Juan Carlos Ruiz, a Mexican pastor in Brooklyn, does everything from human-rights advocacy to grocery delivery.

The only way to adequately meet the needs of a reeling economy, struggling families, and cash-strapped states and localities is for President Trump and Congress to come to agreement on a robust, bipartisan economic relief package.

Social Security provides a foundation of income on which workers can build to plan for their retirement. It also provides valuable social insurance protection to workers who become disabled and to families whose breadwinner dies.

On Tuesday August 4, it was reported that half the population of the Whetstone Unit of the Arizona State Prison Complex (Tucson), 517 individuals, have tested positive for COVID-19.

As of August 4, the response rate of the census stood at only 62.9 percent; the response rate in Arizona is significantly lower, at 59.7 percent. That means that unless the deadline for the census is extended, Arizona stands to lose millions of dollars in federal funding every year until the 2030 census is complete. Download the Arizona fact sheet.

On any given day, nearly 570,000 people experiencing homelessness are staying in shelters or living on the street, according to the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s 2019 Annual Homeless Assessment Report to Congress. Many of them are unaccompanied youth or young adults, children, seniors, or people with disabling conditions.

Most years, the U.S. Congress recesses for the month of August. Senators and representatives return to their home states to reconnect with constituents. Use this guide to engage with elected officials, ask questions and share concerns.

ELCA Advocacy provides some timely questions and talking points based upon ELCA Advocacy priorities of hunger, police reform, housing and homelessness, migration, international aid, and inequality.

Join Arizona Interfaith Network (AIN) statewide clergy and leaders and sign on to the letter calling on Arizona Senators to act immediately to keep Arizona families safe by supporting the full $600/wk federal supplemental unemployment insurance that expired July 31.

In order to avert the worst effects of climate change, it is vitally important to drastically cut greenhouse gases by stopping the extraction and burning of fossil fuels, and transition to 100% clean, renewable energy. The only way toward a clean, renewable energy future is to ban fracking and to stop all new fossil fuel development.

The author write, “As I listened to the debate happening on the floor of the UNHRC in Geneva condemning institutionalized racism, I thought about the institutions of which I am part in the United States and the ways in which racism and anti-blackness permeate and fester in all areas of society, even within our houses of worship.”

The Phoenix City Cou​ncil has developed a comprehensive “Strategies to Address Homelessness Plan” that focuses on service priorities and sustainable solutions for both those experiencing homelessness and the community impacted by encampments. ​​​The city needs your feedback on the proposed strategies and commitment to help make this plan a reality by August 28.

What is the next step as America confronts its racism? A broadcast spectacle, New York Times critic Wesley Morris writes, that could look like court, a telethon, therapy, an Oprah show — and more.

Rev. Sarah Stadler, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Phoenix, thoughtfully and candidly reflects on advocacy as a spiritual practice. Pr. Sarah will facilitate Advocacy 101, a 4-week virtual class beginning Thursday, August 6 at 6:30pm PT, as a part of the Phoenix Fusion collaborative.

Congress is considering a new supplemental package to address the economic impacts of COVID-19. An ELCA priority in this package is addressing hunger increasing in our communities as unemployment and financial hardships rise. Urge Congress to include a temporary increase in the maximum SNAP benefit by 15% during this emergency.

Systemic inequality makes BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) communities, citizens without adequate access to healthcare and nutritious food, and slaughterhouse and food chain workers especially vulnerable to COVID-19 and other threats. If we want to create a healthier and more just society, abusive attitudes and extractive industries need to be transformed — starting with our broken food system. Exceptionally well documented article.

For most of American history, the light-skinned Jesus conjured up by white congregations demanded the preservation of inequality as part of the divine order.

How you can voice your opinion on legislative initiatives from the comfort of your armchair by registering for Arizona’s user-friendly RTS System. LAMA will help you!