May Day historically puts a cultural eye on labor, and Lutheran reflection on vocation does too. What does this mean for us today?

Our ELCA World Hunger Advocacy Fellow looks at the dignity of work and current labor trends in

Congress is considering severe cuts to Medicaid that would harm millions of vulnerable Americans. The House and Senate have passed budget resolutions implying up to $880 billion in Medicaid reductions over 10 years. 

ELCA social teaching emphasizes something we witness in our lives and the lives of our neighbors – that healthcare is essential to human dignity and a shared responsibility. Medicaid serves one in five Americans, providing vital care to children, elderly individuals and people with disabilities. 

These proposed cuts would force difficult choices upon states, potentially reducing coverage, restricting benefits or lowering provider payments. States with high poverty, greater healthcare needs and limited revenue options would suffer most. 

Contact your representatives today to oppose these harmful cuts and protect our most vulnerable neighbors. 

Thank you for your advocacy. 

Senator Jacky Rosen has joined a group of Senators to introduce a bill that would amend existing federal anti-discrimination laws to add protections for LBGTQ people.

The Equality Act would amend federal anti-discrimination law to explicitly add sexual orientation and gender identity to long-standing bans on discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, jury service, access to credit, federal housing, and more.

Lutheran Engagement and Advocacy in Nevada recognizes that most congregations tend to be more active in acts of mercy than acts of justice. Handing out food at a soup kitchen seems more straight forward than advocating for school breakfast programs. LEAN encourages congregations to do both acts of mercy and acts of justice.

Every congregation or faith community is unique. Each has its own set of leaders, committees and ministries. How best to engage the advocacy ministry in congregations varies greatly, which is why LEAN seeks a Congregational Liaison for each congregation.

The Role of Liaisons

Core Functions: Congregational liaisons are asked to do the following core functions:

• Ask the congregational leadership to include LEAN news, events and resources in bulletins, newsletters or other materials.
• Participate in at least one meeting a year with legislators and invite others to participate
• Invite congregation members to do some advocacy before or during the Nevada legislative session (January – June).
  • Writing letters
  • Sending emails
  • Signing a petition
• Participate in Lutheran Day at the Legislature

Additional Functions: If able, the liaisons are invited to:

• Encourage civic engagement – registering to vote, help getting out the vote, completing the census (all non-partisan activities).
• Connect interested members of your congregation with key LEAN program areas
  • Hunger and associated food security issues (equity, housing, homelessness, etc.) – Do you have a caring committee or outreach team?
  • Welcoming all – Do you want to welcome immigrants in your community or build a partnership with other faith traditions?
• Familiarize yourself and your congregation with the ELCA Social Statements and Social Messages.
• Be informed – Sign up for LEAN newsletters, ELCA Advocacy Network and learn about ELCA Advocacy efforts,
• Be engaged – Follow LEAN and ELCA Advocacy Facebook and social media, like and repost events and news
• Encourage the congregation to support LEAN financially through a special offering, inclusion in the budget or a special grant.

LEAN supports Congregational Liaisons:

• Provide materials as needed to distribute and display (posters, brochures).
• Send occasional special resources for congregations.
• Find speakers for programs and events at the congregations or online.
• Connect the congregation with other interested congregations in the area.

We grieve alongside Indigenous communities. We honor those who are missing. We speak their names. And we commit to learning, truth-telling and justice.

The ELCA’s Truth and Healing Movement offers resources to help you lament, learn and act: elca.org/TruthAndHealing. Additional resources can be found at elca.org/MMIW.