Lutheran Advocacy: A Global and Local Update for June/July 2024

In the June and July 2024 updates from the Lutheran Office for World Community and state public policy offices, significant advocacy efforts were highlighted from the UN Civil Society Conference in Nairobi to state-level legislative actions in the U.S. Key issues include global reforms, electoral measures in Colorado, advocacy in Pennsylvania, and ongoing legislative concerns in Texas and Wisconsin. These updates showcase the Lutheran commitment to shaping public policies and advocating for justice both globally and locally.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardJuly 3, 2024Advocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment

Empowering Civic Participation: Introducing the ELCA Election Activator Network

Join the #ELCAElectionActivator network to support and equip ELCA members for nonpartisan participation in the electoral process through monthly virtual gatherings and regular updates. Participate in activities that foster civic engagement. Sign up now to join the next meeting on July 23, 2024 and contribute to a just and peaceful society. Sign up here.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardJuly 3, 2024Voting Rights, ELCA Advocacy, AdvocacyComment

Urgent Call to Action: Advocate for a Just 2024 Farm Bill

The 2024 Farm Bill is at a critical juncture, and the ELCA is calling for a fair legislation that aligns with our Lutheran values of feeding the hungry and caring for creation. As Congress debates significant issues like SNAP benefits and conservation funding, Lutheran leaders are actively engaging with lawmakers to promote justice and sustainability. Learn how you can join our advocacy efforts and make a difference in shaping a just Farm Bill that supports vulnerable communities and environmental stewardship.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardJuly 2, 2024Advocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment

World Refugee Day: A Call to Lutheran Solidarity and Action

Giovana Oaxaca shares a blog on ELCA.org observing World Refugee Day, as we celebrate the Lutheran heritage of hospitality and advocacy for refugees. The ELCA continues to lead with its AMMPARO strategy, welcoming congregations nationwide and advocating for fair and generous immigration policies. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Johnson-Reed Act, reminding us of the enduring importance of solidarity.

ELCA, Letters, NewsBrian FlatgardJuly 1, 2024Immigration and Refugees, Advocacy, AMMPAROComment

Lutheran Voices Rising: A Month of Impactful Advocacy from New York to California

The ELCA Advocacy Network was active across various platforms in the last few months, from the UN in New York to state legislatures, focusing on crucial issues like sustainable development, justice, and climate change. Highlights include the ECOSOC Youth Forum’s focus on poverty and climate action, successful advocacy days in California and Pennsylvania, and legislative achievements in Colorado. These efforts reflect the ELCA’s commitment to embodying faith through active engagement and advocacy in critical societal issues.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardJuly 1, 2024Advocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment

ELCA Advocacy’s Election Engagement Updates

Civic engagement is happening this election year in many diverse communities and contexts—and being activated and led by congregations, rostered leaders, ELCA-affiliated state public policy offices and members. Read the latest updates from ELCA Advocacy.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardJuly 1, 2024Voting Rights, Advocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment

Community Spotlight: Food Bank at Streams in the Desert Lutheran Church

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA) shares an article after having had the pleasure of visiting several churches and feeding ministries in Tucson! They want to use their blog to help share the stories of various ministries around our synod, both to celebrate ELCA World Hunger’s 50th anniversary, and to foster connections between people doing God’s good work. Stay tuned over the coming weeks to hear more about ministries in Tucson and around the state!

Lutheran Advocates Unite: A May Recap of Ecumenical Outreach and Policy Engagement

This May, Lutheran advocates have been active from the U.N. to local state legislatures, promoting sustainable development, justice, and community welfare. Highlights include the ECOSOC Youth Forum, California’s successful Lutheran Lobby Day, and significant legislative wins in Colorado. Join us for an upcoming event on June 13 to discuss the Farm Bill, a key policy affecting our communities. Read the full blog post on ELCA.org for more on how Lutherans are making a difference globally and locally.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardMay 31, 2024Advocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment

Civic engagement: How do we go in peace to love and serve the Lord in civic life?

As 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.

ELCA, News, Resources, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMay 28, 2024Advocacy, ELCA Advocacy, Creating Space for ConversationsComment

ELCA Advocacy May Update: Urgent Action Required on Farm Bill and Environmental Policies

May’s update from the ELCA Advocacy office details the latest on the Farm Bill, introduces new federal environmental rules, and addresses national security supplemental funding and the response to conditions in Haiti. Advocacy efforts focus on ensuring food security, environmental protection, and international humanitarian assistance align with the ELCA’s mission for a just world.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardMay 27, 2024Advocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment

ELCA Advocacy Pushes for Inclusive and Sustainable 2024 Farm Bill

As the 2024 Farm Bill is debated on Capitol Hill, the ELCA encourages advocacy for a bill that supports feeding the hungry, sustainable farming, and inclusive community development. The blog provides updates on the legislative process, highlights action alerts, and offers resources to engage ELCA members in advocacy for a just and effective Farm Bill.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardMay 27, 2024Advocacy, ELCA Advocacy, HungerComment

Lutheran Voices in the 2024 Elections: Engaging Faithfully in Civic Duties

The ELCA Advocacy's latest updates highlight new initiatives and resources to enhance Lutheran participation in the 2024 elections. From a six-session online series exploring Lutheran civic duties to practical training for poll monitors, these opportunities aim to deepen our engagement and understanding of political processes.

Personal experiences from poll monitors and greeters, like Solveig Muus and Autumn Byars from the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona, offer insights into the practical aspects of ensuring fair and accessible voting processes.

Act Now for a Just Future: Advocate for the 2024 Farm Bill

The ELCA is actively advocating for the 2024 Farm Bill, urging Congress to pass legislation that provides food security, supports sustainable farming, and promotes inclusivity and environmental stewardship. With the current bill expiring in September 2024, now is a crucial time for action. Engage through the ELCA Action Center, participate in upcoming advocacy webinars, and help shape a Farm Bill that reflects our Lutheran values of care and compassion. Join us in making a difference in our communities and beyond. Read more and learn how @ elca.org.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardMay 8, 2024Advocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment

LSS-SW: “Why Voting Is Important” Webinar

Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest shares their webinar on the importance of voting. LAMA also shares one of the testimonies from an LSS staff member, and you can read it here.

ELCA Advocacy April Update: Urgent Actions on Hunger, Health, and Peace

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.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardApril 30, 2024Advocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment

ELCA Advocacy Highlights: From UN Gender Equality to State-Level Legislative Wins

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.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardApril 30, 2024Advocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment

Civic engagement: What's faith-based living got to do with civic life?

As 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.

ELCA, News, Resources, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardApril 30, 2024Advocacy, ELCA Advocacy, Creating Space for ConversationsComment

Double Your Impact: Matched Donations at ELCA World Hunger's Youth Challenge

Join 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.

University Lutheran's Offering of Letters: Faithful Advocacy in Action

At 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.

Hunger Advocacy Fellow Autumn Byars Interviewed by Telemundo Arizona about harmful SNAP Bills

On 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.

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