200 advocates from 29 districts in Arizona gathered at the State Capitol on Monday, February 10, 2025 for a day of advocacy.
Click here to see more amazing images of a great day spent as people of faith, following God’s call to loving and serving our neighbors through advocacy at the Arizona State Capitol.
Our thanks to photographer Eric Ledermann (Eric O. Ledermann ©2025, www.ericoledermann.com) and to everyone who sent us your shots ~ so fun!
This year, participants attended the event from 29 of our state’s 30 legislative districts, and met with more than 40 lawmakers to build relationships and to advocate in support of 3 specific bills.
Our day began in Wesley Bolin Plaza, where we renewed acquaintances and shared hot coffee and breakfast. Pastor Brian Weinberger, chairman of the LAMA Policy Council, was this year’s emcee. Bishop Deborah Hutterer led us in a devotion, remarks and a prayer.
Our featured speakers, Senate President Warren Petersen (R), LD14, House Minority Leader Oscar De los Santos (D), LD11, Rev. Rock Fremont from Shepherd of the Hills UCC and Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest CEO Connie Phillips, offered remarks. The speakers stressed the special role that we, as people of faith, can bring as nonpartisan advocates seeking justice and fairness for all God’s people. At the conclusion of the remarks, participants met with their fellow district members and prepared for their meeting(s).
A special thanks to our District Coordinators! 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, where we enjoyed lunch, RTS training (and intermittent lights out). Catered by the United Methodist Outreach Group (UMOM)’s Helpings Café & Catering, lunch offered everyone the chance to get to know one 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 Senator Denise "Mitzi" Epstein (LD12), Senator Rosanna Gabaldón (LD21), Senator Priya Sundareshan (LD18) and xxx for taking time to address all of us!
A new feature of this year’s day of advocacy was the optional 45-minute guided tour of the Capitol led by the ACM Education Team, focusing on Arizona history and government.
Bishop Deborah Hutterer and Pastor Brian Weinberger offered the opening prayers in the Senate and the House chambers, respectively, and Sen. John Kavanagh (R) LD03, and Rep. Patty Contreras (D) LD12, introduced our groups in the Senate and House galleries.
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.