AMOS
(A Mid-Iowa Organizing Strategy)
Come, build a land "... where justice shall roll down like
water, and peace like an ever-flowing stream." Amos 5:24
AMOS
is distinguished from other community-based organizations in its commitment to
the IRON RULE: "Never do for
others what they can do for themselves."
AMOS believes in the inherent dignity of each person, that the Iron Rule
affirms their dignity and violating the Iron Rule fosters dependence and
passivity.
In
its essence, AMOS will never be about programs, projects or issues. AMOS strives to identify potential leaders
among "average citizens" and train them to participate in the
political process related to their self-interests. AMOS identifies common self-interest justice issues through house
meetings. AMOS does research to clearly understand what the justice issue is
and how it can be resolved in the public process that is appropriate. AMOS gathers citizens from it member
congregations to request resolution of the identified justice issue from the
appropriate governing body. In this
way, AMOS leaders can impact the programs, projects and issues that affect
their own families, communities and neighborhoods. Using this approach, AMOS efforts result in systemic changes that
outlive any single accomplishment. AMOS
base of congregations and their leaders sustains the permanence of its work. With the Iron Rule philosophy and its member
foundation, AMOS is able to generate real and lasting improvements in Central
Iowa.
How
is AMOS organized?
AMOS
is made up of member institutions. Each
member institution or congregation organizes its own leadership or 'core
team.' Cluster meetings have been
established in metropolitan Des Moines for the AMOS member institutions in
Dallas/Polk county and for emerging member institutions in the Story
County/Ames area.
It is
recommended that at least two leaders from each member institution participate
in their respective monthly cluster meeting.
Each cluster meeting then recommends the leaders from their cluster that
participate in a Leadership meeting to set the overall direction for AMOS.
St.
Theresa is
one of 29 member inter-denominational congregations of AMOS. St. Theresa is looking to expand its
involvement in AMOS and is holding a series of informational meetings.
For
more information on AMOS here at St. Theresa, contact Fr. Larry Hoffman at
279-4654, Lhoffma@sainttheresaiowa.org