AFN News: Building Community, Preparing for Election Season
AFN News: Building Community, Preparing for Election Season
Arizona Faith Network’s newsletter invites congregations to prepare for peaceful elections, strengthen interfaith relationships, and join its October 20 Annual Gathering, “From Conflict to Community.” Clergy and lay leaders will find opportunities to learn, volunteer, and connect across religious differences.
The gathering will honor Azra Hussain, co-founder and president of the Islamic Speakers Bureau of Arizona, for her leadership in interfaith education and relationship building. Register or explore sponsorship opportunities, with sponsorships ranging from $50 to $1,000 and above.
Election education and service opportunities include the following. All times listed here are Arizona MST.
October 5, 6:30–8 p.m., Zoom: A nonpartisan Arizona Corporation Commission candidate forum explores utility costs, grid stability, and clean energy. Registration is available through AFN or Arizona Interfaith Power and Light newsletters.
October 7, 5–5:45 p.m., Zoom: A Poll Chaplain and Peacekeeper mobilization rally welcomes trained volunteers, prospective participants, and community partners.
October 14, 5:30–6:30 p.m., Zoom: The free “What’s on Your Ballot?” webinar explains Arizona races and statewide propositions without endorsing candidates or ballot positions.
October 15, 4–5:30 p.m., Zoom: Train to serve as a Poll Chaplain or Peacekeeper. Clergy and lay leaders are welcome; no experience is required. All volunteers must complete a 2026 training, and only one session is required.
The newsletter also invites readers to take the Faithful AZ Voter Pledge and attend free Vote Is Sacred community celebrations, each beginning at 5:30 p.m.: October 27 at First Church UCC in Phoenix; October 29 at Prince Chapel AME Church in Tucson; and November 3 at Flagstaff Federated Church. Gatherings include food, nonpartisan voter information, and an interfaith prayer vigil.
Additional highlights include Monday meditation, October film screenings, and a December 16 conversation with Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowitz about the Psalms, family, grief, and interfaith understanding.
For Lutherans, these opportunities connect our baptismal calling to serve all people with care for creation, peaceful civic participation, and love of neighbor.
Read AFN’s full newsletter for registration links, locations, partner events, and subscription information. Invite someone from your congregation to participate with you.