UMW virtual Legislative Advocacy Days to focus on criminal justice,…

Women across South Carolina will gather by Zoom on four days this month to explore issues of advocacy and justice.

Normally held one day in person at Epworth Children’s Home, this year’s South Carolina Conference United Methodist Women Legislative Advocacy event will be a virtual program that spans four weeks.

Workshops and registration are free.

South Carolina’s United Methodist Women will focus on mass incarceration/criminal justice reform, quality education for all children, expanded and improved mental and physical health services access, and environmental justice.

The first Zoom workshop is Wednesday, Feb 3, from 10-11:30 a.m. on Juvenile Justice Reform. Dr. Aleksandra Chauhan, juvenile defender advocate for the South Carolina Commission on Indigent Defense, will update all about the status of reform and proposed legislation in South Carolina.
The second Zoom workshop is Tuesday, Feb. 9, 7-8:30 p.m. on elder abuse. This workshop will feature Russell Rich, director of county operations and community relations for adult advocacy at the South Carolina Department of Social Services. He will share insights about the scope and detection of abuse, reporting options and resources for this vulnerable population.
The third Zoom workshop is Thursday, Feb. 18, from 2-3:30 p.m. on “Holding Out the Lifeline: A Mission to Families,” a presentation by Tori West, an opioid education prevention coordinator. Her presentation will cover the various drugs classified as opioids and the physical and psychological effects of misuse, as well as community resources.
The fourth and final Zoom workshop is Saturday, Feb. 27, 10-11:30 a.m. featuring Advocate Editor Jessica Brodie on “Jesus, Justice and Action and United Methodists.”

Free registration is required in order to get the Zoom link. Visit https://www.umcsc.org/discipleship/united-methodist-women/ to register for all four workshop presentations.