Advocacy Day 2026

Meeting with legislators

On March 18, 2026, we joined nearly 300 fellow United Methodists at the Michigan State Capitol for Advocacy Day, coming together to speak out on an issue that impacts communities across our state. Throughout the day, we met with state legislators to urge their continued support for federal food assistance programs.

I love Advocacy Day because it allows us to learn how to be an advocate and it teaches how to approach those people we elected. In addition, it is a great way to be connected to our family of United Methodists in the state of Michigan – I met some wonderful people from our district there. We are not alone in pursuing justice for our neighbors.

Debbie Houghton

Activities & meetings

Our time at the Capitol included a variety of activities, from one-on-one meetings with lawmakers to a press conference on the Capitol steps. We also gathered in prayer in the Capitol rotunda and shared in prayer and worship at Central United Methodist Church.

Building relationships

At its heart, the day was about building relationships with our elected officials and helping them understand why addressing hunger in Michigan remains such an important priority.

Interested in participating in future Advocacy Days? Email info@fumc-a2.org.

Our small group meetings with our legislators or their staff to voice our church’s concerns about food insecurity, and advocate for their help in the current budgeting process, was a powerful, fulfilling experience. Personal stories were shared with them and were seen as having great value in presenting our “ask.” We appreciated the warm welcome and the interest shown in what we had to say. These meetings were the highlight of my day. The worship service at the end was also a great way to remember in whose name we pray and take action for the good of the world.
Sue Seitz

Advocacy Day was a wonderful opportunity to come together with other Methodists around the issue of advocating to our state legislators for food security for our communities. I enjoyed getting to spend time with our group from FUMC, see our legislature at work by attending sessions in the House and Senate and exploring our capitol building.

 
Kelly Cleland

We shared our experiences working with and getting to know real people who benefit from these programs, like St. Andrew’s Breakfast Program and Hope Clinic food pantry and dinner program…

Melanie Snook

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