Social Justice Commission

Karen McLaughlin
Commission Chair

Rev. Katie Sexton
Staff Liaison

The Social Justice Commission is how AFN puts faith into action to transform Arizona through justice and advocacy. The Commission's work is structured around specialized teams that focus on specific advocacy areas, providing regular updates and progress reports during our monthly meetings. This collaborative approach allows us to tackle multiple issues with dedicated attention, ensuring we remain responsive and effective in addressing urgent societal needs. Our key areas include the Cherishing Creation Collaborative (environmental justice), Community Resilience and Heat Relief, Faithful AZ Voter (voting rights), and Hunger and Housing.

The Commission meets on the first Thursday of each month from 8:30 to 9:30 am via Zoom. Each month we welcome a Community Expert who updates us on local justice and advocacy issues. All are welcome to join. For more information or to register for our next meeting, please contact us or click here. If you would like more information regarding the Social Justice Commission or any working areas of AFN please contact us or register to attend our next meeting by clicking here.

Community Teams:

  • Cherishing Creation Collaborative (CCC) brings together individuals, faith communities, and sustainability and justice-oriented organizations to better cherish our shared earth and all creation. Learn more about this work here.

  • The Heat Relief and Community Resilience Initiative brings together faith communities, local partners, and government entities to combat extreme heat and build resilience. Through faith-based respite centers, we address the climate crisis and protect vulnerable populations. Learn more about this work here.

  • Help protect our cherished right to vote on the state and federal level. Learn more about this work here.

  • This team collaborates to address hunger and advocate against Arizona's housing crisis. Learn more about this work here.

  • Safe Communities Coalition works to protect sacred spaces and ensure all people can live, worship, and gather in safety. Learn more about this work here.