L'Arche Portland at Interfaith Advocacy Day

February 17, 2017

On February 7th, board member Frances Wood and community council member Paul Wood joined assistants Sophia Rice, Michelle Garofalo, and Moss Kane in attending the Interfaith Advocacy Day at the Oregon State Capitol in Salem. Organized by Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon, the advocacy day had its biggest turnout ever with over 450 people in attendance. Participants gathered in various workshops and learned about topics such as climate justice, health care for seniors and people with disabilities, gun violence prevention, housing, hunger, and wage theft. After the workshops, the group marched to the Capitol to advocate for these issues and the current bills surrounding them in intimate meetings with state legislators. Legislators were sympathetic to the topics raised and seemed to be in agreement with the concerns voiced. Frances was particularly vocal about making sure there is a cap on rent increases and that housing remains affordable. L’Arche assistants introduced themselves and shared their concern for the rights of adults with intellectual disabilities. Overall, the day was energizing and successful, and with such a big turnout, the event shows that there are many people who are committed to fighting for justice and fairness in our state.