April's updates from the Lutheran Office for World Community and various state public policy offices reveal significant advocacy efforts on critical issues like gender justice at the UN, environmental sustainability, and public health across the United States. Key activities included legislative engagements, advocacy training, and impactful community discussions aiming to influence policy at both state and national levels.
Read MoreApril's updates from the Lutheran Office for World Community and various state public policy offices reveal significant advocacy efforts on critical issues like gender justice at the UN, environmental sustainability, and public health across the United States. Key activities included legislative engagements, advocacy training, and impactful community discussions aiming to influence policy at both state and national levels.
Read MoreAs part of our Creating Space for Conversations series, we share this video from the ELCA’s "Study Curriculum on Civic Life and Faith." Watch the video as a standalone resource, or explore the full set of the curriculum, including leader’s guides.
Read MoreJoin ELCA World Hunger’s Generation Zero-Hunger initiative and contribute to ending global hunger. This youth-led fundraising challenge, which will see contributions matched dollar for dollar up to $250,000, invites congregations and individuals to support vital hunger relief efforts. Participants can bring their offerings to the upcoming ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans or engage through various fundraising activities, amplifying their impact on this global crisis. Read more on the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona blog.
Read MoreAt University Lutheran Church and Lutheran Campus Ministry, a commitment to advocacy led to the annual Offering of Letters event, supporting Bread for the World's mission to tackle hunger through federal assistance programs. This year's focus was the pivotal Farm Bill, impacting SNAP funding and food access nationwide. The congregation's letter-writing party fostered community involvement, educated members on policy, and encouraged direct action. Read more on the LAMA website.
Read MoreOn April 1st, Hunger Advocacy Fellow Autumn Byars was interviewed by José Ángel Galavis, senior multimedia journalist for Telemundo Arizona. The news network broadcast a story about the recent passage of HB2502 & HB2503, both harmful bills that if passed, would cause additional barriers to accessing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP). Read the full article on the LAMA website.
Autumn testified against these bills in a Senate Health and Human Services Committee hearing on March 12 (see article), along with colleagues from Arizona Food Bank Network and the William E. Morris Institute for Justice. Through multiple action alerts, the entire LAMA community has been advocating hard against these bills, but nonetheless, they passed on March 28th.
Read MoreAs part of our Creating Space for Conversations series, we share this video from the ELCA’s "Study Curriculum on Civic Life and Faith." Watch the video as a standalone resource, or explore the full set of the curriculum, including leader’s guides.
Read MoreELCA Advocacy shares their March 2024 updates. Our post focuses on Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona’s highlights. Read the full post here at ELCA.org.
Read MoreExplore the ELCA Advocacy's March 2024 updates on pressing legislative matters, including the Federal Budget's impact on hunger and housing, the progress of the Yes In God's Back Yard Act for affordable housing, and the efforts towards wildlife conservation and Uyghur human rights. Discover the ELCA's call for ceasefire and support for UNRWA funding, along with its solidarity with Annunciation House, reflecting its commitment to peace, human rights, and support for the vulnerable.
Read MoreWorld Water Day 2024 (March 22, 2024) emphasizes the critical need for sustainable water use and universal access to safe water under the theme “Leveraging Water for Peace.” Highlighting the challenges of water scarcity, the importance of water in preventing diseases, and the ongoing efforts for equitable water distribution, this observance calls for collective action to secure water resources for all. Read more and find resources on the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA) site.
Read MoreHB2815, known as the 'Yes In God’s Back Yard' bill, received significant support from faith leaders and passed the Arizona House with a 38-21 vote. Advocacy by the religious community, including Bishop Deborah Hutterer, played a pivotal role in raising awareness and influencing lawmakers. Read more on the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA) site.
Read MoreThe ELCA Advocacy blog post by William Milner and Alex Parker explores the profound significance of election engagement from a faith-based perspective. Highlighting the enthusiasm for the democratic process and the sacred calling to steward democracy, the authors encourage active civic participation as an act of service to neighbors and a commitment to justice.
Read MoreAs part of our Creating Space for Conversations series, we share this video from the ELCA’s "Study Curriculum on Civic Life and Faith." Watch the video as a standalone resource, or explore the full set of the curriculum, including leader’s guides.
Read MoreFebruary's Advocacy Connections from the ELCA Advocacy office outlines critical updates on social justice initiatives, including the expansion of the Child Tax Credit, potential funding shortfalls for the WIC program, and legislative efforts to protect human rights defenders. The update also highlights ongoing advocacy for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and concerns over proposed changes to immigration law, emphasizing the ELCA's commitment to social justice and humanitarian aid.
Read MoreReligious leaders across Arizona, including Bishop Hutterer, rallied at the state Capitol to support legislative efforts aimed at alleviating the affordable housing crisis. They advocated for a bill, “Yes in God’s Backyard,” to permit religious institutions to develop affordable housing on their properties. Read or listen to the article from KJZZ here, and read the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona article here.
Read MoreThe ELCA Advocacy blog shares crucial updates from various State Public Policy Offices, focusing on legislative efforts across states like California, Ohio, Texas, and Washington. From budget challenges to advocacy victories and ongoing community engagement events, the updates underscore the collaborative work for justice and public policy reform.
Read MoreAs part of our Creating Space for Conversations series, we share this video from the ELCA’s "Study Curriculum on Civic Life and Faith." Watch the video as a standalone resource, or explore the full set of the curriculum, including leader’s guides.
Read MoreWilliam Milner's ELCA Advocacy blog post calls for political leaders who address the pivotal concerns of young voters, such as the Israel-Gaza conflict, student debt relief, gun violence, and equitable education funding. It emphasizes the significant electoral potential of Gen Z and young millennials, urging them to support candidates that resonate with their vision for social justice and a progressive society. Read more at ELCA.org.
Read MoreThe 2024 Lutheran Day at the Legislature, held on January 18th in Arizona, was a resounding success with 125 advocates from across the state gathering for impactful discussions on policy priorities. The day was marked by engaging with over 30 legislators, insightful speeches from influential leaders, and meaningful networking. Highlights included nonpartisan cooperation talks, strategies for addressing key issues like hunger and housing, and building stronger community relationships through advocacy. View all the photos and info at lamaz.org.
Read MoreMaximize your impact on Arizona’s legislative process with LAMA’s RTS training on January 26, 2024, from 2-2:30 pm. Learn to use the RTS system to voice your opinions on legislative bills effectively. Register for the webinar and become a proactive citizen in shaping state policies.
Read More
