{"id":5888,"date":"2021-10-18T14:52:51","date_gmt":"2021-10-18T19:52:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/?p=5888"},"modified":"2021-10-18T14:52:51","modified_gmt":"2021-10-18T19:52:51","slug":"october-updates-un-and-state-edition-2021","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/october-updates-un-and-state-edition-2021\/","title":{"rendered":"October Updates: UN and State Edition"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><em>Following are updates shared from submissions of the Lutheran Office for World Community and state public policy offices (sppos) in the ELCA Advocacy Network this month. Full list and map of sppos <a href=\"https:\/\/download.elca.org\/ELCA%20Resource%20Repository\/ELCA_Advocacy_map_and_list.pdf?_ga=2.233997977.648384114.1611598146-2061210645.1599663542\">available<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#UN\">U.N.<\/a> | <a href=\"#Arizona\">Arizona<\/a> | <a href=\"#Colorado\">Colorado<\/a> | <a href=\"#Ohio\">Ohio<\/a> | <a href=\"#Minnesota\">Minnesota<\/a> | <a href=\"#Texas\">Texas<\/a> | <a href=\"#Washington\">Washington<\/a> | <a href=\"#Wisconsin\">Wisconsin<\/a><a name=\"UN\"><\/a><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4>U.N.<br \/>\nLutheran Office for World Community (LOWC), United Nations, New York, N.Y. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.elca.org\/lowc\">ELCA.org\/lowc<\/a> \u2013 Dennis Frado, Director<\/h4>\n<p><strong>Women\u2019s Human Rights Advocacy Training<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) in partnership with the World Council of Churches, ACT Church of Sweden, ACT Alliance, Finn Church Aid, Mission 21, and Norwegian Church Aid held the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lutheranworld.org\/news\/advocacy-local-level-key-focus-annual-womens-human-rights-training\">Women\u2019s Human Rights Advocacy Training<\/a> virtually from 7-9 September 2021. LOWC Program Director Christine Mangale joined LWF colleagues in the planning and facilitation of the training. This year, nearly 60 delegates from faith-based organizations participated in a Training of Trainers (ToT) focusing on advocacy at local and regional levels and strengthening networking and collaboration. Topics discussed during the training included:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\u201chow to design and facilitate a regional training\u201d;<\/li>\n<li>\u201cinstruments on gender justice advocacy\u201d;<\/li>\n<li>\u201chow to report on human rights in different contexts\u201d;<\/li>\n<li>\u201cthe role of faith-based organizations in gender justice advocacy\u201d;<\/li>\n<li>\u201chow to counter backlashes and address challenges,\u201d<\/li>\n<li>\u201chuman rights\u2019 language;\u201d<\/li>\n<li>\u201cgender-based violence in the context of COVID-19\u201d;<\/li>\n<li>\u201csafety and security relating to advocacy on women\u2019s human rights\u201d; as well as<\/li>\n<li>\u201cdesigning faith-based advocacy\u201d.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The participants are then to take part in designing and leading a regional pilot project, starting with a virtual training in Africa to be held October 11-18, 2021. A LWF resource for faith-based organizations on affirming women\u2019s human rights can be found <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lutheranworld.org\/sites\/default\/files\/2019\/documents\/dtpw-wicas-women_advocacy_2019-en.pdf\">here<\/a>. <a name=\"Arizona\"><\/a><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4>Arizona<br \/>\nLutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA) <a href=\"https:\/\/lamaz.org\">lamaz.org<\/a> \u2013 Solveig Muus, Director<\/h4>\n<p>This is an exciting time for LAMA! Readers may know the LAMA office of the Grand Canyon Synod launched the same month that COVID-19 launched, so our efforts to connect with congregations, legislators and community have, from the jump, been exclusively virtual. But now happily, congregations are beginning to invite Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona into their communities, both virtually and in person \u2013 respectfully distanced! \u2013 and we are grateful to be making these wonderful connections through preaching and joining forums and groups, all to share our advocacy message.<\/p>\n<p>LAMA\u2019s annual retreat will be in person this year, and we are pleased to be joined by the Rev. Amy Reumann, Director of Advocacy for the ELCA. Pr. Reumann will also be the keynote speaker at the annual LAMA Summit for congregational liaisons and advocates on Sunday, December 5 at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center in Carefree, Arizona.<\/p>\n<p>LAMA\u2019s first Lutheran Day at the Legislature is set for Tuesday, February 1, 2022 in the Rose Garden at the State Capitol in Phoenix. We welcome this opportunity to gather, to meet legislators, and to voice our common needs in the public square, activating our faith in love.<\/p>\n<p>In addition, the Grand Canyon Synod has launched a new Hunger Leaders Network for hunger champions across the synod to connect, hear about hunger resources both locally and churchwide, share stories, and learn and grow together. The Hunger Leaders Network group meets monthly and is ably chaired by Melanie Hobden. <a name=\"Colorado\"><\/a><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4>Colorado<br \/>\nLutheran Advocacy Ministry Colorado (LAM-CO) <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lam-co.org\/\">lam-co.org<\/a> \u2013 Peter Severson, Director<\/h4>\n<p>BALLOT MEASURES: Coloradans will have three statewide ballot measures on which to vote on November 2. Check out the LAM-CO 2021 Voter Guide for our analysis and recommendations! It\u2019s available online at <a href=\"http:\/\/www.rmselca.org\/ColoradoBallot2021\">www.rmselca.org\/ColoradoBallot2021<\/a><\/p>\n<p>LEGISLATIVE FOLLOW UP: The State of Colorado is working on implementing important legislation that was passed in our 2021 session. This includes important protections for agricultural workers, who were brought under the protections of the Colorado Labor Peace Act of 1943 for the very first time. This will include overtime pay, rest breaks, minimum wage,\u00a0and others. We are working on supporting the implementation process and making sure that the state fulfills its obligations under the new law, particularly around the bills\u2019 mandated \u201cmeaningful overtime protections.\u201d A public hearing\u00a0on this issue\u00a0is upcoming on November 1.<\/p>\n<p>Check out our <a href=\"https:\/\/rmselca.org\/sites\/rmselca.org\/files\/media\/2021_legislative_wrap_up_pdf.pdf\">2021 Legislative Wrap-up<\/a> for all the details on the bills we worked on this year!<\/p>\n<p>DIRECTOR\u2019S SABBATICAL: LAM-CO Director Peter Severson took a sabbatical rest from June 19 to September 19. With gratitude for the experience of restoration and refreshment, he\u2019s back in the office and ready to lead our work this fall!<a name=\"Ohio\"><\/a><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4>Ohio<br \/>\nHunger Network Ohio <a href=\"https:\/\/hungernetwork.org\">hungernetwork.org<\/a> \u2013 Nick Bates, Director<\/h4>\n<p><strong>Faith community speaks out against the death penalty<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The Hunger Network in Ohio hosted a panel on the Death Penalty on October 11 with Southern Ohio Synod Bishop Suzanne Dillahunt and in partnership with the Ohio Council of Churches and Ohioans to Stop Executions as part of a faith advocacy week toward the abolition of the death penalty in Ohio.<\/p>\n<p>Bishop Dillahunt shared the ELCA&#8217;s commitment to justice as expressed in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.elca.org\/Faith\/Faith-and-Society\/Social-Statements\/Death-Penalty\">our ELCA social statement<\/a> on the issue prior to hearing from legislators and <a href=\"https:\/\/ncvc.dspacedirect.org\/bitstream\/item\/1440\/CVR%20Research%20Syntheses_Homicide%20Covictims_Report.pdf?sequence=1\">co-victims<\/a>. We are grateful for the leadership of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.legislature.ohio.gov\/legislation\/legislation-summary?id=GA134-HB-183\">HB183<\/a> sponsor Rep. Adam Miller (D-Columbus) and co-sponsor Rep. Laura Lanese (R-Grove City) for joining us on the call to share their perspective from the Ohio House of Representatives.<\/p>\n<p>We are hopeful that this legislation will move over the next few months, but we need advocates to keep up the pressure! You can act now by writing a letter to the editor of your local paper.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hungernetohio.com\/letters-to-the-editor\">Click here to send a letter to the editor of your paper!<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>You can\u202fwatch the forum and hear the powerful impact stories on <a href=\"https:\/\/fb.watch\/8BwXnIkFQ_\/\">our Facebook page here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_5892\" style=\"width: 297px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2021\/10\/2110-sppo-Dillahunt.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5892\" class=\" wp-image-5892\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2021\/10\/2110-sppo-Dillahunt.png\" alt=\"Screenshot of Bishop Dillahunt. The zoom logo is in the bottom right corner, and \u201cBishop Dillahunt Southern Ohio Synod ELCA\u201d is in the bottom left corner.\" width=\"287\" height=\"165\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2021\/10\/2110-sppo-Dillahunt.png 783w, https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2021\/10\/2110-sppo-Dillahunt-300x172.png 300w, https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2021\/10\/2110-sppo-Dillahunt-768x441.png 768w, https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2021\/10\/2110-sppo-Dillahunt-250x144.png 250w, https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2021\/10\/2110-sppo-Dillahunt-609x350.png 609w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 287px) 100vw, 287px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-5892\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Screenshot of Bishop Dillahunt.<\/p><\/div>\n<p><a name=\"Minnesota\"><\/a><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4>Minnesota<br \/>\nLutheran Advocacy \u2013 Minnesota (LA-MN) <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lutheranadvocacymn.org\">lutheranadvocacymn.org<\/a> \u2013 Tammy Walhof, Director<\/h4>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<table style=\"width: 240 px;float: right;margin-left: 20px;margin-top: 7px\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2021\/10\/2110-sppo-renthelp.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-58\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2021\/10\/2110-sppo-renthelp.png\" alt=\"Rent Help MN\" width=\"309\" height=\"57\" \/><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">\n<h6>Rent Help MN logo<\/h6>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><strong>Housing Crisis:<\/strong> Although significant COVID- related funding was set aside to address the impending eviction crisis, many renters have had difficulty accessing the help. The Minnesota Eviction Moratorium has now ended, and landlords can evict tenets. If you know someone behind in rent or facing eviction due to the pandemic, please help them access and navigate <a href=\"https:\/\/www.renthelpmn.org\/\">RentHelpMN.org<\/a>!<\/p>\n<p><strong>Preparing for the Next Legislative Session:<\/strong> A big part of our fall typically includes educating congregations about our work and meeting with coalition partners.<\/p>\n<table style=\"width: 240 px;float: right;margin-left: 20px;margin-top: 7px\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2021\/10\/2110-sppo-walhof.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-58\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2021\/10\/2110-sppo-walhof.jpg\" alt=\"pre-pandemic Walhof standing at a podium speaking animatedly\" width=\"182\" height=\"195\" \/><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">\n<h6>Walhof presenting pre-pandemic<\/h6>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>We have been in many meetings with the Energy Cluster of Minnesota Environmental Partnership to consider legislation, and plan future options for long-term impact. Additionally, the Homes for All Coalition is collecting proposals that we will review in coalition Policy Team meetings.<\/p>\n<p>The education pieces are more difficult due to the pandemic. Walhof and Rachel Wyffles, LA-MN&#8217;s Hunger Advocacy Fellow, are both willing to present or preach in churches if mask-wearing and vaccinations are taken seriously. We have also been brainstorming and working on videos, webinars, and studies. What does your congregation need?<\/p>\n<p><strong>Upcoming Events:<\/strong> Some of our partners are doing webinar events that match our priorities closely, so we encourage participation in the events listed below:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><em><strong>Webinar Series on Affordable Housing &amp; Homelessness<\/strong> (Joint Religious Legislative Coalition). Monthly through February. November 4 focus \u2013 Homelessness. <a href=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/18QQB01Ek7am6xJrDNFBG3_ydYNhpGVBN\/view\">Information<\/a>\/<a href=\"https:\/\/us02web.zoom.us\/meeting\/register\/tZcucOigrTIsHdWaRONrsnxNmYUW7PYaVuU0\">Registration<\/a><\/em><\/li>\n<li><em><strong>\u201cHunger at the Crossroads\u201d Webinar Series<\/strong> (ELCA World Hunger). October 27 focus \u2013 Hunger &amp; Climate Change. <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/worldhunger\/crossroads\/\">Information<\/a>\/<a href=\"https:\/\/forms.office.com\/r\/UrY1kKmH6e\">Registration<\/a><\/em><\/li>\n<li><em><strong>International Climate Conference \u2013 Pre-COP26 Conversation<\/strong> (Fresh Energy). October 26 focus \u2013 How Minnesota fits. <a href=\"https:\/\/fresh-energy.org\/october-20-minnesota-on-the-global-stage-a-pre-cop26-conversation-with-j-drake-hamilton\">Information<\/a>\/<a href=\"https:\/\/us02web.zoom.us\/webinar\/register\/WN_Na6CzpcGQZKjbm5J-4K2gQ\">Registration<\/a><\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a name=\"Texas\"><\/a><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4>Texas<br \/>\nTexas Impact <a href=\"https:\/\/texasimpact.org\">texasimpact.org<\/a> \u2013 Scott Atnip, Outreach Director<\/h4>\n<p>The Texas Legislature began a third called special session September 20 focused on redistricting,\u00a0spending American Rescue Plan Act funds, anti-trans legislation, and banning vaccine requirements. Through ongoing programming, including the Weekly Witness podcast, Rapid Response Team, and Legislative Engagement Groups, we continue to work to equip and mobilize Texans of faith and to help them understand what is happening in their Texas Legislature. In addition, Texas Impact hosted a Redistricting 101 webinar and a briefing with state budget experts on the process for appropriating Texas&#8217; $16M in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds.<\/p>\n<p>Texas Impact also partnered with the ELCA&#8217;s own John Johnson on a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=ZaA56HuUqoE\">Weekly Witness<\/a> episode focused on the Build Back Better Agenda and a training for advocates to meet with South Texas members of Congress on the Build Back Better legislation.<a name=\"Washington\"><\/a><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4>Washington<br \/>\nFaith Action Network (FAN) <a href=\"https:\/\/fanwa.org\">fanwa.org<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 Paul Benz and Elise DeGooyer, Co-Directors<\/h4>\n<table style=\"width: 240 px;float: right;margin-left: 20px;margin-top: 7px\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2021\/10\/2110-sppo-fanwa-invite.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-58\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2021\/10\/2110-sppo-fanwa-invite.png\" alt=\"Background is a picture of a flock of blackbirds in the air over a field at sunset. The words \u201cMoving Forward with Gratitude\u201d are on the top in black. The bottom of the image has an orange banner with the Faith Action Network logo and the words \u201cSunday, November 21, 2021\u201d in black font\" width=\"198\" height=\"141\" \/><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">\n<h6>Moving Forward with Gratitude invite<\/h6>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><strong>FAN Annual Dinner:<\/strong> We will host our annual fundraising celebration virtually on Sunday, November 21 to celebrate our 10th birthday, the Rev. Paul Benz\u2019s years of service, and our shared future. Advocates across the state will be joining us online, with the option to gather in small COVID-safe watch parties. You are welcome to join from your state!<\/p>\n<p><strong>Cluster Meetings:<\/strong> FAN hosts Fall Cluster Meetings as a way to gather with advocates in their local areas, learn about the issues that matter in their region, and build momentum for our work together. We are hosting 11 geographic clusters via Zoom around the state, and have heard from advocates on issues of housing, homelessness, taxation, food, climate and energy, immigration, refugees, and police reform.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Tax Town Halls and Candidate Forums:<\/strong> With our economic justice work group, we have been sending advocates to statewide Taxation Town Halls hosted by the legislature\u2019s Tax Structure Work Group. The state of Washington has one of the most regressive tax systems in the nation, so it is vital that we move forward to restructure our tax system to be more equitable. FAN is co-hosting candidate forums across the state, with coalition partners, to hear from local candidates on critical issues of policing, housing, and immigration.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Boarding Schools:<\/strong> FAN\u2019s Interfaith Network for Indigenous Communities issued a <a href=\"https:\/\/fanwa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/INIC-Statement-on-Boarding-Schools-with-signers.pdf\">statement signed by the three ELCA bishops in Washington<\/a> regarding U.S. Boarding School history. We also signed on in support of the <a href=\"https:\/\/boardingschoolhealing.org\/truthcommission\/\">Truth and Healing Commission Act<\/a> reintroduced in Congress.<a name=\"Wisconsin\"><\/a><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4>Wisconsin<br \/>\nLutheran Public Policy Office \u2013 Wisconsin (LOPPW) <a href=\"https:\/\/www.loppw.org\/\">loppw.org<\/a> &#8211; Cindy Crane, Director<\/h4>\n<table style=\"width: 240 px;float: left;margin-right: 20px;margin-top: 7px\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2021\/10\/2110-sppo-johnson-headshot.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-58\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2021\/10\/2110-sppo-johnson-headshot.jpg\" alt=\"John Johnson Headshot\" width=\"137\" height=\"137\" \/><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">\n<h6>John Johnson<\/h6>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/watch\/?v=565900664529504\"><strong>Wednesday Noon Live<\/strong><\/a> interview with John Johnson, ELCA Program Director for Domestic Policy. Johnson discussed domestic policy to support people experiencing poverty and the recent White House visit of Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton of the ELCA and Presiding Bishop Michael Curry of The Episcopal Church. We highlighted extending the Child Tax Credit (CTC). We have additional information on the CTC under <a href=\"https:\/\/www.loppw.org\/resources\/hunger\/\">Hunger<\/a> on our website and via this <a href=\"https:\/\/support.elca.org\/site\/R?i=eYUO9-SLWoyt7N6lerUPOVMEauKJIKXZMxfjP8yZK9cioRWnyxOCyg\">Action Alert<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Anti-Sex Trafficking<\/strong><br \/>\nShirley Paulson, retired educator and former president of the Women of the ELCA of East Central Synod of Wisconsin, and the Rev. Cindy Crane, the director of LOPPW, testified on <a href=\"https:\/\/docs.legis.wisconsin.gov\/2021\/proposals\/sb245\">SB 245<\/a>, which looks to make it so that anyone under the age of 18 may not be prosecuted for prostitution. At the hearing, there were several disturbing stories of trafficked youth who were afraid they would be charged with a crime if they called the police due to the current laws in place.<\/p>\n<table style=\"width: 240 px;float: left;margin-right: 20px;margin-top: 7px\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2021\/10\/2110-sppo-anti-sex-trafficking.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-58\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2021\/10\/2110-sppo-anti-sex-trafficking.jpg\" alt=\"The left image is of a Shirley Paulson sitting at the end of a long wooden table. The top right image shows two women looking at each other, sitting in the same position. The bottom right image shows Cindy Crane standing, speaking to someone not shown in the image.\" width=\"216\" height=\"195\" \/><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align: center\">\n<h6>Left Image: Shirley Paulson<br \/>\nBottom Right Image: Cindy Crane<\/h6>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>It sometimes takes many years to pass a bill. We have been supporting this one for quite a few years now, but it is closer to passing.<\/p>\n<p>Look forward to action alerts on SB 245 and for another significant bill on expulsion of crimes for adult victims of sex trafficking.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Juvenile Justice<\/strong><br \/>\nOur Raise the Age Coalition is reaching out to businesses to support our efforts to return 17-year-old youth to the juvenile justice system. Recently, members of our steering committee met with the president of Wisconsin Manufacturing &amp; Commerce to discuss this issue.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Settling Afghan Refugees<\/strong><br \/>\nWe have supported the Welcoming Evacuees Coming from Overseas to Mitigate Effects of Displacement Act of 2021, also known as the WELCOMED Act with our <a href=\"https:\/\/support.elca.org\/site\/R?i=G5TNKeLRNNpJpoGcv8JaSSGXwuBVeYeceSdvOtONu-qGUUiSwHJxpQ\">Action Alert<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Care for God\u2019s Creation<\/strong><br \/>\nPr. Crane will be at the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference, Conference of the Parties, known as COP26, in Glasgow, Scotland!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Following are updates shared from submissions of the Lutheran Office for World Community and state public policy offices (sppos) in the ELCA Advocacy Network this month. Full list and map of sppos available. U.N. | Arizona | Colorado | Ohio | Minnesota | Texas | Washington | Wisconsin &nbsp; U.N. Lutheran Office for World Community [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":277,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1400],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5888","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-post"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>October Updates: UN and State Edition - ELCA Advocacy<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/october-updates-un-and-state-edition-2021\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"October Updates: UN and State Edition - ELCA Advocacy\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Following are updates shared from submissions of the Lutheran Office for World Community and state public policy offices (sppos) in the ELCA Advocacy Network this month. Full list and map of sppos available. U.N. | Arizona | Colorado | Ohio | Minnesota | Texas | Washington | Wisconsin &nbsp; U.N. 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