You can still join over 230 registered justice seekers at the March 13 event in Lansing. Key activities are open. Watch the press conference and worship service online if you can’t be there.

JAMES DEATON
Content Editor

Yes, you can still join us on March 13 for Advocacy Day as United Methodists and friends speak out for better mental health care access in Michigan! Click the button below to register in advance, but walk-ins will be welcomed.

Bring friends and stand with us on the steps of the Capitol for the press conference at 11:30 am EST. You will see the display of hundreds of semicolon butterflies on the Capitol lawn as part of our public witness. The press conference will also be live-streamed via the Michigan Conference’s Facebook page for those unable to attend in person. Watch here.

Tell your friends you’re attending Advocacy Day by responding to the Advocacy Day Facebook event. Then, spread the word by sharing photos and posts. Use the #MIUMCadvocacy hashtag.

Meetings with lawmakers required early registration by February 25 so preparations could be made, but people who register after this date may be able to join others from their district who have already set up meetings. All registrants will have access to a list of those attending from their house and senate districts with whom they can connect. Email addresses will be provided.

Other important advocacy activities are open for you to participate in. Read the list below and then check out the day’s schedule on this web page.

• • Write letters to your state representative and state senator. We will have writing materials available and a template to help guide you. Downloadable writing tips and the letter template are found on this web page, along with videos and materials outlining the mental health care legislative priorities for you to use as talking points.
  • Make posters to use during the press conference. Materials will be available for you to make your own.
  • Visit the butterfly art display and mental health resource table on the Capitol lawn as tangible expressions of our act of public witness.
  • Join us for the opening gathering at Central UMC at 8:30 am EST and worship with us at 1 pm EST. Michigan Conference Bishop David Alan Bard will preach, and his sermon will be entitled “Healing Wings.” The worship service will also be live-streamed via Central UMC’s Facebook page for those unable to attend in person. Watch here.
  • Pray with others during the ongoing prayer vigil in Central UMC’s sanctuary. Pray for all those participating in Advocacy Day to receive courage, clarity in purpose, and peace of mind. Pray for legislators to listen to the concerns and stories they hear with compassion and openness.
  • Volunteer by helping us build the semicolon butterfly display on the Capitol lawn or with hospitality or other tasks. If you are willing to volunteer, contact the Advocacy Day coordinators at [email protected], and they will reach out to you.

Ways you can participate from home

If you’re not able to join us in person, here are things you can do to participate in Advocacy Day from home.

• • Write letters to your state representative and state senator. Find your state representative on this web page. Find your state senator on this web page. Downloadable writing tips, letter templates, and other materials are found on this web page.
  • Watch the press conference at 11:30 am EST. It will be live-streamed via the Michigan Conference’s Facebook page. Watch here.
  • Watch the worship service with Bishop David Alan Bard preaching at 1 pm EST. Worship will be live-streamed via Central UMC’s Facebook page. Watch here.
  • Pray with others during the worship service. Pray for all those involved: planners, participants, lawmakers, and other Capitol staff. If your congregation is sending people or letters, make space for a blessing and prayer of dedication during your weekend worship on March 9 and 10.
  • Donate money via this secure link to sustain Advocacy Day. Advocacy Day 2024 is possible thanks to the Michigan Conference and generous support from people like you. 
  • Donate money to Samaritan Counseling Center’s Client Assistance Fund through this secure link. The Michigan Conference is raising money for this Step 2 EngageMI Ministry Partner (CCMM#3050), which helps make mental health care affordable for people in Metro Detroit. Read about this amazing ministry here.

Do you have questions about Advocacy Day?

Advocacy Day coordinators Alice Fleming Townley and Michelle King will host virtual open office hours on Monday, March 11, in the afternoon and evening. Use the same Zoom link provided for the two preparatory trainings to connect with them. You can also email them with questions at [email protected].

• • Alice Fleming Townley will be available from noon to 2 pm EST.
  • Michelle King will be available from 6 to 8 pm EST.

Together, we can move toward increasing access to mental health care for all Michiganders. We can make a difference and save lives through our advocacy, just like we did last year.