{"id":8872,"date":"2026-07-15T17:12:32","date_gmt":"2026-07-15T22:12:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/?p=8872"},"modified":"2026-07-28T12:36:41","modified_gmt":"2026-07-28T17:36:41","slug":"august-recess-opportunity-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/august-recess-opportunity-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"August Recess Opportunity"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><a href=\"#ovr\">OVERVIEW | <\/a><a href=\"#vr\">VOTING RIGHTS<\/a> | <a href=\"#fbr\">FARM BILL RENEWAL<\/a> | <a href=\"#fdmr\">FEDERAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT REFORM<\/a> | <a href=\"#GHA\">GLOBAL HIV\/AIDS FIGHT THROUGH PEPFAR<\/a> | <a href=\"#mena\"><span class=\"TextRun Highlight SCXW57074571 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW57074571 BCX8\">AUGUSTA VICTORIA HOSPITAL AND EJHN FUNDING<\/span><\/span><\/a> | <a href=\"#ice\">IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT FUNDING<\/a> | <a href=\"#apr\">ADDITIONAL PLANNING RESOURCES<\/a><br \/>\n<a name=\"ovr\"><\/a><br \/>\nAugust Recess is a congressional tradition that brings heightened opportunities to reach out to your federal lawmakers where you \u2013 and they \u2013 live. U.S. representatives traditionally return to their home districts in this month to engage with their constituents.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What does this mean for constituents?<\/strong> Town Halls and in-district meetings may be available in this period that create windows to raise your experiences, the experiences of your faith community, and policy concerns locally. It is a time faith voices can highlight ministries of accompaniment and draw attention to communities and concerns whose concerns may be disregarded in political processes.<\/p>\n<p><strong>How do you find out what opportunities are available?<\/strong> Your lawmaker\u2019s Web presence is likely to highlight opportunities. One way to get to that Website is from govtrack.us. Local media and publicity may also share a schedule.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>If a <strong>Town Hall<\/strong> is listed, it may be an open forum or a virtual experience. You may need to register to attend and\/or raise a question. Virtual experiences may be especially constrained in a question-and-answer format, but any Town Hall can be a meaningful connection point.<\/li>\n<li>You may request a <strong>local meeting<\/strong> in this period \u2013 but request this time on your lawmaker\u2019s calendar as early as possible since calendars get filled.\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Issue-centric meetings<\/strong> can be held in-person or virtually and will be strongest with intentional preparation including by pre-planning partner attendees. Find tips below.<\/li>\n<li><strong>\u00a0A showcase of your ministry<\/strong> can be an effective relationship builder with your presence in the community. In-person or virtually, a tour and impact illustration can position ongoing connection.<\/li>\n<li><strong>A chance for a lawmaker to speak or connect with constituents<\/strong> after a worship service or event can also be a strong relationship building experience, mindful that participation by congregations in such activities must be strictly nonpartisan and abide by Internal Revenue Service (IRS) guidelines.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If an <a href=\"https:\/\/resources.elca.org\/advocacy\/elca-advocacy-locations-map-and-list\/\">ELCA-affiliated State Public Policy office<\/a> is in your area, these leaders can be very helpful for local education and lawmaker connections.<\/p>\n<p>Below are suggestions from our ELCA federal policy staff about issues that intersect with <a href=\"https:\/\/resources.elca.org\/advocacy\/elca-federal-policy-priorities-for-119th-congress-full\/\">ELCA Federal Policy Priorities for the 119th Congress<\/a> which are presently on the horizon. Question prompts may help you shape a timely way to use August Recess opportunities.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #333399\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW229236469 BCX8\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2025\/05\/civilrights50.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-8355 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2025\/05\/civilrights50.png\" alt=\"Icon with a white balanced scale and checkmark on a blue background.\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\" \/><\/a><a name=\"vr\"><\/a>THIS MOMENT IN TIME<\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #333399\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW229236469 BCX8\">\u2013<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW229236469 BCX8\">Voting Rights<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><em>\u201cA government function quickly loses credibility if carried out unfairly or arbitrarily, in a way that discriminates against some in favor of others. Government systems should strive to include the perspectives of those affected by their decisions and to seek fair representation of the communities they serve.\u201d \u2013 From the ELCA social message <a href=\"https:\/\/www.elca.org\/publications\/2020-government-theological-discernment-social-messages\">Government and Civic Engagement in the United States: Discipleship in a Democracy,<\/a>\u00a0p. 12<\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #333399\">REMARKS<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Individual voting rights, state election administration processes and federal voter protections remain pressing issues and focal points of contentious legislative debate. Heading into August Recess, lawmakers have an opportunity to engage constituents on the wide-ranging challenges to fair representation that include <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncsl.org\/state-legislatures-news\/details\/supreme-court-narrows-voting-rights-act-upending-redistricting-law\">weakened protections from partisan redistricting<\/a>, concerning restrictions to access in the form of burdensome voter identification requirements and proposed changes to mail-in voting. Every opportunity to share your faith-informed values and your concerns with your elected officials will play a meaningful role in shaping policy and ensuring free and fair elections for all eligible Americans to cast a vote and have it counted.<\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #333399\">QUESTIONS<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Have you supported or opposed the SAVE America Act? Will you continue to do so?<\/li>\n<li>\u00a0How would the proposed changes of the SAVE America Act impact our state election administration process, and which eligible voters in our state would have difficulty meeting new requirements?<\/li>\n<li>What lasting reforms can you lead in Congress to prevent future barriers to voting, ensure that all eligible Americans have access to cast a vote at the ballot box, and increase confidence that our vote will be counted?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #333399\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2025\/07\/economic50.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-8357 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2025\/07\/economic50.png\" alt=\"Blue icon with a central circle, three arrows, and a dollar symbol.\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\" \/><\/a><a name=\"fbr\"><\/a>THIS MOMENT IN TIME \u2013 Farm Bill Renewal<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><em>\u201cFarmers face the challenge of producing this food in ways that contribute to the regeneration of the land and the vitality of rural communities. At the same time, society as a whole must address the high levels of risk farmers face and the low prices they often receive.\u201d \u2013 From the ELCA social statement <a href=\"https:\/\/elca.org\/Faith\/Faith-and-Society\/Social-Statements\/Economic-Life\">Sufficient, Sustainable Livelihood for All\u202f<span style=\"color: #333333\">, <\/span><\/a>p. 16<\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #333399\">REMARKS<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The Farm Bill, which sets federal policy for both nutrition assistance and farm programs, has been temporarily extended through Sep. 30, 2026. Legislation last year cut Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) low-income food assistance deeply, rapidly shifting new burdens on administering states and adding new paperwork requirements for vulnerable populations, including veterans and children aging out of foster care. This comes in a year when many ELCA World Hunger partners <a href=\"https:\/\/resources.elca.org\/elca-world-hunger\/lifelines-spring-2026\/\">have reported new demands on hunger ministries<\/a>, states have <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nga.org\/news\/press-releases\/states-sound-alarm-over-ongoing-snap-threats\/\">cited massive implementation concerns<\/a>. Additionally surging prices and price uncertainty have left many farmers in dire situations. Though the House passed a Farm Bill renewal bill that would lock in the SNAP changes moving forward, timing in the Senate for passage this year remains uncertain. It is critical in August, ahead of the expiration of the current Farm Bill temporary extension, that we urge Congress to pass a Farm Bill that supports BOTH hungry families and farmers.<\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #333399\">QUESTIONS<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>I am deeply concerned with the hasty changes made to the SNAP hunger program, and with many farmers increasingly saying they can no longer afford to grow all their crops this year. Many governors are urging a delay in the implementation of SNAP cost-shares for two years to give them more time to absorb new costs. With the Farm Bill expiring at the end of September, will you be committed to passing a Farm Bill that supports both hungry families and farm communities as soon as possible?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2019\/03\/environment50.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-3633\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2019\/03\/environment50.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\" \/><\/a><\/h3>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #333399\"><a name=\"fdmr\"><\/a>THIS MOMENT IN TIME \u2013 Federal Disaster Management Reform<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><em>\u201cAs the science related to global warming and climate change has become more definitive and persuasive, many across the globe are raising increasingly anguished cries. Many of us in the ELCA contribute to and\/or volunteer for organizations\u2026 that have diligently responded to the devastation caused by wildfires in the West, tornadoes in the Midwest and Southeast, and flooding throughout the country, caused by severe storms and hurricanes.\u201d &#8211; From the ELCA social message &#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.elca.org\/publications\/2023-climate-theological-discernment-social-messages\">Earth&#8217;s Climate Crisis<\/a>,&#8221; pp. 8-9<\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #333399\">REMARKS<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW22368140 BCX8\">Disasters are increasing in frequency and intensity\u2014wildfires, hurricanes,\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW22368140 BCX8\">floods<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW22368140 BCX8\">\u00a0and severe storms are devastating more communities each year. Yet survivors often face confusing paperwork,\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW22368140 BCX8\">long\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed SCXW22368140 BCX8\">delays<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW22368140 BCX8\">\u00a0and inequitable access to aid. Faith-based partners, like Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR), aim to fill the gap between what\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW22368140 BCX8\">the Federal Emergency Management Agency (<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW22368140 BCX8\">FEMA<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW22368140 BCX8\">)<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW22368140 BCX8\">\u00a0can provide and what makes people \u201cwhole\u201d again. With proposals to reduce the\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW22368140 BCX8\">scope of<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW22368140 BCX8\">\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW22368140 BCX8\">FEMA<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW22368140 BCX8\">, this gap is widening. The bipartisan FEMA Act of 2025 (H.R. 4669) takes long-overdue steps to strengthen and modernize federal disaster management. By elevating FEMA to a cabinet-level agency, creating a universal\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW22368140 BCX8\">assistance<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW22368140 BCX8\">\u00a0form, streamlining\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW22368140 BCX8\">funding<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW22368140 BCX8\">\u00a0and ensuring oversight and public accountability, this bill can ensure that FEMA is serving disaster survivors and communities more holistically and efficiently. This legislation is a practical step toward a just,\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW22368140 BCX8\">compassionate<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW22368140 BCX8\">\u00a0and resilient national disaster system.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #333399\">QUESTIONS<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>How do you see the federal government\u2019s role in disaster response?<\/li>\n<li>Do you (House member) or would you (Senator) support a bill like the FEMA Act of 2025?<\/li>\n<li>With increased natural disasters becoming more devastating, how can the federal government help communities build resiliency before disaster strikes?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2019\/03\/international50.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-3634\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2019\/03\/international50.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\" \/><\/a><\/h3>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #333399\"><a name=\"GHA\"><\/a>THIS MOMENT IN TIME \u2013 Global HIV\/AIDS Fight through PEPFAR<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><em>\u201cAs citizens, we ought to support those disease-preventing and health-promoting public health measures that can be taken only at community, state, and national levels. We also have responsibility to support similar efforts that address disease prevention, health promotion, and treatment on a global scale.\u201d \u2013 From ELCA social statement <a href=\"https:\/\/resources.elca.org\/faith-and-society\/health\/\">Caring for Health: Our Shared Endeavor<\/a>, p. 8<\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #333399\">REMARKS<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>For decades, the United States led the world in the fight against global HIV\/AIDS. One of its most successful bilateral programs, known as the President\u2019s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), has saved 25 million lives since it was launched in 2003 by President George W. Bush. However, when President Trump came into power in January 2025, his administration terminated many lifesaving, global health programs, including PEPFAR programs. Making matters worse, the administration is currently withholding an estimated 50 percent of funds Congress had previously approved for PEPFAR programming, jeopardizing access to HIV medicine and prevention services in countries that need this vital support. It is important to maintain in the awareness of our elected officials the need to resume these lifesaving measures.<\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #333399\">QUESTIONS<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\u00a0I understand that the administration has not been releasing all the PEPFAR funds that Congress has already appropriated for PEPFAR programs, which support people who are living with HIV\/AIDS and prevent new infections, including mother-to-child transmissions. Do you support the PEPFAR program?<\/li>\n<li>As a member of Congress, your role includes holding the administration accountable for following the law, such as the Congressionally approved appropriations for PEPFAR. What will you do to ensure the administration releasees PEPFAR funds as intended by Congress?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2019\/10\/peacenotwalls50homemade.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-4357 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2019\/10\/peacenotwalls50homemade.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\" \/><\/a><a name=\"mena\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #333399\">THIS MOMENT IN TIME &#8211; <span class=\"TextRun Highlight SCXW34295526 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW34295526 BCX8\">Augusta Victoria Hospital and\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW34295526 BCX8\">EJHN<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW34295526 BCX8\">\u00a0Funding<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW34295526 BCX8\" data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><em>&#8220;A ministry of healing is integral to the life and mission of the Church. It expresses our faith in the power of God to create and to save, as well as our commitment to care for our neighbor. The Holy Spirit empowers us so that <\/em><em>we can care for all people as God&#8217;s children and seek their healing.&#8221;\u2013 From ELCA social statement <a href=\"https:\/\/resources.elca.org\/faith-and-society\/health\/\">Caring for Health: Our Shared Endeavor<\/a>, p. 9<\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #333399\">REMARKS<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Ensure bipartisan congressional funding for the Augusta Victoria Hospital and the wider East Jerusalem Hospital Network (EJHN) for fiscal year 2027. Augusta Victoria Hospital (AVH), operated by the Lutheran World Federation in East Jerusalem and located on the Mount of Olives, serves Christians and Muslims without discrimination. It is the first and only hospital in the West Bank and Gaza to provide comprehensive cancer care, including radiation therapy and palliative care, and the only medical facility in the West Bank offering pediatric kidney dialysis. The Augusta Victoria Hospital is part of the wider East Jerusalem Hospital Network (EJHN), which compromises of six hospitals in East Jerusalem that are a foundational pillar of the entire Palestinian healthcare system in the Holy Land. Congress has provided bipartisan funding support to AVH and the EJHN since 2014. For fiscal year 2027, continued commitment to AVH and the EJHN is needed in Congress, as stability of the Palestinian healthcare system has always had bipartisan agreement and support. In 2024, the EJHN collectively treated 350,000 patients. Support for the EJHN moving forward is vital to stabilize the healthcare system in the Holy Land.<\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #333399\">QUESTIONS<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Bipartisan support for Augusta Victoria Hospital and the East Jerusalem Hospital Network in the Holy Land has been essential for meeting vital healthcare needs in this sensitive region. Can you pledge to support the $120 million appropriations request to the EJHN in fiscal year 2027?<\/li>\n<li>[Updated 7\/28\/2026] Peace and stability have their greatest chance of succeeding in the region when vital systems function, such as the meaningful provision of healthcare. Before the recent war in the region, there was a medical corridor that connected Gaza to the East Jerusalem Hospital Network which facilitated access to comprehensive and vital services such as cancer care to the Palestinian people of Gaza. Would you advocate for the Israeli government to restore the medical corridor by writing as our elected leader to the U.S. Dept of State urging this action in the current peace plan?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2019\/03\/migration50.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-3635\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2019\/03\/migration50.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\" \/><\/a><\/h3>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #333399\"><a name=\"ice\"><\/a>THIS MOMENT IN TIME \u2013 Immigration Enforcement Funding<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>\u201c<em>Citizens need to give careful attention to how we in the United States perceive our national interest and interpret our national identity, since what states do depends in large measure on their views of their own interests and identity. Sin\u2019s power often makes itself felt in arrogant and self-righteous views of national identity, and in narrow, short-term, and absolute views of national interest.\u201d \u2013 From the ELCA social statement <a href=\"https:\/\/resources.elca.org\/faith-and-society\/peace\/\">For Peace in God\u2019s World<\/a>,<\/em> <em>p. 10<\/em><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #333399\"><strong>REMARKS<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p>In 2025, the Department of Homeland Security saw the largest influx of funding in its history, with a staggering $170 billion appropriated for immigration enforcement \u2013 on top of regular annual appropriations. This June, Congress passed an additional windfall of $70 billion for U.S.<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ice.gov\/\"> Immigration and Customs Enforcement<\/a> (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This means that in less than a year, these agencies have received eight times their usual annual funding, or nearly a quarter trillion dollars to continue operations that have threatened the rights, well-being and lives of our neighbors. ICE and CBP are now better funded than <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/List_of_countries_with_highest_military_expenditures\">any global military<\/a> outside of China, Russia and the United States. This August Recess is a good time to speak out against this rampant funding with no accountability, urge protections for our neighbors, and push back on enforcement and detention in your backyard.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #333399\"><strong>QUESTIONS<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\u00a0In the past year, Congress has voted for almost a quarter trillion dollars in taxpayer money for immigration enforcement, funding agencies that have faced serious concerns over their accountability. What oversight and accountability measures will you fight for if this next funding request does move forward?<\/li>\n<li>\u00a0[Insert your brief stories of immigration enforcement\u2019s impact in your community.] Our community can\u2019t wait for another election cycle and new Congress to see changes and protections. What do you commit to in the coming months to help protect the people in our community from profiling, detention, loss of documentation and livelihoods, and deportation? And what is your plan to create lasting reforms in the coming Congress?<\/li>\n<li>I believe that every human life is precious; that every human being is made in the image of God.\n<ul>\n<li>[IF YOUR MEMBER OF CONGRESS HAS MADE DISRESPECTFUL STATEMENTS] When you called immigrants [insert language here] in your [insert TV spot\/ press release\/ social media post], I was appalled. Even if we disagree on policy, we should all agree to speak about people in a way that honors their God-given dignity.<\/li>\n<li>[FOR ALL] Would you commit in your legislation and communications to uplifting the dignity of all people, including the immigrants who are our neighbors?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #333399\"><a name=\"apr\"><\/a>ADDITIONAL PLANNING RESOURCES<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The following resources are available in the ELCA Resource Center under the topic \u201cAdvocacy\u201d and subcategory \u201cAdvocacy Tools\u201d unless otherwise indicated.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/resources.elca.org\/advocacy\/august-resource-guide\/\">August Recess Guide<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/resources.elca.org\/advocacy\/elca-advocacy-in-your-state-in-district-meetings-with-congress\/\">In-District Meetings with Your Representative<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/resources.elca.org\/advocacy\/virtual-visits\/\">Virtual Visits<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/LENFbdyCML4?si=sxN6kfmCR20vJ7uW\">How Do I approach Policymakers?<\/a> &#8211; video in the ELCA Advocacy Starter Kit found on the @ELCAadvocacy YouTube Channel<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/august-recess-is-your-time-to-shine\/\">August Recess is Your Time to Shine<\/a> \u2013 post to the ELCA Advocacy Blog<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>OVERVIEW | VOTING RIGHTS | FARM BILL RENEWAL | FEDERAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT REFORM | GLOBAL HIV\/AIDS FIGHT THROUGH PEPFAR | AUGUSTA VICTORIA HOSPITAL AND EJHN FUNDING | IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT FUNDING | ADDITIONAL PLANNING RESOURCES August Recess is a congressional tradition that brings heightened opportunities to reach out to your federal lawmakers where you \u2013 and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":316,"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-8872","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-post"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>August Recess Opportunity - 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\/august-recess-opportunity-2026\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"August Recess Opportunity - ELCA Advocacy\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"OVERVIEW | VOTING RIGHTS | FARM BILL RENEWAL | FEDERAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT REFORM | GLOBAL HIV\/AIDS FIGHT THROUGH PEPFAR | AUGUSTA VICTORIA HOSPITAL AND EJHN FUNDING | IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT FUNDING | ADDITIONAL PLANNING RESOURCES August Recess is a congressional tradition that brings heightened opportunities to reach out to your federal lawmakers where you \u2013 and [&hellip;]\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/august-recess-opportunity-2026\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"ELCA Advocacy\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-07-15T22:12:32+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-07-28T17:36:41+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2025\/05\/civilrights50.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"50\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"50\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"faithsnipes\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"faithsnipes\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"12 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blogs.elca.org\\\/advocacy\\\/august-recess-opportunity-2026\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blogs.elca.org\\\/advocacy\\\/august-recess-opportunity-2026\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"faithsnipes\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blogs.elca.org\\\/advocacy\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/f7c579b837ec4d92ac45908689700de2\"},\"headline\":\"August Recess Opportunity\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-07-15T22:12:32+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-07-28T17:36:41+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blogs.elca.org\\\/advocacy\\\/august-recess-opportunity-2026\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":2436,\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blogs.elca.org\\\/advocacy\\\/august-recess-opportunity-2026\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blogs.elca.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/41\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/civilrights50.png\",\"articleSection\":[\"Post\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blogs.elca.org\\\/advocacy\\\/august-recess-opportunity-2026\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blogs.elca.org\\\/advocacy\\\/august-recess-opportunity-2026\\\/\",\"name\":\"August Recess Opportunity - ELCA Advocacy\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blogs.elca.org\\\/advocacy\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blogs.elca.org\\\/advocacy\\\/august-recess-opportunity-2026\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blogs.elca.org\\\/advocacy\\\/august-recess-opportunity-2026\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blogs.elca.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/41\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/civilrights50.png\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-07-15T22:12:32+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-07-28T17:36:41+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blogs.elca.org\\\/advocacy\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/f7c579b837ec4d92ac45908689700de2\"},\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blogs.elca.org\\\/advocacy\\\/august-recess-opportunity-2026\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/blogs.elca.org\\\/advocacy\\\/august-recess-opportunity-2026\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blogs.elca.org\\\/advocacy\\\/august-recess-opportunity-2026\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blogs.elca.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/41\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/civilrights50.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blogs.elca.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/41\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/civilrights50.png\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blogs.elca.org\\\/advocacy\\\/august-recess-opportunity-2026\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blogs.elca.org\\\/advocacy\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"August Recess Opportunity\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blogs.elca.org\\\/advocacy\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blogs.elca.org\\\/advocacy\\\/\",\"name\":\"ELCA Advocacy\",\"description\":\"Advocacy ministries of the ELCA want to share stories and your voices about public policies and relevant advocacy issues that are of interest to you.\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blogs.elca.org\\\/advocacy\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blogs.elca.org\\\/advocacy\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/f7c579b837ec4d92ac45908689700de2\",\"name\":\"faithsnipes\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/286a99e535da58c2fa4f9e67df8ee997ee8b758147ccb6dd964ddb957b6a1eb4?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/286a99e535da58c2fa4f9e67df8ee997ee8b758147ccb6dd964ddb957b6a1eb4?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/286a99e535da58c2fa4f9e67df8ee997ee8b758147ccb6dd964ddb957b6a1eb4?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"faithsnipes\"},\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blogs.elca.org\\\/advocacy\\\/author\\\/faithsnipes\\\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"August Recess Opportunity - ELCA Advocacy","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/august-recess-opportunity-2026\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"August Recess Opportunity - ELCA Advocacy","og_description":"OVERVIEW | VOTING RIGHTS | FARM BILL RENEWAL | FEDERAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT REFORM | GLOBAL HIV\/AIDS FIGHT THROUGH PEPFAR | AUGUSTA VICTORIA HOSPITAL AND EJHN FUNDING | IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT FUNDING | ADDITIONAL PLANNING RESOURCES August Recess is a congressional tradition that brings heightened opportunities to reach out to your federal lawmakers where you \u2013 and [&hellip;]","og_url":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/august-recess-opportunity-2026\/","og_site_name":"ELCA Advocacy","article_published_time":"2026-07-15T22:12:32+00:00","article_modified_time":"2026-07-28T17:36:41+00:00","og_image":[{"width":50,"height":50,"url":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2025\/05\/civilrights50.png","type":"image\/png"}],"author":"faithsnipes","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"faithsnipes","Est. reading time":"12 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/august-recess-opportunity-2026\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/august-recess-opportunity-2026\/"},"author":{"name":"faithsnipes","@id":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/#\/schema\/person\/f7c579b837ec4d92ac45908689700de2"},"headline":"August Recess Opportunity","datePublished":"2026-07-15T22:12:32+00:00","dateModified":"2026-07-28T17:36:41+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/august-recess-opportunity-2026\/"},"wordCount":2436,"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/august-recess-opportunity-2026\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2025\/05\/civilrights50.png","articleSection":["Post"],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/august-recess-opportunity-2026\/","url":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/august-recess-opportunity-2026\/","name":"August Recess Opportunity - ELCA Advocacy","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/august-recess-opportunity-2026\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/august-recess-opportunity-2026\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2025\/05\/civilrights50.png","datePublished":"2026-07-15T22:12:32+00:00","dateModified":"2026-07-28T17:36:41+00:00","author":{"@id":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/#\/schema\/person\/f7c579b837ec4d92ac45908689700de2"},"breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/august-recess-opportunity-2026\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/august-recess-opportunity-2026\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/august-recess-opportunity-2026\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2025\/05\/civilrights50.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2025\/05\/civilrights50.png"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/august-recess-opportunity-2026\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"August Recess Opportunity"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/#website","url":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/","name":"ELCA Advocacy","description":"Advocacy ministries of the ELCA want to share stories and your voices about public policies and relevant advocacy issues that are of interest to you.","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/#\/schema\/person\/f7c579b837ec4d92ac45908689700de2","name":"faithsnipes","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/286a99e535da58c2fa4f9e67df8ee997ee8b758147ccb6dd964ddb957b6a1eb4?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/286a99e535da58c2fa4f9e67df8ee997ee8b758147ccb6dd964ddb957b6a1eb4?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/286a99e535da58c2fa4f9e67df8ee997ee8b758147ccb6dd964ddb957b6a1eb4?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"faithsnipes"},"url":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/author\/faithsnipes\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8872","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/316"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8872"}],"version-history":[{"count":59,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8872\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8933,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8872\/revisions\/8933"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8872"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8872"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/advocacy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8872"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}