through lobbying and legislative advocacy, we strive to close the gap between rich and poor and to dismantle policies rooted in racism, greed and violence.
NETWORK’s membership, which includes both individuals and organizations, represents more than 100,000 people. This vast constituency is committed and active. When our national office puts out the word that Congress needs to hear from our members on critical legislation, our members respond by calling, writing, emailing or visiting their Senators and Representatives, and by mobilizing others to take action as well.
Since our founding in 1971 by 47 Catholic sisters, NETWORK has been faithfully answering the Gospel call to act for justice. We invite you to join us.
Our Mission
NETWORK - a Catholic leader in the global movement for justice and peace - educates, lobbies and organizes for economic and social transformation.
Our Vision
NETWORK is a national movement of people who are challenged by the Gospel, Catholic social tradition and Earth principles.
We act for justice and peace in solidarity with the global community
We invite the participation of people from all sectors of our society and place the needs and voices of people living in poverty at the center of decision making.
We are anti-racist and inclusive in our actions; we collaborate, partner and engage differences in service of our mission.
Lobbying for Justice
Issues on NETWORK's agenda include:
• Just and fair treatment for immigrants
• Affordable housing
• Healthcare for all
• Retirement security
• Food security
• Wage equity
• Peace in Iraq through economic development
• Fair and just global trade and responsible investment
• Fair and just taxation
• Investment in human needs domestically and globally
NETWORK's Founding
On December 17, 1971, 47 Catholic sisters from many orders and all over the country gathered for a weekend meeting in Washington, DC, to explore how women religious might speak out as one voice to our federal government on behalf of "justice for all."
Many of them had spent decades working with people in need. They had come to believe that providing for the immediate needs of people living in poverty is not enough, that faithfulness to the Gospel demands that we also work to change unjust systems that perpetuate economic inequity.
At their weekend meeting, these women religious decided to form a "network" of sisters to lobby for federal policies and legislation that promote economic and social justice. To get their organization off the ground, they passed a bag and collected $187. In April 1972, they opened a small office in Washington with a staff of two.
NETWORK is grateful for the continued involvement of hundreds of congregations of women religious and thousands of individual sisters, as well as that of parishes, small faith communities, dioceses and religious congregations of brothers and priests, and thousands of lay people. Their vigilance helps keep NETWORK faithful to its mission: lobbying, organizing and educating for justice and peace.
Membership Benefits
When you join NETWORK, you’ll receive –
• A membership booklet with valuable information about how to influence Congress
• Our bimonthly magazine of issue analysis, legislative news, and voting records
In addition, you can subscribe (for free!) to –
• Weekly email Legislative Updates
• Monthly mailed Legislative Updates
• Action Alerts to help you influence legislative issues
The greatest benefit of NETWORK membership is simply this: knowing that you’re doing your part to build a more just nation!
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