Activities
Poverty Ministries Networking sponsors national events to bring poverty and hunger activists together to become more effective community leaders.
Upcoming conferences
Diakonia Leadership Network
May 16-17, 2008
Location: The Lutheran Center, Chicago
The purpose of this meeting is to plan the 2009 Diakonia Leadership Institute. The Leadership Institute equips those working in poverty ministries to be more effective in ministry. By attending this meeting, you will be part of a national effort to improve ELCA poverty and hunger ministries.
Disaster Planning Consultation
June 13-14, 2008
Location: The Lutheran Center, Chicago
This consultation will bring together people in low-income areas who have suffered setbacks due to natural disasters and those who live in areas at risk of a natural disaster. Disasters have a disproportionate affect on those in poverty. This consultation will examine the issues and obstacles to providing adequate relief to low-income areas when disaster strikes. A result of this consultation will be a resource to help communities effectively plan for disasters. There are still a few spaces open for interested people to attend. Get involved and your voice will be heard and valued.
Latino Leadership Conference
November 7-9, 2008
Location: The Lutheran Center, Chicago
This conference is an introduction to proposal writing and fund-raising, and will be conducted in Spanish.
Lazarus at the Gate
November 21-23, 2008
Location: The Lutheran Theological Center, Atlanta
This two-day event will explore issues of race, wealth, and poverty. The Rev. Michael Russell will lead an exciting Bible study. The Color of Wealth session will discuss income disparities. Participants will learn how to use the ELCA resource, "Lazarus at the Gate," in their congregations.
Diakonia Leadership Institute
Summer 2009 (final date to be determined)
Location: To be determined
The Diakonia Leadership Institute supports congregational leadership development by providing spiritual renewal, education, and skill enhancement for persons involved in domestic poverty-related work in congregations. The Institute will involve 50 low-income individuals from rural, urban, and multi-ethnic settings in two to four days of intensive training in all phases of organizational development. Topics will include:
Program Planning/Strategic Planning
- Developing goals and objectives
- Evaluation
- Asset-based community development
Marketing/Outreach
- Telling your story
- Volunteer recruitment and nurturing
Basic fundraising
- Raising funds to support your ministry
- Introduction to grant writing
Basic concepts of community organizing
- Developing partnerships and collaborations
This interactive training event provides an excellent opportunity for networking with others in poverty ministries. Participants will receive print resources to supplement the training. The Institute will also include time for spiritual reflection, devotions, and prayer.
For more information, contact:
Loretta Horton
Director for Poverty Ministries Networking
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
8765 West Higgins Road
Chicago, IL 60631
Loretta.Horton@elca.org
800/638-3522 ext. 2404