Lutheran Engagement and Advocacy in Nevada Launches “Building a More Just Nevada” Campaign Ahead of the 2027 Legislative Session

Congregations Encouraged to Use August Recess and Fall Election Season to Advocate for the Common Good

CARSON CITY, Nev. — As members of Congress return home for the August recess and Nevada lawmakers continue preparing for the 2027 Legislative Session, Lutheran Engagement and Advocacy in Nevada (LEAN) is inviting congregations across the state to embrace this season as Building a More Just Nevada, a time to advocate faithfully, strengthen relationships with elected officials, and prepare for the public policy conversations that will shape Nevada’s future.

While the Nevada Legislature will not convene until February 2027, much of the work is already underway. Interim legislative committees continue to study the state’s most pressing challenges, developing recommendations and bill draft requests that will become legislation next year.

At the same time, the August congressional recess provides a unique opportunity for people of faith to meet with their federal representatives while they are home in their districts.

“Faithful advocacy is not limited to one legislative session or one level of government,” said Rev. Paul M. Larson, Advocacy Director for Lutheran Engagement and Advocacy in Nevada. “This August and throughout the fall, we have an opportunity to build relationships, tell the stories of our communities, and advocate for policies that reflect our shared values of justice, compassion, and human dignity.”

As part of its Building a More Just Nevada campaign, LEAN is encouraging congregations to engage around five key advocacy priorities during the August recess:

• Protect SNAP and strengthen the Farm Bill so every family has reliable access to nutritious food.
• Protect Medicaid and expand access to affordable health care, ensuring that children, older adults, people with disabilities, and working families receive the care they need.
• Address housing insecurity by supporting affordable housing, tenant protections, and solutions to homelessness.
• Welcome immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers with policies that uphold human dignity and strengthen communities.
• Strengthen democracy and civic participation by encouraging voter engagement, protecting access to the ballot, and promoting respectful civic dialogue.

These priorities complement the issues Nevada lawmakers are already examining through interim committees, including affordable housing, behavioral health, youth mental health, workforce development, election administration, infrastructure, and environmental sustainability.

Throughout the fall, LEAN will provide congregations with educational resources, legislative updates, advocacy training, and opportunities to connect with elected officials before the start of the 2027 legislative session.

“Our advocacy is rooted in our baptismal calling to strive for justice and peace in all the earth,” Larson said. “Whether we are speaking with a member of Congress during the August recess or preparing testimony for the Nevada Legislature, every faithful conversation has the power to strengthen our communities and bring hope to our neighbors.”

LEAN encourages congregations to host community conversations, invite elected officials to visit their ministries, organize voter engagement efforts, and participate in upcoming advocacy events as Nevada prepares for the 2027 legislative session.

About Lutheran Engagement and Advocacy in Nevada

Lutheran Engagement and Advocacy in Nevada (LEAN) is the joint public policy ministry of the Sierra Pacific Synod and Grand Canyon Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. LEAN equips Lutherans and partners across Nevada to advocate for policies that advance justice, compassion, and the common good through education, relationship-building, and faithful public witness.