125 advocates from all around Arizona gathered at the State Capitol on Thursday, January 18, 2024 for a day of advocacy.
Click here to see more amazing images of a great day spent building relationships and activating our faith in love at the Capitol.
Our thanks to photographer David Hoye and to everyone who sent us your shots ~ so fun!
This year, we had participants from 24 of our state’s 30 legislative districts, and met over 30 legislators to discuss our policy priorities for the upcoming year.
Our day began in Wesley Bolin Plaza, where we shared hot coffee and breakfast with each other, our speakers, a handful of lawmakers, and many legislative staff members. Pastor Brian Weinberger, chairman of the LAMA Policy Council, was this year’s emcee. Bishop Deborah Hutterer led us in our opening devotional and prayers.
Our featured speakers, Senator Lela Alston, Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, Rev. Katie Sexton-Wood from Arizona Faith Network, and Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest CEO Connie Phillips, offered remarks. The speakers this year focused on the necessity of nonpartisan, across-the-aisle cooperation when it comes to tackling big, impactful issues like hunger, water use, and housing, as well as the special role that we, as people of faith serve in our advocacy. At the conclusion of the remarks, participants met with their fellow district members and prepared for their meeting(s).
A special thanks is owed to our District Coordinators! This year, we had many volunteers coordinate their own districts, making and handling appointments, getting to know fellow district participants ahead of time, identifying specific talking points and strategies for each meeting, and making sure everyone got where they needed to be. As everyone found their fellow district members, and Coordinators made sure everyone had the information they needed, groups began heading to the legislative buildings for the day.
The rest of the day was spent registering for Request to Speak (RTS) accounts, exploring the Capitol grounds, talking with other participants, writing thank you notes, and, of course, meeting with lawmakers. Our home base was the Senate Majority Caucus Room and for the first time, we enjoyed lunch together! Catered by the United Methodist Outreach Group (UMOM)’s Helpings Café & Catering, lunch offered everyone the chance to get to know each other, prepare for meetings together, and debrief together over food.
Several lawmakers and staff stopped in to share our meal with us — special thanks to Representative Analise Ortiz (LD24), Representative Stacey Travers (LD12), and Senator Ken Bennett (LD01) for taking time to address all of us!
All in all, participants reporting exciting new friendships with their fellow constituents, thoughtful listening from lawmakers, lots of learning, and plenty of important new relationships. What a great kick-off to our 2024 season of advocacy!
