Advocacy (Social Justice & Mission)

WELCOME!

You've come to the right place if you want to know more about The United Methodist Church's concern for social justice, learn what's going on at the Iowa Legislature or find out how you can advocate for issues important to you.  Things will constantly be changing, so be sure to check back frequently!

 

 

Action Alerts

Legislators are now looking at the 2011 Budget – please contact your elected officials.  For full details, please click here.

 

 

Opportunities
Ecumenical Advocacy Days 2010
March 19-22, 2010, Crystal City, Virginia

Ecumenical Advocacy Days is a movement of the ecumenical Christian community, and its recognized partners and allies, grounded in biblical witness and our shared traditions of justice, peace and the integrity of creation.  The goal, through worship, theological reflection and opportunities for learning and witness, is to strengthen our Christian voice and to mobilize for advocacy on a wide variety of U.S. domestic and international policy issues.  This year’s theme is “Immigrants, Refugees, and Displaced Peoples.”  Jesus had no place to lay his head.  Neither do tens of millions of migrants, refugees and displaced persons.  Be a part of an action weekend addressing this global injustice!  Visit http://advocacydays.org/ for more information.

 

Collegiate United Methodist Church/Wesley Foundation in Ames, Iowa is seeking a Campus Ministry Associate.  This two-year, full-time, mentored internship is designed for a young adult exploring a call to Christian vocation.  In the best of the United Methodist tradition, we are seeking a person who combines both head and heart in the living out of her or his faith.  The successful candidate will demonstrate experience with and a passion for building community among university students and developing student leadership.  Membership in The United Methodist Church is not required, but a basic understanding of the denomination is helpful.  Interests in liberal/progressive theology, alternative worship, peace and justice, service-learning and music are especially valuable in this setting.  Our hoped-for (but negotiable) start date is June 1.  Stipend, housing, health insurance and other benefits are included.  A bachelor’s degree or equivalent must be completed by the start date.

 

To begin the application process send a cover letter, resume, three references and a one page reflection on your giftedness and vision for this position to Rev. Jim Shirbroun, Campus Pastor, Collegiate UMC/Wesley Foundation, 2622 W. Lincoln Way, Ames, IA 50014.  The application deadline is Monday, April 5.  For more information contact Rev. Shirbroun @ 515-292-6936 or jim@cwames.org.

 

2010 Beje Clark Justice Award

Nominations are now being received for the 2010 Beje Clark Justice Award.

 

Because of Beje Clark’s initiatives, particular priorities will be given to work in restorative justice.  Restorative Justice is an approach to restore all those involved in a crime – offender, victim(s) and society – in processes of reconciliation and the rebuilding of community with one another.

 

The honoree will be an Iowa individual, group or congregation whose efforts have had an impact in Iowa – to restore all to wholeness and community, change attitudes, educate and encourage others to work for justice.

 

Honorees need not be United Methodist.  Please click here for the 2010 nomination form.  Questions should be directed to Jim Pemble (515.250.5063 / mjp150@msn.com).

 

Iowa IPL Announces Earth Words Sermon Contest with $250 in Prizes

Iowa Interfaith Power and Light (Iowa IPL) is pleased to announce its first annual Earth Words Contest to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day. Winning sermons will be shared through Iowa IPL's newsletter and website. In addition, the top prize winner will receive up to $80 off on purchases from ShopIPL.org to improve the efficiency of their congregation or favorite low income community project as well as a $50 gift certificate from Cokesbury. Two runners-up will receive up to $35 off of ShopIPL.org and $25 gift certificates from Cokesbury. To qualify, the sermon, homily, or faith message about creation care must be delivered to a religious community between April 17th and April 25th and submitted electronically to director@iowaipl.org by May 1st. Winners will be determined by a panel of judges assessing pieces based on clarity, creativity, accessibility, eloquence, as well as their theological foundation and call to action. For more information, click here.

2010 Peace With Justice Scholarship Essay Contest 

The Conference Board of Church and Society’s Peace With Justice essay contest is open to students who are high school juniors or seniors during the current school year and who live in Iowa or attend an Iowa high school.  They need not be members of a United Methodist church nor any other religious body.  This year’s topic is “How I can help build a world with peace and justice.”  Essays should be no longer than 1500 words.  Entries must include writer’s name, school, and a short bio, perhaps of activities that have moved people towards peace with justice.  Please email (preferred) entries to pjlinn@msn.com or mail them to Paul Linn, 1120 Briar Ridge, West Des Moines, Iowa, 50265 on or before April 16, 2010.  Three  scholarships of $500 each will be awarded and presented at a ceremony on Saturday evening, June 5, at the Polk County Convention Center in Des Moines during Annual Conference.

Contact Us
Naomi Sea Young Wittstruck      Leadership Development Minister       515.974.8908

 

Kristin Clark Nolan                          Administrative Assistant                          515.974.8911

 

 

Want to join the Legislative Network?
Get involved in United Methodist Social Action!  Sign up here to join the UM Legislative Network -- you will receive Action Alerts to let you know about current issues being debated in the Iowa Legislature, and when it is most important that your legislators hear from you.  Don't forget to click on the "Legislative Network" box when completing the sign-up form online.