November 2023. ELCA Advocacy publishes monthly updates from Lutheran Office for World Community and state public policy offices (SPPOs) ~ LAMA included ~ in the ELCA Advocacy BLOG each month.

Updates on Advent preparations in the Holy Land amidst the current conflict. Read about how you can support our fellow Christians, as well as all suffering the effects of war.

November is Native American Heritage Month. Take some time to learn about the ELCA’s Truth and Healing movement.

Help fight child poverty and hunger by urging congress to prioritize tax relief for low-income families.

Hear from ELCA World Hunger, Bishop Dr Azar, and more on the crisis in Gaza, and find out ways YOU can help those in need.

ACTION ALTER: Violence continues in the Holy Land. Urge your reps to call for a ceasefire.

Read a draft of the ELCA’s newest social statement on gun-related violence and trauma. The comment period is open through Jan. 31.

ELCA Advocacy action alert: urge congress to provide robust funding for international humanitarian programs in their SFOPS appropriations bill. Read on to learn more about how these programs help bring peace and stability to regions that need it.

The ELCA launched "One Home One Future," a campaign inviting congregations to champion creation care and climate action. With resources from ecoAmerica's Blessed Tomorrow program, it aims to unite and inspire congregations in their environmental stewardship efforts.

2023 Farm Bill Primer: Information on bills we are watching and hoping to see in the upcoming Farm Bill! Read on to find out about proposed legislation and how you can advocate for those struggling with hunger.

Join LAMA members and community advocates at our 4th annual LAMA Summit on the theme of Advocacy as a Spiritual Practice. Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Mesa hosts this year. Come meet the LAMA team, share issues close to your heart, and learn how YOU can get involved!

From September 17 - 20, State Public Policy Office (SPPO) directors from across the country met at Spirit in The Desert Retreat Center in Carefree. The faith based offices gathered to discuss priorities, advocacy and engagement strategies, attend lectures and discussions led by guest Amanda Tyler, and welcome the 2023-24 Hunger Advocacy Fellows.

FEMA is in dire need of replenishing its Disaster Relief Fund (DRF), which plays a vital role in providing assistance to communities affected by disasters of all kinds. Urge Congress to pass disaster aid supplemental today!

Read about guest speaker Amanda Tyler’s presentation on Christian Nationalism at our State Public Policy Office retreat! Learn more about what Christian nationalism is and find out what you can do to combat it.

Autumn Byars joins the Grand Canyon Synod staff as the ELCA Hunger Advocacy Fellow for 2023-24. Welcome, Autumn! Meet her here.

As hurricanes, floods and wildfires rage, it is a critical time to reach out to our lawmakers to ensure our communities have the resources they need to respond to natural disasters. Please take action and share with your congregation and partners today!

On Sunday, July 24, New Journey Lutheran Church hosted as guest preacher and fellowship discussant, Solveig Muus, director of Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), the advocacy arm of the Grand Canyon Synod of the ELCA.

The Truth & Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies would initiate long-overdue steps towards healing intergenerational trauma and seeking justice for survivors and their families. While active in the Senate, the House must be urged to move forward the Truth and Healing Commission forward to passage.