ELCA Advocacy Summer School sessions

Apr 23

Use these 30-minute reflections plus 15-minute Q&A sessions on advocacy tips and themes to lay groundwork and stimulate discussion in congregations, study groups, advocacy teams, individually plus other settings to deepen understanding of a topic and/or advance your own advocacy priorities.

These resources were originally presented by ELCA Witness in Society in collaboration with Peace Not Walls (now known as Sumud) in Summer 2021, but the topics have something to offer year-round.

In the ELCA we believe that, through baptism, God is calling us into the world to serve together. Shaped by the ELCA’s social teaching documents and the experiences of its congregations, ministries and partners, we advocate to end world hunger and stand up for policies that create opportunities to overcome poverty, promote peace and dignity, preserve God’s creation and promote racial and gender justice.

What is Faith-Based Advocacy? Wondering about how advocacy fits into our Christian and Lutheran presence in policy discussions? Session 1 of ELCA Advocacy Summer School paints a picture of what advocacy is and how advocacy is shaped with a faith foundation, especially as members and affiliates of the ELCA. PLAY VIMEO.
How Do I Approach Policy Makers? If you want to be part of moving the needle on a policy matter, Session 2 of ELCA Advocacy Summer School can demystify and encourage your participation in the process. Knowledge from ELCA advocacy and Capitol Hill staff as well as state and personal experiences will help you understand this access point with policy decision makers. PLAY VIMEO.
How Do I Use Media for Impact? Gaining attention for your advocacy aims can amplify your efforts. Tips for using op eds, letters to the editor, event attention and social media are among topics highlighted during Session 3 of ELCA Advocacy Summer School. PLAY VIMEO.
Let’s Talk: About the Holy Land. Hear from ELCA Peace Not Walls network members, partners and staff for a faith-centric update on what is happening in the region and with Lutheran affiliated ministry. Session 4 of the ELCA Advocacy Summer School series will help update your appreciation of current issues as we walk alongside our siblings in the Holy Land. PLAY VIMEO.
Let’s Talk: About Immigration. The human journey of children of God lurches many of us on a passage as immigrants. Hear about root causes and experience of individuals and ministries, including the ELCA AMMPARO strategy, and ways policy intersects with immigration pressures in Session 5 of the ELCA Advocacy Summer School series. PLAY VIMEO.