Update • March 17, 2026

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: Several voting bills we’re tracking are scheduled for hearings on Wednesday, March 18. Use your RTS account to weigh in today!

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

THE FIGHT TO END HUNGER: 2026 UPDATE WITH RICK STEVES AND EUGENE CHO

Monday, March 23 @ 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

This special Monday Night Travel episode is a 2026 update on the fight to end hunger with Rick Steves and Eugene Cho.

INTERFAITH DAY AT THE CAPITOL

Wednesday, March 25 @ 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Arizona State Capitol (map)

Join us for our 2026 We Are One Beloved Community: Arizona Interfaith Day at the Capitol. This day of prophetic witness will include singing and chatting, finding common ground with people of other faiths, and meeting with state legislators.

GRAND CANYON SYNOD HUNGER LEADERS NETWORK

Tuesday, March 31 @ 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Hunger leaders from offices & congregations all over the synod gather together to discuss each other’s projects, collaborate, and lend each other support. We hear from synod and churchwide offices working on hunger solutions and find out what we can do to help. All are invited to join!

ARIZONA FAITH NETWORK SOCIAL JUSTICE COMMISSION

Thursday, April 2 @ 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM

The Social Justice Commission is the branch of Arizona Faith Network (AFN) that engages in justice and advocacy work. All are welcome to join this group!

AFN FAITHFUL VOTER AZ (VOTING RIGHTS) COMMITTEE

Thursday, April 2 @ 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Help protect our cherished right to vote! Join this working committee to stay up to date with voting advocacy in AZ and beyond. The interfaith working committee meets online the first Thursday of the month from 2:00-3:00pm.

ANTI-HUNGER & FOOD SYSTEMS ADVOCACY CALL

Friday, April 3 @ 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Connect with hunger advocates in Arizona and get legislative updates through monthly advocacy calls. Facilitated by Arizona Food Systems Network and Arizona Food Bank Network.

NEWS FROM OUR BLOG

This Week at LAMA HQ

Here’s what Solveig and the LAMA team are up to 03/15 - 03/21:

• LAMA Liaison Roundtable

• Legislative action research and follow-up

• Capitol visit

• LAMA newsletter, correspondence, website & social media

Support LAMA

Explore the many ways you can support the ministry of advocacy with your financial gifts. We are grateful for your congregational, or individual contribution.

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