The 2023 Eastern Washington Legislative Conference will feature Gen Heywood, pastor of Veradale United Church of Christ and convener for Faith Leaders and Leaders of Conscience, as the keynote speaker addressing the theme, “Caring for Our Common Earth Now and Forever.”

The event will be from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday Jan. 21, at Spokane Valley United Methodist Church, 115 N. Raymond, and ONLINE.

Gen will share insights from her participation in the 11th World Council of Churches Assembly held in September in Karlsruhe, Germany, at which representatives from churches, faiths and no faiths gathered to reflect on issues facing the faith communities around the world.

There will be three plenary sessions and one workshop session. The plenaries are on “Legislative Briefings by Advocates in Olympia,” “Housing Is a Human Right,” and “Indigenous Voices on Environmental Justice.”

The briefings will be presented by Kristin Ang, policy engagement director of the Faith Action Network of Washington, Donna Christensen/Mario Villenueva of the Washington State Catholic Conference, and Jessica Zimmerle of Earth Ministry/Interfaith Power and Light.

Workshops will address welcoming refugees with Mark Finney of Thrive International, racial justice issues with representatives of the Spokane Community Against Racism and the NAACP Spokane, food security and “Faithful Advocacy” led by Jessica of Earth Ministry.

The costs are $32 in person including lunch or $25 per person for a group of five or more, $20 per individual or $15 per person in a group of five or more online. There are scholarships. The Fig Tree is recruiting sponsors and organizations presenting displays.

For information, call 535-4112 or email event@thefigtree.