10:30 a.m. — 11:30 a.m.
What’s at Stake in the 2017-2018 State Budget? (Fellowship Hall) — An overview of the dynamics affecting negotiations surrounding the 2017-18 budget negotiations in Pennsylvania. The important role that faith communities can play in public education and nonpartisan advocacy will be highlighted. Presenter: Jeff Garis, Outreach and Engagement Director, Pa. Budget and Policy Center.
Water Justice in Pennsylvania (Room 237) — This workshop will examine recent water issues around the Commonwealth — from lead in drinking water to scarcity, pollution and water justice. We will explore the interconnectedness of these issues and the lack of clean water investment in Pa., recent federal rollback of clean water protections and more. Presenter: Ezra Thrush, Campaign Manager for Watershed Advocacy, PennFuture.
1:00 p.m. — 2:00 p.m.
Blueprint for a Hunger-Free Pennsylvania (228-230) — An update on the progress of the governor’s plan to address food insecurity in the Commonwealth, and an exploration of areas where faith communities can be part of that movement, especially in creating regional food security councils and advocating locally for ways to improve delivery of school breakfast and summer feeding programs in underserved areas. Presenter: Heather Hallman, Advisor to the Governor on Food and Nutrition Programs, Special Advisor to the Secretary Department of Human Services
Human Trafficking in PA 101 (Room 122) — This presentation will explain the basics of the crime of human trafficking, including legal definitions of sex trafficking, how perpetrators (traffickers and sex buyers) are identified and held accountable, the elements of victimization, and ways you can help, especially through advocacy for safe harbor legislation for child sex trafficking victims. The presentation will include and interactive workshop that introduces participants to the experiences a child sex trafficking victim may endure and the services available. Presenters; Shea M. Rhodes, Esq., Director and Co-Founder, Villanova Law Institute to Address Commercial Sexual Exploitation, and Sarah K. Robinson, Esq., Justice for Victims Fellow at the Institute.
Advocating for Fair Funding for PA’s Public Schools (Room 237) — Pennsylvania has the most inequitable school funding system in the nation, with the poorest students attending schools with the fewest resources. The results are particularly striking along lines of race and rural poverty. Participants will be equipped to speak and act confidently on these issues and lift their voices with others across the Commonwealth in support of every child’s opportunity to learn. Presenters: Susan Spicka, Executive Director, Education Voters of PA; Dan Urevick-Ackelsberg, staff attorney, and Barbara Grimaldi, director of development and communications, both of the Public Interest Law Center.
Preaching Across the Divide (Library) — This workshop will offer a space for preachers to discuss the challenges of proclaiming the Gospel in the midst of a fractured culture. Participants will have the opportunity to contribute input regarding a course to be taught at United Lutheran Seminary in the fall semester and will be invited to explore several of the texts to be used in the course. Presenter: The Rev. Angela Wallington Zimmann, Ph.D.
Immigration in PA/Stopping the Campaign of Fear and Hate (Room 125) — An update on proposed legislation that targets immigrant communities and the rhetoric surrounding these proposals. Participants will gain an understanding of the constitutional issues within the struggle between local, state and federal authorities and be able to help their congregations and neighbors understand the law and what is at stake for our communities. Presenter: Andrew Hoover, communications director, ACLU of Pennsylvania.
Telling Our Story/Advocacy Through News Media and Social Media (Room 121) — As followers of Christ, we are sometimes called to publicly witness to how public policy aligns with Jesus’ teachings and ministry. This workshop is a practical primer on how to use the mainstream media and social media to effectively share that message. Learn from a Lutheran pastor and award-winning journalist the best way to share your story and how to be prepared when the story comes to your doorstep. Presenter: The Rev. Brenda Martin, pastor at St. James Lutheran Church in Fairview, NWPA Synod.
2:05 p.m. — 3:05 p.m.
Get Amp’ed for AMMPARO (Room 228-230) — In this climate of fear, how can the church be a place of refuge for migrant children and families, especially from Central America? Learn about and become part of the ELCA strategy to Accompany Migrant Minors with Protection, Advocacy, Representation and Opportunities. Presenter: Mary Campbell, ELCA Program Director of AMMPARO.
Smart Justice: The Opportunities and Challenges in Criminal Justice Reform in PA (Room 125) — An update on the state of criminal justice reform efforts in the state legislature with some insight on local level efforts. Participants will discuss ways that the faith community can add its voice for reform. Presenter: Andrew Hoover, communications director, ACLU of Pennsylvania.
Climate Change and Pennsylvania Policy (Room 237) — This workshop will explore current issues and opportunities for advocacy and action on our Commonwealth’s contribution to climate change. From proposed cuts to regulatory agencies to attempts to rollback existing protections, participants will be informed so that they can speak out and stand up for climate justice. Presenter: Robert Altenburg, Director, PennFuture Energy Center.
Human Trafficking in PA 101 (Room 122) — This presentation will explain the basics of the crime of human trafficking, including legal definitions of sex trafficking, how perpetrators (traffickers and sex buyers) are identified and held accountable, the elements of victimization, and ways you can help, especially through advocacy for safe harbor legislation for child sex trafficking victims. The presentation will include and interactive workshop that introduces participants to the experiences a child sex trafficking victim may endure and the services available. Presenters; Shea M. Rhodes, Esq., Director and Co-Founder, Villanova Law Institute to Address Commercial Sexual Exploitation, and Sarah K. Robinson, Esq., Justice for Victims Fellow at the Institute.
Preaching Across the Divide (Library) — This workshop will offer a space for preachers to discuss the challenges of proclaiming the Gospel in the midst of a fractured culture. Participants will have the opportunity to contribute input regarding a course to be taught at United Lutheran Seminary in the fall semester and will be invited to explore several of the texts to be used in the course. Presenter: The Rev. Angela Wallington Zimmann, Ph.D.
Advocacy 101 (Room 121) — Participants will learn from a panel of professional advocates and legislative staff about the basics of citizen advocacy — from how to set up a meeting to building a relationship of trust with lawmakers and staff. You will learn what to listen for, as well as how to be sure you are heard. Presenters: The Rev. Amy Reumann, Director of ELCA Advocacy; Susan Spicka, Executive Director, Education Voters of PA; Karen Woodings, Advocacy Manager, Central PA Food Bank; Dr. Ron Costen, Vicar, Messiah Lutheran Church and LAMPa; Sharon Schwartz, retired staff of Pa. General Assembly.
