Network

There are many ways to get involved in the advocacy work of the ELCA at local, state and national levels. Please read more to learn about the many opportunities to join our network, and also to volunteer.

Educate

As part of the LCPPM’s education ministry, we invite your congregation to participate in a Hunger simulation. Please contact us if you are interested in having us facilitate a Hunger 101 simulation at your church. We also conduct workshops and presentations on other topics.

Advocate

Amplify the voices that are working at the State Capitol to engage policy makers in creating laws that fairly address issues of poverty, fair taxation, human rights, health care, children, and the environment.

First, do no harm! As people of faith, we believe Christ calls us to work together to meet our neighbors’ basic needs (Matthew 25). Minnesota’s six ELCA bishops teamed with the six Roman Catholic bishops and archbishop in sending a letter to the governor and legislators on March 15, 2011, stating:

"The most telling measure of how well we care for each other is to consider how we treat those who are most vulnerable among us." 

The Minnesota State Constitution Article I, Section 1, declares, “Government is instituted for the security, benefit and protection of the people.” This declaration is more important than partisan politics and ideology. This principle charges the State of Minnesota with the duty to provide and preserve sufficient funding for essential services as well as a viable safety net. However, Legislators have proposed multiple constitutional amendments that would fundamentally limit the Legislature’s flexibility in making budget decisions.

Reducing waste and increasing the availability of clean energy while simultaneously reducing greenhouse gas pollution and promoting a healthier environment are noble, wise and attainable goals. In 2007, both houses of the Minnesota Legislature overwhelmingly supported these wise goals in "Minnesota’s Next Generation Energy Act" and Governor Pawlenty signed them into law.

LCPPM will continue to oppose any proposed weakening of the initiatives in this Act, including:

• 1.5 percent per year energy savings goal (download fact sheet)
• 25 percent by 2025 Renewable Electricity Standard (download fact sheet)
• Science-based limits on our global warming pollution; no new coal without carbon offset

As people of faith, "we see the despoiling of the environment as nothing less than the degradation of God’s gracious gift of creation" (ELCA, 1993).

The LCPPM is part of a broad network of congregations and organizations, including ecumenical groups.  We can help you find the information and resources you need to become an effective advocate in your state and in your community.

This page has links to help you network, educate and advocate for what you believe:

Learn how to get contact informaton and communicate with Your Representatives

Keep up-to-date with recent articles

Link to other organizations for additional analysis and resources

Read more...