Please Go to the Official UUJEC Website for the most complete and up-to-date information.

WHO: UUs and others interested in the Farm Bill — that is, anyone who eats! — and can travel to the nation’s capital to learn about the many issues that constitute a fair farm bill

SPEAKERS: Karyn Bigelow, Creation Justice Ministries – Scott Faber, Environmental Working Group – Joe Van Wye, Farm Action – Madison Mayhew, Interfaith Power & Lights – Lloyd Wright, USDA (retired) – and Jim Scott’s music Tuesday evening

WHAT: Speakers, advocacy training, breakouts for strategy, in-person advocating, and some music, religious inspiration, and camaraderie

WHEN: Tuesday, Sept 26, and Wednesday, Sept 27,
10-4pm ET & 7-9pm
Thursday, Sept 28, 9:30am-4pm ET

WHERE: Set 26 & 27, All Souls Church Unitarian — Sept 28 luggage drop and debrief at St Mark’s Episcopal Church, gather for lobbying at Capitol Visitor Center, Room 209

WHY: The Farm Bill is a “once in-5-years” opportunity to affect our food system, from farm to distribution to subsidies at all steps, from sowing seed to clearing the table. Agriculture provides more than 11% of greenhouse gas emissions, according to the EPA. Many “special interests” make themselves heard: what about family farmers and everyday eater? We want a fair farm bill to support family farms, not mega farms (they do fine on their own), that ensures those who need SNAP (formerly food stamps) are able to access funds, that farmers who want to use more regenerative, organic farming methods are able to do so. Do you have a pet part of the Farm Bill? Do you know about the “marker bills” that can be folded into the final bill, and do you have a favorite to support?

LOGISTICS

GETTING AROUND: We recommend using the Metro and buses rather than renting a car – parking in a major city is never great, and All Souls Church does not have its own parking lot. Nearest Metro stops: All Souls Church: Columbia Heights; both St Mark’s and Visitor Center: Capitol South   www.wmata.com/

EATING: Lunches will be provided, primarily plant-based, but special needs will be taken into account (let us know when you register). We’ll have something “breakfast-snacky” at opening each day, and pastries & coffee/tea at the Capitol Visitor Center on Thursday. Dinners are on your own – we’ll suggest some restaurants, and maybe some folks will join up for group dinners.

LODGING: There are many options in the Washington, DC area – we’ll curate a list and post it here,

We extend our appreciation to the Unitarian Universalist Funding Program for supporting this event through its Fund for Social Responsibility.

For more details and a registration link, go to uujec.net/climatejusticeconference2023/