2019 Legislative Seminar

Whether you are new to grassroots advocacy or have been engaged in this critical work for some time, the NC Council of Churches’ Legislative Seminar offers the opportunity to hear updates on issues being discussed at the General Assembly, network with others who share your concerns, and learn how you can make a difference. This seminar is unique in North Carolina in bringing together people of faith to learn ways we can impact legislation in our state.

Keynote address by Tom Ross, President Emeritus of the University of North Carolina system and co-chair of North Carolinians for Redistricting Reform, on the health of our state's and nation's political systems.

Workshop topics will cover a wide variety of legislative issues ranging from medicaid expansion to voter ID, election integrity to public education, gun violence to gerrymandering. A few workshops of note include:

Power Struggles, the Sequel: Rob Schofield, NC Policy Watch
Review legislative efforts to curb the governor’s powers. Are those efforts continuing, and what do they involve? How can Cooper and his allies effectively use the veto to advance the progressive agenda now that vetoes have some teeth? How is Cooper handling these challenges?

Polarized Politics and the Urban/Rural Divide: Rick Glazier, NC Justice Center
Any movement toward common ground, and if so should progressives cheer? Prospects for civil discourse. Strategies for effective progressive advocacy in a polarized environment.

Higher Education Under Stress: David Rice, Executive Director of Higher Education Works
UNC system is at a crossroads with regard to governance and mission. Is one of the state’s principal assets at risk?