Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest, in partnership with Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA) is proud to present our Advocacy 101 tool kit. If you are interested in getting involved at a deeper level, want to lead your congregation or group in an Advocacy 101 training, or simply want to learn more about what advocacy is, please take a look at the video and the accompanying slide show below.

This 19 minute video is from a faith based perspective and is great for congregations, youth groups, or faith based organizations.

If you would like to utilize a video that is not specifically faith based but still covers the basics of advocacy, please check out our video here

These resources were created out of a desire to help teach others the importance of standing up for those whose voices are often overlooked, and to lessen the anxiety around what it means to advocate. We encourage you to use these resources to help educate others. We would love to provide this training in person, or help with any questions you may have when presenting this material. Please reach out to jeberle@lss-sw.org with any questions or copies of the slideshow, script or video.

The Advocacy Priority of LSS-SW this year focuses on an issue which is prevalent statewide, effects those we serve as well as our family and friends, that is, affordable housing. Our intern staff, Alondra Mora and Caitlin Gonzales conducted extensive research into the topic and authored a white paper on affordable housing which can be found here

To stay in the know about our efforts around affordable housing, as well as all other advocacy efforts, sign up for our email newsletter.

Complete the form below to be added to our Advocacy Email list.

If you join us, you will receive:

• Our monthly advocacy newsletter

• Email alerts about how to take action

• Invitations for meetings with policy makers for your city, county, and district

• Information about upcoming opportunities and trainings

Current Issues

Afghan evacuees are here in the United States and hopeful for a brighter future. Many Afghans came to the US under humanitarian parole, and need to apply for a Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) or asylum - or face deportation in 2 years. You can help create a path to permanent residency and citizenship for people who served with the US in Afghanistan. Learn more and advocate for the Afghan Adjustment Act here.

Check out how you can advocate for refugee resettlement and Act on GRACE here.

Part of the work of Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest is using our voice for the vulnerable people we serve. We raise issues of concern to policy makers through our advocacy efforts. Public policy advocacy is not partisan or political.  It is a form of ministry in which LSS-SW has engaged over our 50-year history. 

We hosted a webinar about Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest’s efforts in public policy advocacy. We describe our past and current advocacy work to meet the needs of those we serve, as well as how individuals can partner with us to meet our current goals and fulfill our mission. Watch a recording below!