More than 450 young adults from 40 states have registered to virtually attend Spring Lobby Weekend (SLW), March 29-31. They will attend from meetings, churches, colleges, and universities.
Spring Lobby Weekend was originally planned as an in-person event. However, it was converted into a virtual one to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
The participants will virtually lobby Congress to address climate change by putting a price on carbon with the Climate Rebate Act as the legislative vehicle.
During the weekend, members of congress will address the participants. Young adult leaders and climate change scientists will also share their expertise during the workshops. Participants will be trained in effective Quaker lobbying.
“For most participants, attending this event is the first step to what we hope will be a lifetime of advocating for peace, justice, and environmental sustainability,” said Jim Cason, FCNL associate general secretary for strategic advocacy.
Many alumni have become leaders in other nonprofit organizations and even staff members in Congress.
“Spring Lobby Weekend is an incredible way to get the skills and the tools to make sure that when you’re out of college you’re ready to lift up those around you, be it through advocacy or be it through being a leader in the community in other ways,” said Wilmington College student Emma Marks at the end of last year’s SLW.
Spring Lobby Weekend was started by FCNL in 2006. More than 3,000 young adults have participated in the training. They have lobbied on such issues as ending war, immigration, and climate change.
