Through the support of ELCA World Hunger, ELCA Witness in Society advocacy activity works in partnership with statewide advocacy ministry networks across the United States to end hunger by engaging directly with local, state and national governments and equipping people of faith to seek justice through advocacy. Each office relates to the synods in their state and works closely with hunger leaders and synod teams.
The Hunger Advocacy Fellow will participate in a year-long transformative experience that combines leadership development and faith formation with impactful advocacy that moves us toward an end to hunger and a just world where all are fed.
The 2023-24 Hunger Advocacy Fellow, placed with the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania, will serve as a member of the staff of this ELCA-affiliated state public policy office (sppo).
Focusing on analyzing and addressing the root causes of hunger and economic injustice, and promoting a holistic approach to hunger ministry, the Hunger Advocacy Fellow will build ELCA World Hunger capacity to end hunger by deepening and expanding Lutheran statewide advocacy efforts in synods, coalitions and networks.
- ADVOCACY ENGAGEMENT: Guide the development of a Lutheran state advocacy network by engaging with communities to empower disciples for hunger advocacy; connect with congregational ministries (especially hungerministries) to provide tools and support for moral deliberation and faith-based advocacy; and work with community members who have faced hunger and poverty to create platforms for their voices to be heard by elected officials, policymakers and the church. Create advocacy opportunities that help expand the network and connect youth and young adults to the church and its ministries.
- COMMUNICATIONS: Research, write and edit action alerts, position papers, web updates, newsletter articles and other resources, such as video and social media to educate the advocacy network and lawmakers on hunger advocacy priorities. Creatively facilitate communication and story-sharing with Lutheran synods, agencies and institutions throughout the state.
- REPRESENTATION OF ADVOCACY NETWORK: Participate in ecumenical and human service coalitions that advocate for public policy positions in harmony with issues identified by the ELCA and the State Policy Council. Advocate on issues with state lawmakers, legislative and administrative staff and other public policy leaders.
- LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT AND FAITH FORMATION: Connect throughout the year with ELCA Witness in Society, Service and Justice Home Area, ELCA World Hunger, the sppo network and Hunger Advocacy Fellows in other parts of the country for collective faith formation, leadership development and community building.
- Work in collaboration with sppo director to identify any additional contextual responsibilities or duties as needed in the region.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
