VIRTUAL NEW YORK STATE ECUMENICAL AND INTERFAITH ADVOCACY DAY - FEBRUARY 16, 2022

Sponsored by the New York State Council of Churches and a growing list of secular and religious partners and sponsors

                                              Wednesday, February 16th from 9:00am - 5:00pm

RSVP by completing this registration form.                                                                                                            

In the early part of the last century, across ethnic divisions and denominations, Christians and people of other faiths across America rose together to oppose child labor, unsafe working conditions, and economic inequality----- some of the worst sins of the First Gilded Age. As we once again work to build a more just society in our time, please join the New York State Council of Churches for a virtual Ecumenical and Interfaith Advocacy Day of learning and action.

Participants will begin with theological and historical grounding and opportunities to reflect on anti-racism followed by a presentation on organizing to address systemic racial and economic inequality in the state budget. We will then offer pointers on speaking with legislators and help you arrange visits with Assembly people and Senators in your area.

Here is a draft schedule:

9:00 AM The Federal and State Landscape as it Impacts State Budget          

The Reverend Que English, Director, Health and Human Services Partnerships Center

10:00 AM Theological and Anti-Racism Reflections on our Advocacy Work

The Reverend Dr. Roxanne Jones Booth

Co-Pastor, Riverview Missionary Baptist Church, Coeymans

11:00 AM Lobby Visit Training

Alex Wiesendanger, Author of Seeds for Justice

12:00 to 12:30 Lunch

12:30 to 1:30 Criminal Justice Reform and Environmental Justice Seminars

1:30 to 2:30 Infrastructure, Economic Development, Child Care, and Housing seminar

2:30 to 3:30 Voting Rights and Labor Seminars

3:30 to 4:30 Health Care and Immigration

4:30 Close

A Detailed Schedule with Moderators and Panelists is Available Here

This event will be all virtual from 9 AM to 5 PM with periodic breaks.

This event is free but please pre-register by completing this form.

1. Be a Partner! New York State Council of Churches welcome organizational partners (secular or religious) for Ecumenical and Interfaith Advocacy Day free of charge. If you would like your organization to be named as an Advocacy Day Partner please contact Peter Cook at Pcook@nyscoc.org or 508-380-8289 to let us know the name of your organization and to ask any questions.

2. Be a sponsor! Sponsorships from all secular and faith groups are most welcome to underwrite our costs like technical assistance, honorariums and other expenses. Purchase sponsorships by clicking here.

Our growing list of sponsors includes:

Housing Works, Inc. - Lead Sponsor

The Reverend Dr. Charles B. Grimm

The Reverend Jim Ketcham

Sr. Danielle Bonetti

Sr. Catherine Darcy

The Greater Rochester Community of Churches

New Yorkers for Fiscal Fairness

The Creation Care Comittee of First Reformed Church, Schenectady

Wantagh Memorial Congregational Church

We look forward to having you join us!