Designed to inspire and equip people of faith to advocate for policies and people that align with their deepest beliefs and values, this training event will include four online sessions beginning Tuesday, January 31 and concluding Thursday, February 9, followed by an in-person tour of the State House in late February.
This series is designed to offer inspiration, camaraderie, and spiritual nourishment to people of faith—whether they’ve been doing faith-based advocacy work for decades or are just dipping their toe in the pond for the very first time!
All sessions will be recorded so that churches can use them later for educational programming with more folks in their congregation—in the spirit of “each one teach one!”
Advanced registration is required
Part 1: Plenary Opening Session ~ Tuesday, January 31, 6:30-8:00 pm
“Walking With the Wind: Why People of Conscience Must Come Together, Not Run Away From the Storm”
After opening with prayer, reading and song, we will welcome the Rev. Dr. Marvin Ellison to the virtual “pulpit” to deliver a keynote address based on the late Honorable John Lewis’ childhood experience of holding down his Aunt Seneva’s house in a windstorm.
This online session will also include an overview briefing on the 131st session of the Maine State Legislature and practical guidelines for submitting testimony and meeting with legislators.
Part 2: Online Legislative Workshops ~ February 2, 7, 9, 6:30-8:00 pm
This year, participants will have the opportunity to attend all three online workshops, since we are offering them on separate evenings rather than simultaneously. Each workshop will focus on a specific bill before the Maine State Legislature that MCC has identified as a priority. Leaders will include a secular policy analyst who is expert in the field, and a theologian who will assist participants in framing their advocacy with the language of faith, scripture and values.
Throughout the month of January, as the 131st session of the legislature gets underway, MCC’s Public Policy Committee will be working with our 11 partner organizations to identify the bills we want to prioritize and spotlight in these workshops. Stay tuned for details—but it is likely we will focus on the areas of environmental justice, housing and homelessness, racial equity, and criminal justice reform.
Part 3: Tour of the State House in Augusta ~ Week of February 27 (tentative)
Join us in-person in the state capital for a guided tour of the State House and Cross Office Building, including meeting with legislators and observing a Joint Committee at work. Parts of this tour will be recorded and used to create an orientation video for use in other settings, and by those who are unable to travel to Augusta on the date of the tour.
Maine Council of Churches
info@mainecouncilofchurches.org
