Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Fellowship
Description:
One of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's (ELCA) top advocacy priorities is addressing climate change and implications for low-income communities around the world. We propose a project that addresses the growing food crisis by illustrating the connections among unsustainable agricultural practices, changing weather and climate patterns, decline in arable land and the leveling of the food supply; all of which have an undue impact on small-holder and low-income communities. We would ask that the Fellow research existing reports, survey Lutheran relief and development projects, write a resource for people of faith, create grassroots and media messaging, and participate in advocacy with Members of Congress.
We would also invite creative thinking that connects climate change and the food crisis more generally to U.S. foreign assistance and development policy. The Fellow’s own conclusions and policy suggestions will continue to inform our work after the fellowship. While being supervised by our Director for Advocacy, the Fellow would have an opportunity to work with our Directors for International and Environmental Policy, and possibly travel to New York for interaction with our office at the United Nations.
Skills Required:
A Fellow working in the ELCA Advocacy Office would need to have excellent oral and written communication skills and be able to work with a wide variety of people and diverse opinions. Our fellow would need to be flexible in the fluid Washington environment. Some basic knowledge of databases and alternative media would be helpful, although the fellow would be assisted in media aspects of any project by our Communications Director.
Unique opportunities:
The ELCA Fellow would be a regular participant in and central contributor to the work of our small but energetic office. The Fellow would regularly participate on behalf of our office in coalition meetings with major national faith-based and other organizations such as Bread for the World, Jubilee USA, Sojourners, NCC Eco-justice working group, Coalition on Human Needs, etc. The Fellow would also be able to work closely with Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, Lutheran Services in America and Lutheran World Relief. In addition, the ELCA Washington Office is part of an advocacy network that includes Corporate Social Responsibility, United Nations and 18 State offices.
The project in our office would involve engagement with our national e-advocacy network of 30,000 and participation in conferences, Capitol Hill briefings, etc. as appropriate. The Fellow would be responsible for office support (i.e. copies, collation, etc.) but will not be asked to provide administrative support to others, unless it is related to the fellowship project.
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