Update • March 8, 2022

Thank you for reading Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA)’s newsletter, featuring excerpts and highlights from our website at LAMAz.org. LAMA is an advocacy ministry of the Grand Canyon Synod of the ELCA. This week’s Action Alert: Join the Arizona Faith Forum to follow or post on more than 10 faith-based community message boards.

Please share this information with your networks, encourage them to sign up for our newsletter and FOLLOW us on Facebook for even more articles and events.

ACTION ALERTS

EVENTS

AFN CHERISHING CREATION COLLABORATIVE MONTHLY ZOOM

Thursday, March 10 @ 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM

Cherishing creation work needs to be done at all levels from our fellowship community to our neighborhood, city, state, national government, and the global community. Together we can elevate and disseminate faithful actions that cherish creation. AFN-affiliate communities are invited to consider “How is my community already actively cherishing creation?” Arizona Faith Network.

FOOD DAY AT THE CAPITOL

Thursday, March 10 @ 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM, Arizona State Capitol (Senate Lawn) (map)

Meet Arizona Food Bank Network and partners on the Senate Lawn to discuss how we can fight hunger together. A complimentary lunch will be provided by St. Mary's Food Bank's Community Kitchen. RSVP.

REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT FORUM AT ASCENSION, PARADISE VALLEY

Thursday, March 10 @ 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM, Ascension Lutheran Church (map)

What is a refugee and how does the resettlement process work? Ascension Lutheran Church will host a community forum to explain the requirements for refugee status and the process of resettlement. A panel from Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest and Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona will lead this informational event.

NATIONAL ANTI-HUNGER POLICY CONFERENCE 2022

Tuesday - Thursday, March 15-17 ~ Virtual

Join thousands of your fellow anti-hunger advocates for two days of content-rich sessions and networking opportunities, followed by a virtual day on Capitol Hill. You’ll gain access to best practices, innovative advocacy methods, and personal connections to help you better fight hunger in your community, your state, and at the national level. Feeding America and Food Research and Action Center.

LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR: HELP FAMILIES RECEIVE FULL TAX BENEFITS

Wednesday, March 16 @ 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

This interfaith webinar will explain changes to the Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit, and how you can help spread the word in our communities about these tax credits. ELCA Advocacy.

LAMA KICKOFF AT ESPERANZA, AHWATUKEE

Sunday, March 20 @ 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM, Esperanza Lutheran Church (map)

Esperanza Lutheran Church in Ahwatukee will host a Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA) kickoff event on Sunday, March 20. All are welcome!

NEWS FROM OUR BLOG

This Week at LAMA HQ

Here’s what Solveig Muus and the LAMA team are up to 03/08 - 03/14:

• LAMA Policy Council meeting

• Food Day at the Capitol

• Refugee Resettlement Forum at Ascension, Paradise Valley

• LAMA policy council and LAMA Summit planning

• LAMA newsletter, correspondence & social media

We’d love to hear from you!

Thank you for being partners in advocacy ministry in Arizona. We’re glad you’re here! Please contact LAMA if we can help you or your church, including:

• Speak to your congregation or meet with your social justice team

• Connect you with advocacy volunteer opportunities

• Advocate on behalf of community programs you care about

• Help you set up a AZ Legislature Right to Speak (RTS) account