LSA Public Policy Advocacy

Educating Policymakers and Supporting Social Ministry Organizations in Their Work

While engaging its members on broad issues of social change, LSA also focuses on practice-based public policy advocacy. LSA's member health and human service organizations touch the lives of one in 50 Americans each year. LSA members see where there are needs and opportunities. They know what works and observe first hand how governmental decisions play out for people in local communities. To focus LSA's public policy advocacy efforts, LSA draws on this wisdom and experience, and also on the theological perspectives that under gird its work.

LSA Public Policy promotes the following statement of responsibility for self and responsibility for the neighbor:  Lutherans believe that all people are beloved children of God entrusted with gifts to share. God asks that all use those gifts for the benefit of others. People must assume personal responsibility for contributing to their own well-being. They also have responsibility to care for others – to contribute to the good of the whole by using their unique gifts and skills. Lutheran public policy asks, “What sorts of policies equip people for these dual roles of caring for self and caring for others?”

Engaging in advocacy on public policy issues helps public officials better understand how policies affect their constituents – people and families in need of health care and social services; employers and employees; and people and organizations providing care and services.

LSA's public policy office works with member organizations to educate and shape public opinion on specific issues including (but not limited to) health care, child welfare, affordable housing, and volunteerism and national service.

For the latest news from LSA's public policy office, please visit our blog, check out our updates on Twitter, see the latest issue of LSA Washington, and see our latest action alert on the Take Action page. Other resources for public policy advocacy are also available by clicking on the links in the left sidebar.

For more information about LSA's public policy advocacy efforts, please contact:

Lisa Hassenstab, AM, MA
Director of Advocacy and Policy
(202) 626-7932