LMM's Office of Advocacy recently held a program for staff in acknowledgment of the Juneteenth holiday. The Weight of Our Words: Music & Poetry Staff Lunch and Learn offered an opportunity for staff to gather to reflect on Juneteenth and the different forms advocacy has taken throughout history. This program highlighted music and poetry that reflects and evokes themes of Freedom, Liberation, and Justice. After listening to a few songs and reading a few poems, staff discussed what they heard and read. 

As a staff, we feel it is important to take moments to reflect on important topics and holidays that invoke feelings in us in relation to the work we do as an agency. Thank you to our Office of Advocacy for convening the LMM team for meaningful conversation.

There is a special election in Ohio on August 8 to vote on State Issue 1. If passed, State Issue 1 would make it more difficult for Ohio residents to amend the Ohio constitution. Make sure you are prepared to vote by registering or updating your registration. The deadline to register is July 10; early voting begins on July 11.

• How to register, where to vote, when the polls are open: What you need to know about the State Issue 1 election

After you are registered to vote, check out the fact sheet below to learn more about Issue 1 and what it would mean for the residents of Ohio.

Left to right: Merle Gordon (New Bridge), Sharon Sobol Jordon (United Way of Greater Cleveland), Margie Glick (LMM), Julie Wisneski (United Way of Greater Cleveland), Ayonna Blue Donald (Enterprise Community Partners)

LMM’s Advocacy Director Margie Glick is currently attending the biannual 2023 Policy Summit hosted by the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland. The Summit’s theme is “Communities Thriving in a Changing Economy” and is focused on the impact of COVID-19, the current housing crisis, and the need to grow the workforce.

LMM is excited to participate in a conference focused on creating a stronger and more inclusive economy.

People’s Budget Cleveland (PB CLE) is collecting 12,000 signatures to get an initiative on the November election ballot that would allow residents of Cleveland to more directly contribute to the budget process. If passed, the charter amendment would create an 11-member committee — five selected by city council, five by the mayor, and one city employee — who would gather ideas and organize voting by the people on up to 2% of the budget. You can read more about the People’s Budget Cleveland here. 

PB CLE is currently collecting signatures. If you are someone who resides in the City of Cleveland and is registered to vote under your current address, you can sign the petition! If you are interested in signing, reach out to Gloria Craig at gcraig@lutheranmetro.org. 

While it’s vital for LMM and our stakeholders to stay civically engaged during election seasons, we also recognize the importance of practicing democracy beyond elections. From convening conversations, engaging in advocacy actions and creating opportunities to educate staff, LMM prioritizes making democracy a year-round practice. 

Read more in this blog written by LMM Communications Manager, Connor O'Brien, as part of Cleveland Votes' #CommitToCLE blog series:

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