An important part of faithful civic engagement is abiding by the law: any participation by congregations in activities related to the electoral process must be strictly nonpartisan and abide by IRS guidelines. This guidance for churches and clergy can help!

How might your congregation engage in advocacy on behalf of our neighbors in need on “God’s Work, Our Hands” Sunday? Ask us how!

The Arizona primary is here! We encourage you to participate in the process of democracy by voting in this primary if you are able to vote.

Voting has begun for Midterm elections! Vote on or before August 2. Here are some steps to ensure your voting process goes smoothly.

August Recess is a congressional tradition that brings heightened opportunities to reach out to your federal lawmakers where you – and they – live. U.S. representatives traditionally return to their home districts in this month to engage with their constituents. Check out suggestions from ELCA Advocacy.

Arizona will hold its primary election Aug. 2, along with the states of Kansas, Michigan, Missouri and Washington. ALL Arizona voters can vote in the primary, regardless of party affiliation.

Check out the ELCA’s new virtual Advocacy Café! Hear from ELCA advocacy community leaders about timely topics. The 30-minute presentations will be offered twice on the same day.

Plan ahead for August! ELCA Advocacy provides timely questions and talking points based upon ELCA Advocacy priorities of hunger, housing and homelessness, infrastructure and climate change, U.S. Asylum and Immigration Policy, Tribal/U.S. Government relations and more.

Join Arizona Faith Network and partners from their Voting Rights Coalition across Arizona for their Summer Signature Kickoff to save Democracy. We bring the petitions and train you!

Hunger advocates from across the country gathered in Washington, D.C. on June 6-7 for the 2022 Bread for the World Advocacy Summit. LAMA director Solveig Muus joined colleagues for the two days of worship, training, strategy, fellowship and advocacy on Capitol Hill. And signtseeing.

ELCA Social Message “Community Violence” urges us to become more involved in countering the reality and fear of violence in our communities and our neighbors’ communities, pursuing justice and seeking peace no matter how long the journey or complex the challenge.

ELCA Resources on gun violence include “A 60-Day Journey Toward Justice in a Culture of Gun Violence,” as well as an easy-to-use guide and appendix noting key documents and actions and a gun violence litany.

PURPLE: America, We Need to Talk tells the story of everyday Americans with opposing viewpoints confronting their disagreements head-on and discovering the humanity and concerns that lie behind each other’s positions.

The 2022-23 Hunger Advocacy Fellow placed with LAMA will serve as a member of the staff of this ELCA-affiliated State Public Policy Office as a full-time contract employee. This is a paid position, including health insurance. The position begins in September 2022.

Faith Leaders Sign On by Friday, May 20: If Congress were to make the current $2,000 Child Tax Credit fully refundable and available to all low-income families, the number of children experiencing poverty would fall by an estimated 20 percent.

The ELCA’s social statement entitled Abortion is grounded in the conviction that “Christians are united in Christ through faith with both the freedom and obligation to engage in serious moral deliberation.” It was adopted by the 1991 ELCA Churchwide Assembly.

The ELCA Social Statement on Civic Engagement is underway. Let your voice be heard! What issues should be included in the ELCA’s next Social Statement on Church, State, and Civic Participation? What concerns do you have about where the church currently stands on civic engagement, and where should the church be headed?

Whether you are a seasoned activist or taking your first steps into civic engagement, join LAMA, Phoenix Fusion, the Capital Conference and the Rev. Katie Sexton-Wood for an informative and energizing evening of learning and action.