Midterm Springfield Update & Advocacy Training
Calling all Faith in Action advocates! We are midway through the 2017 spring legislative session and your voice is needed to bring justice to Springfield.
Thanks to your advocacy, our 2017 state legislative priorities to restore opportunities for people with records, support police accountability and stop violence in our communities are gaining momentum in the Illinois General Assembly. Last week HB 2373, a bill expanding eligibility for the sealing of criminal records, passed out of the House Judiciary Criminal Committee 9 – 4! This bill now moves to the House floor. HB 3142, a bill to “ban the box” in the higher education admissions process which asks about a criminal record, passed the House yesterday 65-49! This bill now moves to the Senate.
As people of faith, our work is rooted in the life and resurrection of Jesus. Join us to live out our call to discipleship, by taking our faith outside the church walls to advocate for systemic change in Springfield.
Here are several events in which you and your church can participate.
Day of Faith at the Capitol – Tuesday, May 9
Reserve your seat on the bus now for our annual Day of Faith at the Capitol on Tuesday, May 9. You will have the opportunity to meet with your state legislators and gather with Faith in Action leaders from across the Chicagoland area for a powerful day of prayer and action. Free buses will be provided from Chicago and the suburbs. Download a flyer to help spread the word.
Advocacy Training
Join us for an important training that will prepare you to advocate for our 2017 state legislative priorities. These fun, interactive trainings will also cover how a bill becomes a law in Illinois and how to run effective meetings with elected officials. While this will be preparation for the Day of Faith at the Capitol on May 9, all are welcome to attend!
Lake County – Monday, April 17, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Zion Public Library, 2400 Gabriel Ave, Zion, IL 60099
RSVP by contacting Pam Jeffries at 847-323-0336 or pyjeffries@sbcglobal.net
North Side – Tuesday, April 18, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Granville Avenue United Methodist Church, 1307 W. Granville Ave., Chicago
Register for Advocacy Training North Side
South Side – Thursday, April 20, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Metropolitan Community Church, 4610 S. Prairie Ave., Chicago
Register for Advocacy Training South Side
West Side – Saturday, April 29, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
New Landmark Missionary Baptist Church, 2700 W. Wilcox St., Chicago
Register for Advocacy Training West Side