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All are welcome at the following AFN commission and/or committee meetings. They are held online via Zoom, and you can RSVP using the links below. All times are MST.
AFN Social Justice Commission, Thursday, September 3, 8:30 - 9:45 am MST via Zoom -
RSVP
for Zoom information
Join the Arizona Faith Network Social Justice Commission for a conversation about housing, economic opportunity, and the challenges facing Arizona communities.
Our speakers Liza Kurtz, Senior Research Analyst at ASU s Morrison Institute; Deacon Gay of Bridges Reentry/Magdalene House; and Darlene Newsome, former longtime Executive Director of UMOM New Day Centers and Arizona housing mentor will share research and on-the-ground
perspectives on evictions, affordable housing, reentry, workforce opportunities, and land use.
Together, we ll explore what is happening across Arizona, what solutions are emerging, and how communities of faith can help support housing stability, opportunity, and dignity for our neighbors.
AFN Faithful Voter AZ (Voting Rights) Committee, Thursday, September 3 , 2:00 - 3:00 pm MST via Zoom -
RSVP
for Zoom information
Fred Taylor will share about the African American Advisory Council s efforts to encourage voters to vote by mail.
AFN Cherishing Creation Collaborative, Tuesday, September 8, 10:00 - 11:30 am MST via Zoom -
RSVP
for Zoom information
This month's meeting will feature speakers discussing solar energy and heat resilience.
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Highlight: Spoken Poetry with TC Tolbert
Poetry has the power to help us see one another and our shared humanity in new ways.
At this year s AFN Annual Gathering, we are honored to welcome acclaimed Tucson poet
TC Tolbert for a special spoken poetry offering woven into our morning together.
TC is an award-winning poet, educator, author, and former Tucson Poet Laureate whose work has been recognized nationally, including through an Academy of American Poets Laureate Fellowship. TC s poetry and community work invite people into deeper reflection
on identity, belonging, connection, and the many ways we encounter one another across difference.
It will be one of several meaningful experiences throughout this year s gathering as we explore From Conflict to Community: Building Courageous Unity in a Time of Division.
Join TC, keynote speaker Rev. Dr. Gary Mason, and faith and community leaders from across Arizona on Tuesday, October 20.
Registration is open now!
Learn more and register at arizonafaithnetwork.org/gather
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2026 AFN Annual Gathering Sponsorship Is Now Open!
Sponsoring the 2026 AFN Annual Gathering is a unique opportunity to connect your organization directly with Arizona s diverse interfaith community, nonprofit partners, advocates, and community leaders from across the state.
With sponsorship opportunities from $50 to $1,000+, sponsors can showcase their organization, build new relationships, and demonstrate their commitment to strengthening communities across faiths and differences.
Learn more and become a sponsor at: arizonafaithnetwork.org/gather
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Election Protection: Poll Chaplains & Peacekeepers Needed
Arizona Faith Network is recruiting volunteers to serve as Poll Chaplains and
Peacekeepers for the November general election as part of our nonpartisan Election Protection program. These faith-rooted volunteers help create safe, welcoming, and peaceful voting environments where every eligible voter can participate with dignity
and respect.
No prior experience is required. Training and support are provided through partnerships with
Election Protection Arizona and Faiths United to Save Democracy. People of all faith traditions and people of goodwill are welcome. Training sessions via Zoom will be offered on multiple dates/times in September and October. See the registration
form below for additional details.
Join us in protecting democracy, promoting peaceful civic participation, and supporting our communities during the election season.
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AFN Monday Meditation
Mondays at noon MST via Zoom
Start your week with meditation led by Bandhu, AFN's Interfaith Manager, and guests.
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Faiths United to Save Democracy (FUSD) Poll Chaplain & Peacekeeper Training
Join Arizona Faith Network and Faiths United to Save Democracy for a national, nonpartisan training preparing faith and community leaders to help support free, fair, safe, and peaceful elections.
2026 TRAINING OPTIONS:
September 28 | 4:00 5:30 PM Arizona Time via Zoom
October 15 | 4:00 5:30 PM Arizona Time via Zoom
Only ONE training session is required to serve.
Poll Chaplains are ordained faith leaders and Peacekeepers are lay leaders who provide a calm, caring presence at polling locations. Volunteers are trained in de-escalation, voter protection, responding appropriately to potential conflict or intimidation, understanding
key election laws, and connecting voters with Election Protection resources when challenges arise.
With new election threats and changes in election laws in 2026, all Poll Chaplains and Peacekeepers are required to complete a 2026 training before serving.
Faiths
United to Save Democracy is a nonpartisan, multiracial, interfaith, and intergenerational voter education and protection campaign. In Arizona, AFN works alongside faith and community partners to prepare volunteers to help ensure every eligible
voter can participate safely and without intimidation. Clergy and lay leaders are welcome. No previous election protection experience is required.
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Tucson Clergy & Faith Leader Alert: Presence Needed
Our Tucson community leaders are asking clergy and faith leaders to join tonight, Wednesday, September 2, for a Community Candlelight Vigil honoring Vincent Anthony Siqueiros and Cameron Davis Capara, who were killed in the recent shooting at Venture-N.
Community Candlelight Vigil
Wednesday, September 2 | 6:30 p.m.
Catalina Park | 941 N. 4th Avenue, Tucson
Early arrival between 5:30 6:00 p.m. is encouraged for parking and access.
Clergy and faith leaders from all traditions are invited to stand together near the stage as a visible, interfaith presence of solidarity and support for Vincent and Cameron, their loved ones, the Venture-N community, and Tucson s LGBTQ+ community and allies.
Faith leaders are encouraged to wear clergy or religious attire appropriate to their tradition, if desired, but it is not required. The primary request is simply to show up and stand together as our community grieves, remembers, and supports one another.
The Tucson Police Department will have a security presence at the vigil and surrounding area.
Please share this invitation with clergy and faith leaders throughout your networks who may be able to attend.
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College Student Intern Office Assistant
Valley
Beit Midrash (VBM) is looking for a reliable, organized college student to help with day-to-day office and food pantry operations. This is a flexible, hands-on internship for someone who is willing to jump in wherever needed and enjoys getting
things done. Visit the link below for further information and application procedure.
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Former AFN Board member Eric Ledermann donates his photographic talents to AFN. Click on the graphic below to visit his
photography
website, where you'll find samples of his work and the services he can provide.
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The coming week (today through next Tuesday) brings the following observances:
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Krishna Janmashtami (Hinduism) - September 3
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Nativity of the Theotokos (Orthodox Christianity) - September 8
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Paryushana (Jainism) - September 8-15
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Please consider making a tax-deductible gift to AFN today! Your partnership makes our Arizona community thrive.
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