One Voice
The Salvation Army Great Lakes Division hosted its first-ever Government Advocacy Day in February near the State Capitol in Lansing Michigan. Officers, staff and Advisory Board Members representing 43 Corps and Community Centers from across the state attended the event, providing them with the rare opportunity to engage directly with lawmakers and discuss pressing issues impacting their communities.
Attendees were divided into small groups and participated in legislative meetings throughout the day, one group of meetings in the morning and another in the afternoon.
“The visits helped The Salvation Army better inform those in the House and Senate about the needs in our communities,” said Captain Grace Roinila of Battle Creek. “We are as they called us the “Boots on the Ground” and see those needs firsthand.”
“I believe this visit helped open the eyes of many who make the decisions of where government finances go,” said Lt. Liz Bock of Cadillac. “Many representatives expressed concerns of organizations who may misuse funds, and they were given real life examples of how we “Do The Most Good” with the finances given to us.”
(Attendees meeting with State Representative Amos O'Neal)
One of those able to attend morning meetings was State Representative Amos O’Neal. “As one of seven children, my mother taught us that everyone, including those in need, should be treated with dignity and respect,” O’Neal said in one meeting. “Poverty is color blind, and it takes courage to ask for help. We need to do our best to find funding to help make a difference.”
The highlight of the day was a luncheon attended by 200 participants. Over 95 Michigan state legislators were present, representing more than 64% of the Michigan legislature. The program featured inspiring remarks from key figures within The Salvation Army, including Great Lakes Divisional Commander, Lt. Colonel Steven J. Merritt.
(Great Lakes Divisional Commander, Lt. Colonel Steven J. Merritt)
"In uniting our voices and efforts, into One Voice, we have demonstrated the power of collaboration and commitment to our mission,” Merritt said. “We have shown that by working together with Michigan legislators, we can influence positive change and create a brighter future for all in Michigan. Michigan Government Advocacy Day exemplifies the strength of our community and our dedication to serving those in need with unwavering, faith, compassion and determination."
Metro Detroit Advisory Board Member Dan Ponder and Grand Rapids Advisory Board Member, State Senator Mark Huizenga, also spoke, highlighting the importance of collaboration between The Salvation Army and state legislators.
(Attendees representing The Salvation Army in Kent County, Grand Rapids Kroc Center, and Fulton Heights Corps/Community Center)
The Salvation Army in Kent County had four Advisory Board Members attend, including David Hathaway, a board member since 1987. “It was honoring that that legislators and their staff would spend time with us and were interested in understanding who and what The Salvation Army is and how important the funding is that we are requesting,” Hathaway said. “They understood that we are meeting the human needs of the people of Michigan, without discrimination, in a fiscally responsible and uplifting way. We look forward to meeting with our elected officials again next year.”
While the goal of the day was to advocate for the organization's initiatives it also served as a reminder to lawmakers of The Salvation Army’s mission, to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and meet human needs in His name without discrimination.
“We asked many of the representatives if we could pray for them because they have a big job that makes a huge difference in our day-to-day services we provide,” Bock said. Many of the representatives we met, were new and had just been given which committees they were assigned to. We were able to pray for direction, wisdom, and strength for them and for their families during this season that they serve in Lansing.”
“I told one of the lawmakers we met with, that we appreciate everything he was doing and that he was in our hearts,” Captain Roinila said. “What I meant by that is that we are praying for these elected officials as they look to the needs of the communities in their areas. “They serve as missionaries, away from family at times, and are facing challenges that we may never know."