Editor’s note: Faith-based advocacy happens wherever Lutherans are found, including through our ELCA-affiliated state public policy office network. When Washington, D.C.-based ELCA Hunger Advocacy Fellow Will Milner joined a delegation from his home state of Virginia for an advocacy day through the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy (VICPP), he left his first-time encounter encouraged by the difference such action can make.
As a Virginian, I find myself entwined with both local concerns and federal priorities. In January, I took my concerns to Richmond for the 2024 Day for All People.
Bright and early, we navigated the cool winter winds on our way to St. Paul Episcopal Church, located a block south of Virginia’s General Assembly, for an event hosted by the interfaith VICPP group. It exuded a sense of belonging, as if everyone and everything had converged at the right place and time. As we traversed the church’s halls, adorned with ornate stained-glass windows, the atmosphere felt expansive and vibrant, with attendees spanning all ages, races and faiths, united by their enthusiasm for advocacy. Rows of pews were filled with people quietly conversing among themselves, which set the stage for faith leaders of various religions to take the pulpit.
After compelling remarks from the speakers, our hosts briefed us on the critical issues facing votes in both houses of the General Assembly. Attendees, organized by districts, received individualized information packets keyed to their respective representatives before embarking on a brisk walk to the General Assembly.
I was invigorated by the experience of bringing our concerns directly to lawmakers, which reinforced the significance of our advocacy work.
I was invigorated by the experience of bringing our concerns directly to lawmakers, which reinforced the significance of our advocacy work. Our conversations with legislative staff revealed their genuine commitment to addressing the concerns of constituents. I was proud to be represented by individuals who expressed deep care for our community.
A highlight of the day was our face-to-face meeting with Virginia House Delegate Karrie Delaney, my first encounter with an elected representative rather than a staffer or legislative aide. While not diminishing the value of those prior meetings, this was a refreshing change of pace to have direct contact with a delegate.
Delaney and I delved into key concerns of the Virginia faith community, centering our conversation on criminal justice reform. We discussed providing no-cost communications to incarcerated individuals and their families, as well as eliminating the use of attack dogs in Virginia prisons to regulate inmate behavior.
Thanks to the meticulous prep work of VICPP, I was ready to discuss tenant protection bills to be heard by the General Laws Committee, of which Delaney is a member.
This experience underscored the influential role of faith-based advocacy in shaping a more just and compassionate society. Seven of us from the D.C. ELCA Witness in Society staff stood together in Richmond with the intention of making a difference. I highly recommend participating in an advocacy day through your state public policy office or another coalition. The impact is tangible, and the opportunity to effect positive change is both rewarding and vital for our communities.
– Will Milner
