Advocacy

About Our Work​

Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry’s advocacy work informs systems change at the local, state and federal level by leveraging the expertise of staff and the experiences of program participants to advocate on behalf of those who are hurting to be empowered, valued, and healed. Through this engagement, LMM can continue to provide transformational services while reducing the need for safety net services.

Woman in front of Capitol building

Responding to Changing Policy & Legislation Impacting Our Mission

Recently, there has been a lot of discussion about federal programs, Lutheran Services, and the impact they have on our community. We see this an important opportunity to share the work that our organization does to serve those who are oppressed, forgotten, and hurting, many of whom rely on federal and other government resources to provide them stability. We are calling on the community to join us in our advocacy with, and for, our neighbors who are most in need. Here are the ways you can help:

  • Stand with us, in this moment, when people need to know about work that Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry provides and how it impacts the community.
  • Communicate to your networks (social media, family, friends) how important it is to have a strong social services safety net.
  • Talk to your elected officials and ask them to support organizations like LMM and the work that we do.
  • Check out the latest LMM updates below:

Advocacy Priorities

Through the guidance of our yearly priorities, LMM puts our ideas into action. This year, our Office of Advocacy hosted the Charles R. See Forum on Reentry, led voter engagement efforts, participated in multiple Cleveland Reentry Week events hosted on site and more. Each advocacy action taken by the Office of Advocacy is deeply rooted in the experiences, challenges, and needs of LMM’s program participants.

Recently, LMM hosted the third annual Charles R. See Forum on Reentry, which honors Mr. See’s 44 years of service at LMM and his work leading the innovative and nationally recognized Community Reentry program.

The program took place at the City Club of Cleveland and featured keynote speaker Andre Ward, Associate Vice President of the David Rothenberg Center for Public Policy at The Fortune Society.

Below is a sample of advocacy activities led to advance LMM’s advocacy priorities. To learn more about these efforts, email LMM’s Advocacy Director William Tarter, Jr. at wtarter@lutheranmetro.org or sign up to receive LMM Advocacy Alerts.  

Advocacy in Action

  • LMM hosted the annual Charles R. See Forum on Reentry featuring author, activist, and returning citizen Susan Burton. The forum honors the career and continued legacy of Mr. See who worked at LMM for 44 years.  
  • LMM planned a Mayoral Forum on Housing and Homelessness to provide residents the opportunity to learn the candidates’ plans for ending homelessness in Cleveland. The forum was screened for individuals experiencing homelessness at the Men’s Shelter and at NEOCH’s office.