WHO WE ARE

The World Vision Advocate Community is a group of committed, passionate advocates compelled by the love of Christ to make an even greater impact on issues that affect people in poverty around the world.

We strongly believe that faith-rooted, relational advocacy is the most effective approach to influencing U.S. policy. For us, advocacy is a ministry – this is what sets us apart. We seek to bring God’s renewal into a political environment that is often demanding. As we build genuine relationships with members of Congress and their staff:

» We inspire them with care, prayer, and local support.
» We courageously speak truth and challenge them when necessary.
» We empower them to create lasting solutions to end extreme poverty.

And through it all, we invite God’s power and trust in His presence to use these relationships to transform lives, both around the world and here at home.

The Hub exists to help equip you and empower you to live out this calling. This is your place to connect with others in the World Vision Advocate Community, ask for prayer, stay updated on legislation that impacts kids around the world, and access the training and resources you need to make the most impact.

WHERE WE ARE

Learn more about your fellow advocates by clicking on an orange pin below:

WHAT WE ADVOCATE FOR

We look forward to a world where every child experiences Jesus’ offer of life in all its fullness. Where kids are protected, cared for, and given the opportunities to become all God meant them to be. Where they grow strong in communities free of need and full of promise. Where families are valued, creation is preserved, and the most vulnerable live in security and confidence. Where they become responsible citizens of well-led nations. Where peace and justice reign and all have the right to contribute.

We don't just wait for this world. We advocate for it. We ask U.S. leaders to help create solutions to end extreme global poverty, so that every child can experience the fullness of life that God intends. These solutions aren't always simple. As a World Vision Advocate, we'll help you determine which issues are most strategic to focus on with your members of Congress so that our collective voice can have the greatest impact.

Life, hope, and a future for every child

Discover the roots of biblical social justice and how this motivates us, as Christians, to fight injustice. You have a part to play, join us.
Despite incredible progress in preventing child death, one million children still take their first and last breath on the day they are born. To save moms and kids, we must save these programs from any disproportionate cuts. We are asking people to take action this week.
Around the world, there are various barriers to education. But, education is critical to protecting children from exploitation, child marriage, and other harms. The benefits are vast, so education must be prioritized for every child. Pray that all children get access to safe and effective education.

Every person needs, and deserves, access to clean water and essential healthcare. Despite progress in the last 30 years, there is still a massive gap in basic healthcare in poor, rural communities. We advocate for greater U.S. investment in interventions and programs that save lives and promote a child’s well-being—like healthy pregnancies, safe deliveries, proper nutrition, and access to clean water.

Half of the world’s children experience some form of violence every year. War, political instability, drought, and natural disasters upend lives—often hitting vulnerable kids the hardest. We advocate, urging the U.S. government to holistically fight violence against children and pass legislation that addresses the root causes of gender-based violence, conflict, and fragility. Working together, children can live free from fear and protected from harm.

If we’re healthy and hopeful but lack economic opportunity and education, making a decent living is nearly impossible. We advocate for strong U.S. leadership in protecting livelihoods and increasing access to education. World Vision’s audacious goal is to help end extreme poverty— we believe this is possible through sustained funding for programs that save lives and give children a better chance at a hope-filled future.

GETTING IN TOUCH

May you feel welcomed, supported, and commissioned for the ministry of advocacy as you explore the Hub. Looking for the answer to a specific question? Our World Vision Advocacy staff are happy to help.

MEGAN PRATT
Manager, Grassroots Organizing
Location:  Federal Way, WA
mpratt@worldvision.org

About Megan

Megan has been with World Vision for over 12 years, leading efforts to advocate about the AIDS crisis and for the benefits of child sponsorship as the National Director of World Vision’s Child Ambassador Team. She loves World Vision’s approach to community development and has seen it in Guatemala, Nicaragua, Cambodia, Uganda, Bangladesh, Kenya, Rwanda, Malawi, and right here in the U.S!

HAYLEY STRUZIK
Grassroots Organizer
Location:  Reston, VA
hastruzik@worldvision.org

About Hayley

Hayley Struzik is the Grassroots Organizer for the South region of the US. She is passionate about World Vision’s faith-rooted approach to advocacy, and how it transforms both our volunteers and Members of Congress. She has been able to travel to Guatemala, Kenya, and Malawi with World Vision and see US government funds empower people to build their own healthy, safe, and educated communities. She holds a Master’s in International Relations from American University, and lives in Reston, VA.

COURTNEY CROWDER
Grassroots Organizer
Location:  Bedford, NH
ccrowder@worldvision.org

About Courtney

Courtney Crowder is the Grassroots Organizer for the Central and Northeast regions of the US. She previously served as a volunteer and staff sharing about World Vision’s holistic development approach and sponsorship. She has witnessed the work first hand in Kenya, Bangladesh, and Malawi. As a former teacher, Children’s ministry director, and mother of four, Courtney is passionate about caring for children.

HEATHER MAHER
Grassroots Organizer
Location:  Gig Harbor, WA
hmaher@worldvision.org

About Heather

Heather Maher is the Grassroots Organizer for the West region of the US. Heather’s passion for World Vision’s work began when her family first sponsored a child 8 years ago. Since then, she has visited communities World Vision partners with in Cambodia, Kenya, and Malawi, and has earned her MicroMaster’s degree in Leadership in Global Development from the University of Queensland. As a mom of two, she is honored to serve on the Advocacy team to help bring “life in all its fullness” to all!

Jenny Yang
Jenny Yang is an External Relations Office for UNHCR, the UN refugee agency, in Washington, DC, where she works to build U.S. government support for UNHCR's  mission and operations. She has worked over two decades in refugee protection, immigration policy, and human rights and was on an active deployment roster for the International Catholic Migration Commission. She is currently on the Advisory Board of Faith and Law, an organization for Congressional staffers to explore the intersection of faith and public policy, as well as the Land Center for Cultural Engagement. She is currently serving as the Catalyst for the Freedom and Justice Network for the Lausanne Movement. Jenny is co-author of “Welcoming the Stranger: Justice, Compassion and Truth in the Immigration Debate" and contributing author to five other books
Rev. Dr. Alexia Salvatierra
Rev. Dr. Alexia Salvatierra is the Academic Dean of the Centro Latino at Fuller Theological Seminary as well as the Assistant Professor of Integral Mission and Global Transformation.  She is available for speaking, training and workshops in the areas of immigration, faith-rooted organizing, cross-cultural ministry and building vital holistic Christian community.