Hunger Advocacy Fellow - Arizona

Description:

About the ELCA

The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 3 million members in more than 8,700 worshipping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region (Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands). With a vision to live in a world experiencing the difference God’s grace and love in Christ makes for all people and creation, the ELCA strives to be a welcoming, thriving, and connected church that introduces people to Jesus so they can discover community, justice, and love.

The Lutheran Center (national office) is located in Chicago, Illinois. A staff of 400, under the leadership of the Presiding Bishop, serve as administrators, advisors, conveners, partners, and resource people for the ELCA and its ministries. Staff lead the work of national, domestic, and global ministries and programs including Lutheran Disaster Response, ELCA World Hunger, Service & Justice, Christian Community and Leadership, and Innovation. We are also home to five of our separately incorporated ministries: The Mission Investment Fund of the ELCA, Women of the ELCA, Lutheran Men in Mission, the ELCA Foundation and the ELCA Federal Credit Union.

About the position

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 Arizona, will serve as a member of the staff of this ELCA-affiliated state public policy office (sppo) as a full-time contract employee.

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.

This is a full-time, non-exempt, hybrid position that requires being in the office on a weekly basis as work requires. This position is a 12-month commitment beginning September 5, 2023 to August 31, 2023.

Candidates for this remote position must reside within the fifty United States or the District of Columbia and be authorized to work lawfully in the United States. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Requirements:

• Possess an open, engaging personality and preparedness for interacting with community members directly affected by hunger or poverty. Understand and respect the expertise of individuals who have lived experiences of hunger, and excitement for creating platforms for the voices of these community members to be heard by policymakers.
• Willingness to learn about the ELCA’s commitment to be a publicly engaged church, direct legislative engagement and coalition work, and to become familiar with ELCA mission and structure.
• Understanding of and commitment to the biblical and theological basis of this church and its commitment to public policy advocacy. Ability to model these values in relationship with colleagues, partners and the public.
• Strong interpersonal skills to work with synodical leadership, lay leaders and ministers in congregations, social ministry organizations, educational institutions and others.
• Good research and analysis skills. Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to design and lead public forums.
• Knowledge of the social issues faced by communities they serve in, and the various points of view they elicit. Awareness of a sensitivity toward the diversity among residents of the state and ability to equip all types of audiences toward action on a common goal.
• Appreciation for the mission, vision, and values of the ELCA.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and anti-racism

Physical Effort

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear, use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone. This position requires sitting for long periods of time. Employee will occasionally need to lift boxes or materials up to 15 pounds. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Travel Frequency

Minimal travel. Position requires minimal overnight, domestic travel by plane, car, van. Valid driver's license required.

Salary

$20/hour

Benefits

Arranged through Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona including health insurance.