Legislative Actions: Behind the Scenes
During April 2018, Beacon collaborating congregations gathered at three separate locations in the Twin Cities to meet with state legislators. The point of the events was to vocalize our support for $140 million in bonding for affordable homes. None of these events would have happened if it weren’t for Beacon congregational leaders, leaders such as Mark Bayley. Beacon spoke to members of the legislative action planning committee who were involved in the process of meeting with the legislators and getting them to come to the legislative actions.
What was it like to meet the legislators? One member of the planning committee was fascinated by the varied responses. “It was interesting to visit legislators, seeing their offices, listening to what they are concerned about, and seeing how each responds to another group, of many, asking for their support,” said Ann Jensen, a member of Living Spirit United Methodist Church in Minneapolis. “ They had varied responses to $140 million in bonding and our request for them to meet with their constituents at a Legislative Action, from a clear ‘yes’ to attend one of Beacon’s Legislative Actions to ‘I’m supportive of more housing, but too busy to attend an event,’ to not being available to even meet with us, but ‘just talk to my legislative assistant.’”
When asked what made the experience of contact less scary, Mark Bayley said the fear goes away when you just jump in. “I think it was all just a bit intimidating to call legislators to set up appointments,” said Bayley, a member at Wayzata Community Church in Wayzata said. “It gets comfortable just by doing it. Same with the visits. There is no substitution for experience.”
Jensen believes the Legislative Actions had some advantages over the 2017 Day on the Hill. “More legislators were asked for commitments in front of a larger group than is possible at the Capitol, more Beacon supporters were able to participate in actions,” Jensen said.
How did their congregations benefit? Bayley thinks Wayzata Community did benefit, but it takes time. “We had a good turnout in Plymouth and we are gradually getting more people involved,’ Bayley said. “This is the challenge of the collaborative and it takes time but this is a concrete way for people to engage. It was good for everyone. “
“My congregation became more knowledgeable about housing issues and the process of impacting legislation,” Jensen said. “ For many of them who attended one of the actions, this was the first time to be in the same room with someone who represents them in the legislature. Hopefully, some of them will be interested in getting more involved with both housing issues and also the legislative process.”
Jensen thinks the Legislative Actions were a help to the collaborative. “Seeing and meeting people from many congregations is empowering,” she said.” Hopefully, the experience of those who attended will inspire them to engage others.”
Bayley thinks the whole experience of the Legislative Actions makes the collaborative stronger. “The collaborative did become more powerful, but there is a long way to go. Keep moving forward!”
