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

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’s quarterly advocacy newsletter.  

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.  

Want to stay up to date with the latest updates from our Office of Advocacy? Sign up for our Advocacy Alerts, which includes our monthly advocacy newsletter, the quarterly edition of Advocacy in Action and any additional advocacy updates. Questions? Reach out to our advocacy team. Through this engagement, LMM can continue to provide transformational services while reducing the need for safety net services.

Civic Engagement Toolkit

LMM’s Civic Engagement Toolkit is a great resource for voter education, getting involved with local government, finding new ways to advocate, and more. Click the links below to check out our fact sheets! 

Advocacy Committee

  • Nicole Braden Lewis
  • Kevin Butler
  • Mike R. Emch
  • Douglas Heuer
  • Linda Jungeberg
  • Karlton Laster
  • Michele J. Pomerantz