April 13, 2022 in Lansing (and virtually)
Following the shooting at Oxford High School last November, community organizers and faith leaders came together and launched End Gun Violence Michigan, an advocacy and exploratory committee aimed at enacting common-sense gun reform in our state, whether through advocacy with our legislators or through a ballot initiative in the future.
From big cities to small towns, gun violence is impacting all of our communities. A new state task force has been appointed to consider legislative proposals — a small first step. On April 13th, End Gun Violence Michigan will host a Lobby Day in Lansing to meet with legislators and discuss with them our perspectives as a people of faith and as Michiganders including the urgent need for safe storage laws, universal background checks, and limits on guns at government buildings. Please join Bishop Singh, Michigan Bishop Bonnie Perry, Northern MIchigan Bishop Rayford Ray, ELCA Bishop Craig Satterlee, ELCA Bishop Donald Kreiss, and dozens of other lay and clergy faith leaders to advocate for change.
All participants will be assigned small groups for their meetings, which are likely to take place in the morning or early afternoon.
Training will take place via Zoom on the evening of April 7th for all who register for Lobby Day including how to effectively communicate with legislators and their staffers on this issue. More information for the training will be shared by organizers following your registration.
While the preferred way to participate is in-person in Lansing, virtual meetings are being arranged as well. Those who would like to support on-the-ground but prefer not to participate in a meeting might consider volunteering to join a Lobby Day support team including those focused on prayer, hospitality, protest, social media, and at-home prayer. Click here to learn more about support teams.
OTHER DETAILS
Where should I meet with the group? St. Paul’s, Lansing is our Episcopal HQ for Lobby Day. You can find the Hospitality Team there and they’ll direct you where to go.
Is there parking? St. Paul’s only has a few parking spaces. We recommend parking in one of the parking structures near the Capitol building.
Closest Parking Garage to St. Paul’s (0.2 miles, 5-minute walk), $6 a day: City of Lansing, North Capitol Ramp, 316 N Capitol Avenue, Downtown, Lansing, MI 48933
Closest Parking Garage to Capitol Building (400 ft, 2-minute walk), $5 a day: Townsend Ramp, 221 Townsend Street, Downtown, Lansing, MI 48933
What should I bring? If you’re planning to be outside with a support team, bring a foldable lawn chair, blanket to sit on (or if it’s cold), umbrella, and dress according to the weather. You will be able to go into the St. Paul’s building to shelter from the cold, rain, or snow if needed.
What should I wear? Folks meeting with lawmakers should dress professionally. Those serving on a support team should dress comfortably for the weather and are encouraged to wear the color orange which is the color of gun violence awareness.
Should I pack a lunch? If you would like to pack your own lunch, please do. However, a light lunch, snacks, and water will be provided at St. Paul’s.
How will people know we are there to support End Gun Violence Michigan? Our support teams will be handing out End Gun Violence Michigan pins, lawn signs, and signs you can carry in support of the cause.
