Bearing Faithful Witness: Advocating and Caring for Those affected by Negative Legislative Outcomes

From the local library council to the state government, there is a great deal of legislation impacting members of the LGBTQIA+ community and their families. This workshop at Covenant Conversation: Nebraska explored what was happening and what participants could do, no matter where they are. Attendees left the session feeling passionate, empowered, and challenged to be an active and powerful witness for their neighbors — not just at the state capitol but in their own congregations, community organizations, and workplaces.

Emily Killham is a mom, a wife, an employee experience expert, a community organizer, and an activist. She has held numerous positions in local, grassroots organizations from the local parent-teacher organization to Nebraskans Against Gun Violence. She is currently serving as a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church’s Board of Elders and a member of the Welcoming Task Force. She brings a passion for standing up to injustice and affirming the full dignity and humanity of all God’s children.

Sarah Phelps is the Director of Operations and Programs at OutNebraska and provides education throughout the state on a variety of issues affecting LGBTQ+ folks, including Caring for LGBTQ+ Elders, Identity and Storytelling, and LGBTQ+ Mental Health. She specializes in leading founding boards and currently serves on the executive committee of MomPower Inc (working moms) and is the national board chair of Umbrella Alliance US (Neurodiversity). She is also a DEIBJ facilitator for Hummingbird Humanity and Inclusive Communities, and is providing brand and content support for the work of several BIPOC owned organizations.