A report on Interfaith Advocacy Day
Interfaith Advocacy Day Recap
By Alice McCain
Interfaith Advocacy Day is sponsored each year by Faith Action Network/FAN; it was held this year on Thursday, February 6. 2020 is a shorter 60-day session, with March 13 as the planned closing date.
A group of 10 Kitsap people—including eight from Bethany--traveled to Olympia to learn about issues and advocate along with people of multiple faiths from many parts of Washington.
Upon arrival at United Churches of Olympia we gathered in the sanctuary. We were welcomed by FAN staff, host church clergy, and Speaker of the House Rep. Laurie Jinkins. Rabbi Seth Goldstein of Temple Beth Hatfiloh, Olympia, gave an inspirational message about facing adversity and the parting of the Red Sea.
Pastor Paul and Alice McCain then facilitated a 23rd District caucus, discussing and selecting our four priority legislative issues. We decided on Addressing Climate Change; Protecting Immigrants, Civil and Human Rights for All (addressing gun violence); Advocating for Economic Justice and Reducing Poverty; and Creating Housing Opportunities and Preventing Homelessness. We then chose individuals to present those issues during our afternoon visits to Reps. Sherry Appleton and Drew Hansen and Sen. Christine Rolfes.
Before lunch we each attended two of the seven workshops presented by experts on topics such as: Climate Justice and Creation Care; Advocating for Economic Justice & Reducing Poverty; Promoting Safe Communities: Gun Responsibility; and Protecting Immigrants, Civil and Human Rights for All. There is so much to learn!
After lunch our group walked to the Capitol to meet our legislators at appointments set up by FAN staff. We were with the legislator or their staff person for fifteen minutes each, introducing ourselves, addressing our issues, and then advocating for passage of bills to support those issues. We were also able to learn their take on various causes. We always close by thanking our legislators for their accessibility and continuing hard work to benefit the state and our community.
Even if you weren’t able to attend IFAD, you can advocate for issues that concern you! More information is available at https://fanwa.org/advocacy/legislative-agenda/.There you can sign up for weekly newsletters from FAN on legislative issues. It’s easy to call the legislative hotline, 1-800-562-6000, and leave messages for Governor Inslee, Sen. Rolfes, and Reps. Appleton and Hansen.
To learn more about specific issues, see the red FAN folder, available in the Bethany library. Remember: “Democracy is not a spectator sport.” Your voice is needed.