Advocacy (Social Justice & Mission)
WELCOME!
If you are interested in learning more about the Social Justice and Mission ministries of the Annual Conference, then you’ve come to the right place! This page is a resource for you to learn more about upcoming events, resources related to our denominational perspectives on the four issue areas of the Annual Conference, and ways to get your congregation involved in ministries of outreach and advocacy!
Opportunities
Welcoming the Stranger
Britt, Ia
Saturday April 28, 2012
Bread for the World, Hunger Justice Leaders 2012 Gathering
“From the Pulpit to the Public Square”
Washington, D.C.June 9-12th 2012
For Young Adult church leaders under age 35
Turning Point 2012: National Conference on Volunteering and Service
Chicago, IL
June 18-20th 2012
RESULTS/RESULTS Educational Fund International Conference to End Poverty and AIDS 2012
Washington, D.C.
July 21-24th 2012
XIX International AIDS Conference
Washington, D.C.
July 22-27th 2012
‘Limitless: Redefine Tomorrow’ Women’s Division National Conference*
Duke University, N.C.
August 2-5th 2012
For Young Adult female leaders age 30 and under
Participation/Recommendation Form
*If you are interested in applying, please contact Judy Kading, Iowa Annual Conference United Methodist Women’s Social Action Coordinator at judykading@yahoo.com
Resources
- 2012 Social Justice & Mission issues brochure
- 2011 Social Justice & Mission issues brochure
- JustFaith Ministries brochure
IMMIGRATION REFORM
- Celebrate International Migrants Day
- What The United Methodist Church says about Immigration
- 2008 General Conference Resolution 3281: "Welcoming the Migrant to the United States"
- Bishop Trimble’s Letter on Immigration, 5.20.10
- Council of Bishops’ Immigration Letter
- Reform Immigration FOR America
- Church World Service:
- Iowa Immigration Education Coalition
- Interfaith Immigration Coalition
- Homeland Security – Immigration Detention Overview and Recommendations
- National Council of Churches USA – Ecumenical Resources for Immigration Ministries
- Interfaith Worker Justice
- Interfaith Worker Justice – Toolkit for Prayer and Action, Summer 2010
- Immigration Policy Center – "Enforcing Senate Bill 1070: A State of Confusion," July 2010
- Interfaith Worker Justice – Toolkit for Prayer and Action, Summer 2010
- Borderlinks: Solidarity Against AZ 1070, July 2010
- Desert Southwest Conference - Immigration event
- Sojourners blog by David Vasquez, campus pastor, Luther College in Decorah
- Virginia Annual Conference Immigration Bible Study - Advent 2010
- 2011 New Year's Resolution Campaign - Just and Humane Immigration Reform
- Pastoral Letter of Support by the Council of Bishops
- News article about the Council of Bishops' decision
- Pastoral Letter of Support by the Council of Bishops
- Bishop’s Lenten Bible Study on Immigration
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE
- What The United Methodist Church says about Environmental Justice
- Iowa Interfaith Power & Light
- National Council of Churches USA – Eco-Justice Program
- Repower America
- Repower at Home – toolkit
- Repower at Home – toolkit
- Gulf Oil Spill/BP:
- General Board of Church & Society – Gulf Coast Resources for Prayer and Action
- Sojourners – Articles and blogs relating to the Gulf oil spill
- General Board of Church & Society – Gulf Coast Resources for Prayer and Action
- 350.org
- God's Renewed Creation: Call to Hope and Action (Council of Bishops)
- Nuclear Power Plants in Iowa - Estimating the Cost
- The Cost of Nuclear Power - letter by a Florida Senator
- Economic Impact of Nuclear Power - issue brief by Dr. Mark Cooper
- Iowa Interfaith Power & Light
RESTORATIVE JUSTICE
- What The United Methodist Church says about Restorative Justice
- National Calls (General Board of Church and Society)
- Book Recommendations:
- Ambassadors of Reconciliation: New Testament Reflections on Restorative Justice
and Peacemaking by Ched Meyers and Elaine Enns - The Little Book of Restorative Justice by Howard Zehr
- Changing Lenses: A New Focus for Crime and Justice by Howard Zehr
- Ambassadors of Reconciliation: New Testament Reflections on Restorative Justice
- Standing Committee – for more information, contact Jim Pemble, chair
- Friends of Iowa Women Prisoners – meets the third Tuesday of each month from 12-1 pm at Wesley UMC in Des Moines; contact Vi Darsee, chair, for more info.
- Justice Reform Consortium – Marty Ryan, lobbyist
- Iowa CURE (Citizens for the Rehabilitation of Errants)
- Prison Congregations of America, Inc.
- Support the National Criminal Justice Commission Act through the General Board of Church & Society
- Iowa Coalition 4 Juvenile Justice
ECONOMIC JUSTICE
- What The United Methodist Church says about Economic Justice
- Pay Day Lending – stay posted for more information
- Gambling and Public Referendum – contact Mitch Henry, Director of No Casino Iowa, to get involved (515.729.4662)
- Interfaith Worker Justice
- Feeding America – 2010 Report on Hunger in the United States
- Poverty in Iowa – statistics from the 2008 Census Bureau
- The Story of Stuff: "Let There Be...Stuff?"
- Bread for the World – resources
- SPENT - a poverty simulation by Urban Ministries of Durham
- Iowa Kids Count 2010 Data Book
Everyone needs a helping hand once in awhile. Community Action Agencies are here to assist families and change lives! The Iowa Department of Human Rights has created bulletin inserts for churches to use to get the word out about Iowa’s Community Action Agencies and how they can be supportive in tough economic times. For the English version, click here.
For the Spanish version, please click here
Missional Justice Newsletters
November 2011 - Simple Living and Gratitude
Fall 2011 - Food Justice
August 2011 - Bullying
June/July 2011 - The Summer Edition
May 2011 - Pre-Conference Edition
April 2011 - Commitment to Community
March 2011 - Human Trafficking
February 2011 - Restorative Justice
January 2011 - 2011 Legislative Issues
December 2010 - Immigration
November 2010 - Economic Justice & Payday Lending
October 2010 - Global Climate Change
September 2010 - Children & Poverty
May 2010
May 2009
April 2009
March 2009
Contact Us
Naomi Sea Young Wittstruck Leadership Development Minister 515.974.8908
Felicia Coe Administrative Assistant 515.974.8911
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