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Faithful Advocacy for Gun Violence Reform—August 5/9, Pittsburgh

August 5, 2018 @ 1:30 pm - 5:30 pm

August 5, 2018, 1:30-5:30 pm

August 9, 2018–Based on legislative visits

First United Methodist Church, 5401 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15232

Registration: https://www.pachurches.org/events/faithful-advocacy-for-gun-violence-reform-aug-5/ ($20 registration fee)

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/249287812319439/

Why You Should Attend

Come to this program to learn why, as people of faith, we engage in advocacy—in broad terms, but with emphasis on why from an Anabaptist perspective. Come to learn more about reforms needed in the areas of criminal justice and gun violence. Come to learn how Pennsylvania governing structures work, and how to engage with your legislators and policy makers to support the reforms we need. Then join with your neighbors to visit your elected officials to make the case for its passage.

Why Reform is Needed

Gun violence continues to be a problem in Pennsylvania. A number of bills have been proposed over the years to require better background checks, reporting of lost and stolen guns, purchasing limits of one gun/month, and banning of assault –style weapons and bump stocks. It has been difficult even to achieve small gains in very specific areas—like limiting gun access for domestic abusers.
 
People of faith from all points on the theological spectrum are supporting common sense legislation to address these issues, and benefit from knowing how to advocate effectively for the change they desire.

Tentative Schedule

Sunday, August 5

1:30-1:45 pm             Setting the stage

1:45-2:15 pm             Why this seminar/Why we do advocacy—scriptural/theological basis with specific emphasis on the Anabaptist perspective

2:15-3:45 pm             What do we need to know about gun violence? Learn about proposed legislation on Extreme Risk Protective Orders (ERPOs) to remove guns from the hands of domestic abusers and extending background checks for gun purchases

3:45-4:00 pm             Break

4:00-5:15 pm             PA governing structure/“nuts and bolts” of advocacy: How do we make our case for reforms with elected officials?

5:15-5:30 pm             Wrap-up and instructions for advocacy meetings.

Thursday, August 9

9:00 am* Team preparation and legislative visits

*Tentatively, advocacy teams will meet at 9:00 am to prepare for meetings with legislators/staff by district. Actual meeting times are subject to legislator/staff availability, but planners will strive to schedule meetings on  Thursday morning.

For more information: Contact the Pennsylvania Council of Churches at (717) 545-4761 or send e-mail to s.strauss@pachurches.org.

This program is jointly sponsored by the Pennsylvania Council of Churches and the Mennonite Central Committee.

Download registration brochure.

Download bulletin insert.

Graphic used with permission by the Southern Coalition for Social Justice.

Details

Date:
August 5, 2018
Time:
1:30 pm - 5:30 pm
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Venue

First United Methodist Church
5401 Centre Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA United States
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