Interfaith Advocacy Day 2024

Celebrating Multifaith Advocacy in Olympia!

FAN’s 2024 Interfaith Advocacy Day on February 8 was an energizing, successful day under sunny skies in Olympia! Nearly 200 advocates from 37 districts showed up from across the state, including Spokane, Wenatchee, Yakima, Vancouver, Bellingham, Aberdeen, the Puget Sound region, and many places in between. They heard plenary speakers, attended workshops, caucused with people from their districts, and attended over 96 meetings with their legislators/aides about the issues on our legislative agenda. Differently this year, and with a buzz of energy, they participated in “floor pulls” with their legislators in the lobby, since both House and Senate were on their respective floors voting. Our youngest attendee, Jonna from Bellingham, even joined a meeting with the Governor. It was a day of collective power and faith values in the service of justice, love and compassion!

Warmly hosted at The United Churches of Olympia, we were welcomed to the space by Rev. Corey Passons of Interfaith Works. FAN board member Dr. Jasmit Singh from Khalsa Gurmat Center spiritually-grounded attendees by emphasizing the importance of multi-faith collaboration in advocating for shared values and a better world. You can read his inspiring words at our FAN blog. FAN staff all played a role in carrying out pieces of the day with their expertise and care for our network.

A highlight of the morning was an impactful address from Senator Yasmin Trudeau, representing the 27th District and celebrated as the first Muslim elected to the Washington State Legislature. A staunch advocate for housing and justice, Senator Trudeau emphasized the critical role of faith voices in legislative arenas. She passionately advocated for HB 2114, a bill aimed at stabilizing rents to support families and community members struggling with housing affordability. She encouraged attendees to keep raising their voices and values for policy change.

Our coalition partners presented workshops to prepare IFAD attendees for their legislative visits. We are grateful to presenters from Alliance for Gun Responsibility, Anti-Defamation League PNW, Anti-Hunger Nutrition Coalition, Balance Our Tax Code, Civil Survival, Earth Ministry/Interfaith Power and Light, Healthcare for All, Jewish Coalition for Immigrant Rights, NAMI WA, WA Coalition for Police Accountability, WA Immigrant Solidarity Network, WA Low Income Housing Alliance. These experts are amazing!

After caucusing in legislative districts over lunch, orange-scarved FAN advocates met with legislators, aides, and observed the legislative process. The dynamic presence of FAN advocates at the Capitol served as a powerful reminder of the crucial role faith communities play in advocating for equitable and sustainable futures. Your unique perspectives and stories enrich the legislative process, offering lawmakers insights into the moral and ethical implications of their decisions. It was a great day!

You can view the video of the morning plenaries on our YouTube channel.
Photos of the day can be found in the IFAD 2024 Facebook album.

We look forward to seeing you at IFAD 2025!