Update • April 28, 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: The Farm Bill is advancing for a vote in the House of Representatives this week! If passed, the bill would codify deep cuts to SNAP, while underfunding several rural development, conservation and farm provisions due to budget neutrality rules. Act today!

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ACTION ALERTS

EVENTS

ANTI-HUNGER & FOOD SYSTEMS ADVOCACY CALL

Friday, May 1 @ 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.

ELCA DOMESTIC HUNGER GRANTS WEBINAR

Wednesday, May 6 @ 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

ELCA World Hunger’s Domestic Hunger Grant application webinar will offer information about the process of applying for a domestic hunger grant. Webinar will review granting priorities and the grant application process, how to submit an LOI, and answer questions from grant applicants.

AFN SOCIAL JUSTICE COMMISSION

Thursday, May 7 @ 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!

ADDRESSING MISINFORMATION AND FALSE NARRATIVES IN THE FOOD SYSTEM

Thursday, May 7 @ 10:00 AM 11:30 AM

Unpack everything from the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans to SNAP eligibility and the USDA's "Farmer First" agenda. We invite you to submit your questions ahead of time and share this opportunity with your colleagues.

AFN FAITHFUL VOTER AZ (VOTING RIGHTS) COMMITTEE

Thursday, May 1 @ 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.

AFN CHERISHING CREATION COLLABORATIVE

Tuesday, May 12 @ 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

CCC is a group of individuals, faith communities, sustainability and justice-oriented organizations collaborating to more effectively cherish our shared earth and all creation. All are welcome to join these meetings. Arizona Faith Network.

LAMA LIAISON ROUNDTABLE

Monday, May 18 @ 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

The LAMA Liaison Roundtable meets the third Monday of the month at 6:30p via Zoom. These conversations offer an opportunity to discuss a wide range of topics about congregational engagement in advocacy.

NEWS FROM OUR BLOG

This Week at LAMA HQ

Here’s what Solveig and the LAMA team are up to 04/26 - 05/02:

• ELCA Hunger Leaders monthly call

• Grand Canyon Synod Hunger Leaders Network monthly call

• Hunger & SNAP research

• 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