The United Methodist Book of Resolutions states: “The attempt to influence...public policy at all levels of government is often the most effective means...to keep before humanity the ideal of a society in which power and order are made to serve the ends of justice and freedom for all people.” (UMC Book of Resolutions, #5012)

In this, we learn valuable tools to connect with decision makers in government and methods to maximize our impact, along with current issues, campaigns, and messaging for the Palestinian rights movement.

The U.S. Congress will be on recess in the month of August, a key time for constituents to meet with legislators, in both face-to-face and virtual meetings. And, with congressional elections coming up this fall, many incumbent and new candidates will be speaking at town hall meetings before November.

Legislators often say they don’t hear enough from constituents who are advocating for Palestinian rights and freedom. Working together - and with our many justice partners - we can change that!

Join us to hear from seasoned activists who will share their years of practical experience in political advocacy.

Aimee Hong serves as the Special Executive Director of Education and Engagement at the United Methodist General Board of Church and Society (GBCS) in Washington DC. As the director of the UM Seminar Program, Aimee designs seminars on issues of justice and peace that include visits to legislative offices. Growing up in the church, Aimee has had a lifelong interest in the intersection of personal faith and social justice, but felt the church was silent on how to engage in social justice. Since her graduation from Candler School of Theology, Emory University, and before coming to GBCS, Aimee served as a local pastor and an education director where she actively incorporated justice and peace into faith formation and curriculum.

Kyle Cristofalo is Senior Director of Advocacy and Government Relations at Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP). He holds a BA in Peace and Conflict Studies from Messiah College, and a Master of Divinity Degree from Emory University’s Candler School of Theology. Kyle was first introduced to Middle East advocacy work during a semester abroad in Cairo, Egypt. After graduating from college, he spent 10 months serving with the Mennonite Central Committee in Palestine, at Bethlehem Bible College. Most recently, Kyle served as the Program Assistant for Middle East Policy at the Friends Committee on Legislation (FCNL) where he helped coordinate lobbying work on Middle East policy and trained grassroots advocates in how to lobby their Congressional representatives.

Pat Minor, a member of UMKR’s Steering Committee and an experienced political activist, will moderate this webinar and will also share her experience in the practice of "birddogging" candidates. Pat holds a BA in Psychology from the University of Iowa and has been advocating for Palestinian rights since she returned from her first trip to the region in 2005. She is an organizer in Iowans for Palestine, a political advocacy group that works to educate legislators, candidates, and voters about Palestinian rights.

FROM OUR SPEAKERS

Contact the speakers:
Kyle Cristofalo: kyle@cmep.org
Aimee Hong: ahong@umcjustice.org
CMEP is presenting an advocacy event in August, in preparation for August/Sept meetings with Congressional legislators:

TAKE ACTION
Legislation and issues raised in the webinar

Stop the Ethnic Cleansing of Masafer Yatta:
A collection of Palestinian villages is threatened with the largest expulsion of Palestinians in over 50 years. Take action here.
Stand with the Six: Let Congress know you oppose the label of terrorists being used to smear six excellent Palestinian human rights and public service organizations. Take action here.
Support HR 2590, The Palestinian Children and Families Act Encourage your Representative to support this landmark legislation and urge your Senators to introduce companion legislation in the Senate. Take action here.

RESOURCES

UMKR has collected recommended political action resources created by our partners in the movement for Palestinian rights, including resources from our speakers' organizations: GBCS and CMEP.
See those and the top political issues and campaigns that UMKR is addressing here.

“What is Public Narrative: Self, Us & Now” Marshall Ganz (2009)

A letter from 17 Christian Faith groups in support of the NDAA Amendment regarding Shireen Abu Akleh, signed by the UMC General Board of Church and Society

Some of the legislation discussed in the webinar:
HR 2590: Defending the Human Rights of Palestinian Children and Families
H.Res.1123: Recognizing the Nakba and Palestinian refugees' rights
H.Res.751: Condemning the repressive designation by the Government of Israel of six prominent Palestinian human rights and civil society groups as terrorist organizations

CONGRESSIONAL LETTERS ON MASAFER YATTA: