Registration now open for 2008 Ecumenical Advocacy Days
Molly Keane, Conference Coordinator, Ecumenical Advocacy Days. |
January 7, 2008
Registration is now open for the 2008 Ecumenical Advocacy Days gathering in Washington, D.C. March 7-10 (www.advocacydays.org).
The 2008 conference will explore new visions of security in our homes, neighborhoods, nation and world. Its theme is “Claiming a Vision of True Security,” with reflection on the Scripture text from Psalm 20: “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses, but our trust is in the name of our God.”
More than 1000 people of faith from throughout the United States and representing a wide array of Christian communions are expected to gather in Washington, D.C. for worship, fellowship, witness and exploring together how U.S. policies can be transformed to embrace more just, peaceful and effective actions at home and abroad leading to true human security. Advocacy Days participants will also receive training in advocacy and will conclude with meetings on Capitol Hill with Congressional representatives or their staff.
Church World Service has been a sponsor of Ecumenical Advocacy Days since its inception in 2003. This year CWS’s Education & Advocacy Program will again provide full scholarships for ten CROP Hunger Walk leaders to participate in the 2008 gathering. As part of its Ecumenical Witness Program, E&A will also once again bring international partners from Latin America, Africa and Asia to Advocacy Days in 2008 as presenters and participants.
All-conference plenary speakers include the Rev. Dr. Mark Lomax of the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Georgia; Dr. Lisa Schirch, professor of peacebuilding at Eastern Mennonite University; and Archbishop Vicken Aykazian of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern). Advocacy Days also hopes to host a “Town Hall Forum” with the presidential candidates or their surrogates on Sunday evening.
The Advocacy Days conference is organized into eight “tracks,” each offering a schedule of plenary and workshop opportunities. The following excerpts from the track descriptions provide a glimpse of the various track themes:
Africa : “. . . Many Africans see foreign pursuit of scarce resources, and international finance, trade and debt systems as major causes of conflict. They believe more U.S. military training or base construction will not build more security. Instead they want development policies that challenge hunger and poverty, build sustainable agriculture and food security, provide health care and education (often made too expensive by international trade and finance rules).”
Asia-Pacific : “In Sri Lanka, the 24-year old civil war has killed about 64,000 and has displaced around a million people. . . In the Pacific, with its low-lying atolls, climate change could become the number one threat to peace and development. . . Come join international speakers to learn more about these dire situations and advocate for corrective responses needed in U.S. foreign military and economic aid.”
Latin America : “The Latin America track will explore the many ways in which security concerns drive U.S. policy in the region. You will hear Latin American civil society leaders telling you their vision of a truer security that accounts for human needs and human rights. Workshops will include U.S. military and development programs; Bolivia; Mexico; Colombia; and border enforcement, migrants and border communities.”
Middle East : “If war is not the answer to existing and threatened conflicts in the Middle East—in Iraq, Israel-Palestine, and Iran—what is? Participants will hear from area experts and Washington activists to identify U.S. policy options that can achieve real security and peace in the region.”
U.S. Domestic : “We will address a wide range of issues including gun control, gang violence, domestic abuse, rebuilding the Gulf Coast, racial justice and approaches to ending poverty. This track will explore . . . ways we can address these issues in our neighborhood and communities while we advocate for justice, fairness and equality in such a way as to foster authentic security in the U.S. and abroad.”
Global Economic Justice : “This track will explore the impact of the global economy, including fair trade and debt cancellation, on the human security of our brothers and sisters around the world as well as here in the U.S. . . How can people of faith help ensure decent livelihoods for all, promote right relationships among nations and oppose all forms of economic injustice?”
Eco-Justice : “This track will focus on the effects of global warming and what we can do to protect our future. Through the lens of faith, justice, and sustainability, and proper stewardship, we will study eco-theology, explore ways congregations are becoming “green,” learn about energy policy, and gain advocacy skills to carry back into our communities.”
Peace & Global Security : “This track will consider practical experience with concrete strategies for human security without reliance on military power. Topics will include pulling back U.S. military presence abroad, strengthening capacity for conflict prevention and peacebuilding, ending practices of torture, nuclear nonproliferation in Iran, halting development of new nuclear weapons, working toward nuclear disarmament, and major shifts in federal budget priorities.”
Through February 15, the registration fee for Advocacy Days is $160 ($175 after that). A special hotel rate of $109 plus tax daily is also available approximately until Feb. 15. Registering early helps ensure the best rates.
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