Advocacy in Action: Joining Our Voices for Neighbors and Nature

Lutheran Advocacy — Minnesota is excited to share a new fall opportunity called Advocacy in Action: Joining Our Voices for Neighbors and Nature.

Many Lutherans want to make a difference in their communities, but may be less familiar with the Christian and Lutheran call to civic engagement and advocacy. Or, they may wonder what that looks like in the life of a congregation. At the same time, valuable resources (ELCA, faith-based, etc.) are available that many congregation leaders have not yet encountered.

Advocacy in Action is an opportunity to learn together, share ideas, and help congregations discover approaches that fit their own communities and circumstances. No single model will work for every congregation. The goal is to build confidence, connections, and practical ways for people of faith to put their values into action for neighbors and nature.

Two upcoming webinars:

 Stretching our Civic Engagement Muscles
Tuesday, August 25, at 3 PM

This introductory webinar is designed especially for congregational leaders. It will introduce resources and ideas, share with one another about different congregational settings, and explore ways to begin or strengthen civic engagement.

You are encouraged to invite pastors, committee leaders, social ministry or creation-care leaders, and others who may be interested. Congregations do not need to have an existing advocacy program to participate. Following the webinar, there are drop-in conversations a couple of times each month throughout the fall for encouragement, idea-sharing, and problem-solving. (Registration link.)

The Biblical Basis for Civic Engagement
Tuesday, September 22, at 6:30 PM

This webinar will explore the biblical and Lutheran grounding for civic engagement: "What are Christians called to do (or not do!) for right-relationship in our communities?" This conversation grows in part from questions that emerged during the Advocacy Circle Pilot Project.

This webinar is appropriate for a broad congregational audience, so we encourage you to share the invitation widely. (Registration link.)

Resources

Shareable Advocacy in Action downloads:

• Newsletter announcement (.docx)
• Newsletter elections announcement (.docx)
• Bulletin blurbs (.pdf)
• Bulletin insert (.pdf)
• Two-sided bulletin insert (.pdf)
• Condensed bulletin insert (.pdf)

What People of Faith Need to Know About Election Integrity and Security (A Conversation with MN Secretary of State Steve Simon)

• This previous Faith & Democracy webinar is available here.
• Participants have found this conversation helpful and encouraging in understanding Minnesota's elections.

Learn more about Lutheran Advocacy — Minnesota at LutheranAdvocacyMN.org.