Three Michigan Conference UCC youth and Director of Faith Formation, Jenn Ringgold participated in a week long experience June 14-19, 2026 with the UCC Office of Public Policy and Advocacy in Washington DC. Seventeen youth and six chaperones had the opportunity to develop leadership skills and learn specific advocacy strategies for talking with Congressional representatives and staffers. The UCC DC National Staff offered 'Ask Training' and education related to specific legislation prior to three meetings on Capitol Hill. Lainey, Noah, and Quinn met with Senator Peters, staff from Senator Slotkin's office, and supported a peer who met with Senator Murphy from Connecticut. They shared their opinions and asks related to current bills about Sensitive Locations and funding for 988 LGBTQ+ support. Part of the experience was also to plan their own public witness. From speeches to music, prayers, tech and posters, the entire morning was an opportunity for them to uplift their voices in the public square. They also had the opportunity to visit the Smithsonian African American Museum of History and Culture, tour the Capitol, ride the Metro, and walk miles around various monuments and sites in the city. With peers from California, Washington, North Dakota, Illinois, Indiana, and Connecticut it was a beautiful witness of the wider-church seeking a more just world for all. | 
