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.