About Catalyst
Catalyst is an advocacy program for churches in Australia. It is a great way for churches to act on God's call to "do justice". The concept is simple - change occurs when we speak out together. The process begins when people with a burden for justice form a small group that meets monthly to learn about, pay about and act on global justice issues. Each year a particular global justice issue is selected and groups across the country spend the year focussing on that issue. The first quarter of the year is spent learning about the issue. This is done via campaign launches held in each State, briefing papers, and a small group bible study. Having spent time learning about the issue, in April groups take time to visit their Member of Federal Parliament. They share their concerns and ask the Member to take action. The middle section of the year is spent raising awareness of the campaign theme in their church and local community. Groups may arrange for some services to focus on the theme, hold a film night, run a forum, organise dinners. Each group determines its own plans, selecting those things that fit with their time, resources and circumstances. Toward the end of the year group members again make contact with their MP, bringing him/her up to date on the campaign and exploring further ways to progress it. In November groups meet to review the year, celebrate what has been achieved and decide whether they will continue the following year. Groups are also invited to offer suggestions for campaign themes. Catalyst groups are resourced by Baptist World Aid Australia. They are provided with bible study materials, training in how to speak to politicians and media, church newsletter snippets, briefing papers, a regular e-newsletter to keep them up to date, a dedicated website and more. Catalyst groups are part of a wider movement. When members of your church write a letter, visit their local Member of Parliament, pray, or seek to raise local community awareness on an issue they do so knowing that other groups right around the country are doing the same thing at the same time. This means that your local church is not a lone voice for justice, but is part of a wider campaign during which many voices will be heard. This dramatically improves the possibilities for advocacy to be successful.More...
Getting StartedSimple steps to get a Catalyst group up and running in your church. More InfoPromo Clips
Two short video clips you can show to promote Catalyst More InfoRegister A Group
Registering your group ensures we are able to keep you up to date on Catalyst news and happenings. More InfoStarting Mid-Year
You can start a Catalyst group anytime during the year. Here's what to do if you're kicking off mid year on. More InfoThe Catalyst Cycle
A look at the annual cycle Catalyst groups follow. More InfoVideo Introduction
A 9 minute movie introducing the Catalyst program More Info