CAMDEN — The First Congregational Church of Camden presents “The Mission of Advocacy”, a workshop that will provide tips and tools to aid in the practice of faith-based prophetic public witness at the state level. This program will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 17, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., in the church’s Pilgrim Room, 55 Elm Street, Camden. Enter through the door adjacent to the church parking lot.

“Speak your mind even if your voice is shaking.” Maggie Kuhn’s famous quote is a reminder that no matter how hard or scary it might be, each of us must find a way to speak out for peace and justice. It’s an integral part of answering God’s call to make our world a better place.

Ready to answer that call? Then join the Church for an evening with leaders from the Maine Council of Churches who will share wisdom from their experience doing faith-based advocacy and equip you for:

● Speaking from the perspective of your faith about legislation being considered at the State House in Augusta—whether it’s writing a letter to the editor, talking to a legislator, or giving testimony before a legislative committee (you’ll even get a chance to get some practice during this presentation!)

● Building relationships with your state legislators before and during the coming session

● Knowing what to expect in the halls of the State House and inside legislative committee hearing rooms, including how to deal with possible harassment from those holding opposing views

● Becoming an advocate for statewide public policies in line with your core values as a person of faith—policies that create a more just, equitable, compassionate, sustainable, and inclusive community in Maine

“Let’s join our voices together,” said the Church, in a news release.

This is a free program that is open to the public. Please register in advance by emailing Sarah Reynolds at sreynolds@tidewater.net.