Join the Baltimore-Washington Conference for our 2024 Legislative Advocacy Days! Legislative Advocacy Days are an opportunity for United Methodists to meet their representatives and advocate for United Methodist values. This allows the voices of United Methodists to be heard and considered when our representatives make important decisions that impact the lives of our communities.

Maryland residents are invited to join the Baltimore-Washington Conference for Maryland Advocacy Day on February 21, 2024 in Annapolis, Maryland.

 Register Here

Registration will close on February 19th, 2024 at 12pm.

Why should United Methodist take part in Legislative Advocacy?

As Christians, we are motivated by our wholehearted faith in God whom we know through Jesus Christ to love our neighbor and to care for creation so that all can flourish and experience abundant life (John 10:10). Our mission as United Methodists is to “make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world”.

Together with millions of faithful people who accept God’s call to meet immediate needs: offer acts of care, compassion, and mercy, we feed the hungry, visit the sick and imprisoned, clothe the naked, welcome the sojourner, and in the process, we encounter Jesus (Matthew 25:31). We reduce the distance between those who suffer and those who have the ability to respond to that suffering. We also pray as Jesus has taught us to pray and participate in bringing about God’s realm in heaven right now on this earth (Matthew 6:9-13).

We desire the beloved community and common good for all people and all creation (Acts 11:1-18). We begin to surrender not only our personal habits and preferences that promote injustice, but also promote policies in our society that reflect God’s abiding desire for justice and equity, peace, and wholeness.

Legislative advocacy happens when people of faith are motivated by these convictions. While mercy ministry often will offend no one, when we pursue justice through legislation we will find ourselves likely offending someone. Why? Because we not only care about those who suffer but we look for the causes that perpetuate their suffering. We work to repair what is broken in people’s lives, communities, and our entire society. Informed by the teaching and positions of The United Methodist Church we build relationships and work closely with legislators to shape bills in the County, State Assembly, or U.S. Congress that best reflect our social teaching. This can take place in our conversations with decision-makers or it can be part of a larger campaign that mobilizes thousands of supporters through letters, emails, and phone calls. It takes place in church fellowship halls or in the halls and offices where legislators meet, or it can happen in the diverse neighborhoods where we live, learn, work, rest and worship.

Read more about United Methodists taking part in legislative advocacy here.

What are the Legislative Priorities that we will advocate for?

Check back here for updates and fact sheets!
          Creation Care: Empower Maryland Program
          Gun Violence Prevention: Gun Industry Accountability Bill - SB0488
          Housing: Expedited Development Review Processes for Affordable Housing - HB0003 | SB0356

Registration Deadlines and Pricing

The price of registering for a Legislative Advocacy Day includes continental breakfast, lunch, and resources to guide visits with your representative.

Maryland Advocacy Day 
          With Lunch: $15
          Without Lunch: $5 

Details for Maryland Advocacy Day

Date: Wednesday, February 21, 2024
Time: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Meeting Location: Asbury United Methodist Church | 87 West St, Annapolis, MD 21401

Agenda: To Be Announced