NRCAT encourages congregations and local interfaith groups to focus on two primary activities:

1. Have a table at each worship service in June:

• Ask people to complete postcards (or letters) calling for legislation that will assure that the International Committee of the Red Cross has access to all detainees held by the U.S. While this is currently U.S. practice, as a result of the President’s Executive Order in January 2009, it needs to be made into law. The post cards can be taken to the offices of Members of Congress on Monday, June 28, or mailed to their offices in Washington, DC. If the postcards will be mailed individually, you can use the blank side of the postcards to write the address for your Member of Congress. If you are collecting a bunch of postcards for hand delivery or to mail together as a package, individuals could write the Member’s name followed by a personal note.
  Options for Printing Postcards
  a) Print at your home or organization’s office on postcard paper, such as Avery® 5689 (4 cards per sheet, each card is 5-1/2" x 4-1/4") - Download the postcard file (PDF).
  b) FedEx Office – While in no way endorsing FedEx Office, we’ve prepared detailed instructions for using their online order system. It will take about 5-10 minutes to place the order and then you can have them shipped to you or pick up at a local FedEx Office store. – Download the instructions (PDF).
  c) Use any local or online printer – Download the postcard file (PDF).
  

• Ask people to sign a petition asking for a Commission of Inquiry. A Commission of Inquiry would investigate our use of torture since 9/11 and recommend safeguards to assure that U.S.-sponsored torture never happens again. The petitions should be returned to the NRCAT office. Download the petition (PDF).

2. Hold an Educational Event, which could be one of the following:

• Show the 20-minute video "Ending U.S.-Sponsored Torture Forever" - in a religious education class; after or between services; at your postcard table (see #1, above) or at a special gathering.
• Organize a one-hour discussion, using a guide with background text and sample questions focused on why ending torture is our nation's unfinished business. Download the discussion guide (PDF).
  
• In several cities in June, NRCAT will co-sponsor a panel discussion on the need for a Commission of Inquiry, featuring a religious leader, an attorney, a medical professional, a former interrogator or another expert. If your congregation is interested in organizing such an event, contact John Humphries.

Other possible congregational activities:

1. Use a prayer and/or bulletin insert during worship services. Urge your worship leaders to include the materials. Download the prayer/bulletin insert (PDF).
2. Adapt a sample letter and send it to your local paper.
   
3. Organize a small delegation to deliver signed postcards to local congressional office(s), arranging to meet with a local staff member to lobby for a COI and legislation guaranteeing access to all detainees by the International Committee of the Red Cross. You could also join with other congregations in your congressional district that have collected postcards. Resources: 1) General suggestions for securing and holding an effective Congressional visit and 2) Specific talking points for this June.
4. Display a banner - one that you already have or a new one for 2010 with the message "Torture is always wrong." A variety of banners - old and new - are available from NRCAT's online store.
5. Distribute bumper stickers - four sticker designs are available from NRCAT's online store, including the new 2010 stickers with the message "Torture is always wrong."