At the June 2007 meeting of the Board of Directors of Lutheran Homes Society, directors voted unanimously to initiate a comprehensive Public Policy Advocacy Plan for the organization. The comprehensive work plan includes vision, goals, criteria, objectives, influences, work schedules, tasks and activities.

The board further identified specific issues for advocacy which LHS staff will be addressing in 2007.

Included are excerpts from the Lutheran Homes Society Public Policy Advocacy Work Plan.

Mission

As followers of Christ, we are called to do what lies within our power to share burdens that weigh upon the young and the old and to alleviate sorrow and misery in His name.

Public Policy Vision and Goals

Vision - In three years, as a result of our public policy efforts, we will be able to say:

• Lutheran Homes Society is more effective at providing care and services for youth and elderly.
• We have a good plan in place and have worked it well.
• We have lobbied successfully for federal, state, and county policies that address the issues of our residents and clients.
• We have the skills, financial resources, and organizational systems in place to be effective lobbyists on our key issues.
• We have a strong communications strategy that helps us to get our key messages to decision makers, the media, and our supporters.
• We have increased support for our issues in the nonprofit sector and the community at large.

Goals - Lutheran Homes Society has the following ongoing public policy goals:

• Specific changes in policies or funding for programs.
• Increased opportunities for people to participate effectively in the policy decision that shapes their lives.
• Strong ongoing and positive relationships with policy shapers.
• Working alliances with other nonprofits and other sectors on issues of shared interest.
• Capacity within organization to do effective public policy work over the long term.
• Enhanced positioning of LHS as a valuable resource in the community.

For more information, contact Nancy Wellman, Director of Public Policy Advocacy at 419-861-5506 or nwellman@LutheranHomesSociety.org