Adapted from resources developed by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).

As Lutherans, we believe that faith is active in love and that caring for our neighbors includes engaging in public life. Throughout Scripture, God calls us to seek justice, love mercy, and work for the common good. Advocacy is one way we live out that calling.

Each August, members of Congress typically spend time in their home states and congressional districts during the August recess. This creates one of the best opportunities of the year to meet with your U.S. senators and representative, attend town halls, visit district offices, and share how federal policies affect your congregation and community.

Whether your passion is ending hunger, protecting health care, welcoming immigrants, caring for creation, strengthening democracy, or expanding affordable housing, August is our moment to ensure that people of faith have a voice in Washington.

Step 1: Know Your Members of Congress

Before scheduling a meeting, identify who represents you in Congress.

Every Nevadan is represented by: 

• Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto
• Sen. Jacky Rosen
• One member of the U.S. House of Representatives based on where you live.

Take a few minutes to:

• Learn about their committee assignments.
• Read recent press releases.
• Find the locations of their district offices.
• Sign up for town hall announcements and newsletters.

Step 2: Request a Meeting

Most congressional offices accept meeting requests through their websites, although calling the district office is often just as effective.

When making your request:

• Introduce yourself as a constituent.
• Mention your congregation or organization.
• Explain the purpose of the meeting.
• Be flexible with dates and times.
• If meeting as a group, let them know how many people will attend.

Meetings frequently take place with congressional staff, and that is perfectly appropriate. Staff members advise lawmakers every day and play a critical role in shaping policy.

Step 3: Focus on One or Two Issues

Rather than discussing many topics, concentrate on one or two priorities.

During the 2026 August recess, Lutherans may wish to discuss:

Protect Food Security

• Strengthen SNAP
• Support a Farm Bill that helps families, farmers, and rural communities
• Expand access to nutritious food

Protect Health Care

• Protect Medicaid
• Strengthen rural health care
• Improve access to behavioral and mental health services

Expand Affordable Housing

• Increase affordable housing supply
• Prevent homelessness
• Support renter protections

Welcome Immigrants and Refugees

• Support humane immigration policies
• Protect asylum seekers
• Strengthen refugee resettlement

Care for God’s Creation

• Protect public lands
• Address extreme heat and wildfire resilience
• Invest in clean energy and conservation

Strengthen Democracy

• Protect voting rights
• Ensure accessible elections
• Promote civic participation and trust in democratic institutions

Choose the issue that best reflects your congregation’s ministry or your own experience.

Step 4: Tell Your Story

Statistics matter.

Personal stories matter even more.

Share how federal policy affects your congregation, ministry, neighborhood, or family.

Examples include:

• A food pantry serving more families because food prices remain high.
• A senior relying on Medicaid to remain in their home.
• A family struggling to find affordable housing.
• A congregation welcoming refugees.
• Volunteers caring for Nevada’s public lands.

Stories help lawmakers understand that these issues affect real people—not just budgets.

Step 5: Assign Roles

If attending as a group of four or five people, consider assigning roles.

Facilitator

• Opens the meeting
• Introduces everyone
• Keeps time
• Thanks the office at the end

Storyteller

• Shares a personal experience
• Explains why the issue matters

Policy Lead

• Explains the specific request
• Answers technical questions if needed

Closer

• Summarizes the request
• Asks for continued partnership
• Collects contact information

Step 6: Attend Town Halls

Town halls provide another opportunity to engage your elected officials.

Before attending:

• Review your questions.
• Arrive early.
• Bring friends from your congregation.
• Keep your question brief and respectful.
• If possible, submit your question ahead of time.

Good questions invite conversation rather than confrontation.

Step 7: Make a Clear Ask

Every meeting should end with a specific request.

For example:

• Will you support legislation protecting SNAP?
• Will you oppose cuts to Medicaid?
• Will you support investments in affordable housing?
• Will you protect funding for refugee resettlement?
• Will you support policies that protect Nevada’s public lands?

Be respectful, direct, and clear.

Step 8: Follow Up

Within two days:

• Send a thank-you email.
• Include any resources you promised.
• Share photos on social media if appropriate.
• Keep the relationship going.

Advocacy is not a single meeting—it is an ongoing conversation.

Advocacy Is a Ministry

The ELCA teaches that government is one of the ways God works to promote justice and preserve community life. Christians therefore have both the opportunity and the responsibility to participate faithfully in civic life.

Advocacy is one way we love our neighbors.

When we speak for those experiencing hunger, poverty, illness, discrimination, or injustice, we bear witness to God’s vision for a world where every person can flourish.

This August, let us move faithfully from worship into public witness, bringing compassion, hope, and courage into the halls of government.

August is our moment. Let’s use our voices for the common good.