January 2026 Newsbriefs

• Legislative Conference explores impact of music, art on advocacy - Jan 31
• Faith Action Network offers four events - Jan 6, 8, 14, and Feb 12
• The Windfall funds activities for teens
• Sravasti Abbey holds Retreat from Afar - Jan 6 - March 29
• MLK rally, service plans announced - Jan 18 and 19
• PJALS, WAISN partner to host advocacy day - Jan 22
• Gladiators plan 'Hands off Libraries' event - Jan 23
• Jewish Family Services present film festival Jan 22 - Feb 1
• Homeless Connect expects to serve 2,500 - Jan 28
• Gonzaga offers lifelong learning programs
• Arts project plans student graphic novel
• Housing, Homeless Advocacy Day is Jan. 26

Legislative Conference explores impact of music, art on advocacy

"We Shall Overcome: Building the Beloved Community Today" is the theme for the 2026 Eastern Washington Legislative Conference, which is scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 31, at Spokane Valley United Methodist Church, 115 N. Raymond, in-person and online.

LaRae Wiley of the Salish School of Spokane opens and closes with drumming and a prayer song, followed by interfaith sharing with songs and reflecting on the power of songs to sustain advocacy movements. Presenters are Raging Grannies, Jadrian Tarver of Gonzaga University, John Hubbe and Verne Windham of Westminster United Church of Christ and Susan Windham of the Jewish community.

The Keynote Plenary on "Spiritual Ramifications of Persistence" features discussion with Bishop Gretchen Rehberg of the Episcopal Diocese of Spokane, the Rev. Liv Larson Andrews, director of evangelical mission for the Northwest Intermountain Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Fr. Max Oliva SJ of Gonzaga University, Karen Stromgren of Muslims for Community Action and Support (MCAS) and Gary Jewell, a Mennonite pastor and moderator of The Fig Tree Board.

Next youth advocates—Nicolai Jagger, youth organizer with the Peace and Justice Action League of Spokane (PJALS), Li Velasco of Nuestras Raíces, Bella Rossi, a Western Washington University environmental education student, and a member of the NAACP Spokane Youth Committee—give a plenary presentation.

The third morning session is a briefing on legislation by Kristin Ang, policy engagement director of the Faith Action Network of Washington, Jean Welch Hill of the Washington State Catholic Conference and Luc Jasmin III, the Eastern Washington representative for Governor Bob Ferguson.

During the lunch break, there will be opportunities to visit displays by 40 organizations offering resources about their work and advocacy initiatives.

There will be two sessions of workshops in the afternoon.

At 1 p.m., sessions focus on resources for advocacy:

• "People Power: Creative Resistance" is led by Liz Moore, executive director of PJALS.

• "Faithful Education: Learning to Engage in Dialogue" features perspectives of different education institutions by Emily Clark of Gonzaga University, Steve Somers of Spokane Community College and Paul Schneider of Spokane Valley High School.

• "Art Expressing Advocacy" is offered by Shantell Jackson, community organizer with PJALS.

• "The Power of Music in Advocacy" is led by those sharing the opening reflection.

• "Faithful Advocacy: Building the Beloved Community" is the workshop topic for Gen Heywood, convenor of Faith Leaders and Leaders of Conscience with Karen Stromgren of MCAS.

• "Building Collective Power through Organizing" is the workshop by Laurel Fish, organizer with the Spokane Alliance.

The second set of workshops are focused more on issues.

• "Voting Rights" is led by the Youth Committee of NAACP Spokane.

• For "A Deeper Dive on Bills in the State Legislature," Kristin Ang of FAN and Jean Welch-Hill of the WSCC share more on key bills before the state legislature.

• "Rent and Affordable Housing Issues" presenters are Joe Ader of Family Promise, Ami Manning of Spokane Low Income Housing Consortium (SLIHC), Michelle Pappas of Futurewise, and Terri Anderson of the Tenants Union of Washington.

• "Weaving a Resilient Social Fabric in Climate Change" is led by Zoe Hartman and Ian Webb of the Gonzaga Climate Institute and William Aal of the interfaith committee of 350 Spokane.

• "Indigenous Issues and Climate" is the topic of Jeff Ferguson, photographer-videographer who recently attended COP30 in Belém, Brazil.

• "Refugee and Immigration Issues" is offered by the Eastern Washington Refugee and Immigrant Coalition with Margaret Hinson of International Rescue Committee, Deb Salls of Global Neighborhood Thrift, Christi Armstrong of World Relief, Luis Castillo of Refugee and Immigrant Connections Spokane, Maisa Abudayha of Feast World Kitchen and Pat Castaneda of Manzanita House.

Registration information is in the ad on this page and at thefigtree.org/donate.html.

Sponsors, along with The Fig Tree, include the American Civil Liberties Union WA, Catholic Charities of Eastern Washington, Dorothy Day Labor Forum, Faith Action Network, MCAS, NAACP Spokane, Partnering for Progress, Spokane Community Against Racism, Spokane Helpers Network, SLIHC, Thrivent Financial and Washington State Budget Policy Office.

For information, call 535-1813 or register by Jan. 26 at https://secure.givelively.org/donate/the-fig-tree/2026-legislative-conference.

Faith Action Network offers four events

Faith Action Network hosts its Spokane Winter Meeting from 5:30 to 7 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 8 at Westminster United Church of Christ, 411 S. Washington St.

It's an opportunity for connecting across faith communities locally to build and renew relationships and imagine actions.

FAN also offers other events.

• Advocacy as Spiritual Practice on Tuesday, Jan. 6, includes a workshop on how to connect faith traditions and moral compasses to advocacy.

• Advocacy 101, a virtual training for new and returning state advocates, will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 14. FAN staff will present tools and share how to find information on issues.

• Interfaith Advocacy Day from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 12, in Olympia is one of the largest gatherings for people of faith in the state Capitol.

"This session addresses budget pressures, protecting Washington's social safety net and opportunities to advance justice in housing, immigrant rights, climate, democracy and progressive revenue," said Kristin Ang, policy engagement director.

FAN will introduce a bill to enable religious communities to provide low-income housing.

It will publish its legislative agenda in January. FAN's priorities may shift because it is a short session. They will include climate commitments, equitable taxes, food security, housing stability and indigenous representation.

For information and to register, visit fanwa.org.

The Windfall funds activities for teens

The Windfall Thrift Store in Spokane's Perry Neighborhood, a ministry of the Episcopal Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist gave $5,000 to the Liberty Park Community Development Center for a teen program to honor the late long-time manager, Pat Williams.

"While most understand the need for small children to have a safe place like our after-school program, middle and high schoolers are often home alone," said Julie Cordero, director of community life and empowerment. "However, they are at a vulnerable time, faced with new schools and friend groups, new temptations and insecurities, and the stress and drama teen years bring. Having a place to gather outside pressures of school and family life to meet inspiring adults is important."

The center will provide sewing and art materials, special classes, outings to educational, cultural and sporting events, and participation in city and neighborhood cleanups, and someone to work with the director on teen nights.

"Windfall volunteers decided to fulfill our mission of service by getting more involved in the Perry Neighborhood," said Linda Finney, manager of the Windfall. "The Liberty Park program was the ideal fit. We are delighted with this partnership and look forward to seeing it bloom."

For information, call 534-3888 or email lindafinney@gmail.com.

Sravasti Abbey holds Retreat from Afar

Sravasti Abbey is opening its doors for a Retreat from Afar on White Tara and the Four Immeasurables from Jan. 6 to March 29, coinciding with the Abbey's winter retreat.

They expect 200 to 300 participants to meditate on the same topic daily, to deepen their understanding of the Dharma and gain insights into their lives.

White Tara specializes in supporting long life and growing wisdom with special dedication by its teachers, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Geshe Yeshe Thabke, Ven. Wuyin, Ven. Thubten Chodron and Ven. Sangye Khadro.

Ven. Thubten Chodron and Ven. Sangye Khadro, the Abbey's senior teachers, will offer teachings and are available for spiritual guidance as needed, with the retreat managed by resident monastics.

Retreat from Afar options are available for people who will participate from a distance rather than joining in person.

For information, visit sravastiabbey.org/program-overview/retreat-from-afar/?blm_aid=2611652609.

MLK rally, service plans announced

The annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Unity Rally, March and Resource Fair begins with the rally at 10 a.m., Monday, Jan. 19, at the Spokane Convention Center, 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. Organizers are recruiting agencies to have display tables at the resource fair to share their work from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

"We believe that by standing together, we amplify our impact and strengthen our shared commitment to equity and inclusion," said Taleiya Williams, customer support specialist at Xfinity. "We look forward to making this a powerful, meaningful day. Let's honor Dr. King's dream through our collective action and build a stronger, more united Spokane Community."

The Spokane Ministers' Fellowship is organizing the annual Martin Luther King Jr Day Commemorative Service, from 3 to 5 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 18, at the Holy Temple Church of God in Christ, 806 W. Indiana, to honor the spiritual side of MLK's legacy through worship led by local clergy with songs by choirs from different churches.

For information, call 868-0856 or email info@mlkspokane.org or to register for a resource table visit https://form.jotform.com/mlkccspokane/resource-fair-2026.

PJALS, WAISN partner to host advocacy day

Peace and Justice Action League of Spokane (PJALS) is partnering with the Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network (WAISN) for Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Day (IRAD) 2026, all day Thursday, Jan. 22, at the Washington State Capitol in Olympia. It is a day for communities from across Washington to come together to advocate for policies that impact immigrant and refugee families.

For information, call 838-7870, visit pjals.org or register at bit.ly/irad2026eng.

Gladiators plan 'Hands off Libraries' event

Eastside Gladiators is holding "Hands Off Libraries" as a thank you to the Library Alliance of North Idaho (LANI) from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., Friday, Jan. 23, at the Post Falls Library, 821 N Spokane St. Their goal is to show love and support for the Library Alliance of North Idaho as they are on the front-line facing book banning, with an adults-only room in the works.

"We push back against censorship. We support our libraries and our librarians. We believe in parental rights, but those are being taken away," said Theresa Birkett, president of LANI.

For information, call 425-941-7321 or email petrahoy737@gmail.com.

Jewish Family Services present film festival

Spokane Area Jewish Family Services (SAJFS) will present the 22nd annual Spokane Jewish Film Festival (SJFF) Jan. 22 to Feb. 1 at the Magic Lantern Theatre, 25 W. Main Ave. It features several Pacific Northwest premieres, including "Elie Wiesel: Soul on Fire," "The Other," "31 Candles," "Days Between Rest," "Heritage Day" and "Fiddler on the Moon."

Opening Night begins at 6 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 22, with appetizers prepared by Feast World Kitchen chef Maisa Abudayha. The film is "Elie Wiesel: Soul on Fire," on the author, activist and Holocaust survivor, preceded by a short documentary on Feast World Kitchen, a Spokane restaurant that empowers immigrant and former refugee communities through skill-building, cultural exchange and economic opportunity.

Since 2004, the Spokane Jewish Film Festival has showcased international films that explore Jewish life, history and culture.

"While SJFF enriches the cultural life of the Jewish community and the region as a whole, it is also a vital fundraiser," said Neal Schindler, executive director of SAJFS.

Proceeds support SAJFS's work to uplift seniors, low-income households and people with disabilities through advocacy, consultations, referrals, visits, rent and utility assistance, transportation, a caregiver support group, fall-prevention classes, a food bank and a medical lending closet.

For information, call 413-8254, email director@sajfs.org or visit SpokaneJewishFilm.org.

Homeless Connect expects to serve 2,500

The annual Spokane Homeless Connect will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 28, at the Spokane Convention and Expo Center, 220 W. Spokane Falls Blvd.

For 14 years, volunteers have been removing barriers to provide a safe space for those at risk of or experiencing homelessness to easily access resources.

The largest homeless resource fair in Eastern Washington, it brings providers together in one space for one day to offer direct services free and collaborate to help those in need find solutions.

"It's a one-stop-shop for people struggling with homelessness," said Aileen Luppert, vendor coordinator and event co-chair. "It's an opportunity to meet all or most of their needs in one day, instead of weeks or months."

The Homeless Connect brings together volunteers and caseworkers from various local nonprofits and service providers working to end homelessness.

Services on-site include emergency shelter referrals, housing assistance, medical and dental assistance, ID replacement and DSHS benefits assistance.

There will be a veterinarian available, food bank items that don't require a kitchen to prepare, immunizations and cold weather items, said Reese McMullin, vendor coordinator.

The 2025 Homeless Connect featured 122 providers who served around 1,900 attendees. With prices and needs rising, organizers expect about 2,500 will attend this year.

Organizers are recruiting sponsors, vendors and volunteers. Every year the Spokane Homeless Connect is made possible by hundreds of individuals and organizations. Sponsors financially underwrite it. Vendors offer their services to attendees. Volunteers help everything run smoothly the day of the event.

Organizers invite community members to give donations.

"As our houseless neighbors would say, 'Anything helps!'" said Aileen.

For information, visit spokaneconnect.org by Jan. 9.

Gonzaga offers lifelong learning programs

As individuals and organizations set goals for 2026, the Gonzaga University (GU) Center for Lifelong Learning (CLL) is offering opportunities that support personal growth, professional development and lifelong learning for adult learners.

CLL provides programs for adults at many stages of their lives and careers with international travel, professional certificates, free webinars and customized trainings.

The group travel allows the GU community to experience "bucket list" destinations like Greece, Tuscany and Bavaria.

CLL also offers professional development courses in business, leadership, education, law, AI and other areas. Discounts and scholarships are available. The center hosts free monthly webinars on current topics. Organizations can partner with GU to develop custom trainings.

"There are many ways to be a Zag. Many of them are with the Center for Lifelong Learning," said Rachelle Strawther, founding director. "We connect people with GU's mission and community."

For information, email CLL@gonzaga.edu.

Arts project plans student graphic novel

Spokane Arts Grant Awards funding is supporting creation of a student-produced graphic novel to share the story of Holocaust survivor and Spokane resident, Carla Peperzak.

It will engage 150 local middle school students with teaching artist Kim Vandervert, professional artist Corinna Ren and consultants including Carla Peperzak, Kristine Hoover, director of the Gonzaga University Center for the Study of Hate, and Clement Lye, Gonzaga filmmaker who produced a documentary on Carla's life.

Students will produce graphic art and learn how to transform the story into a visual narrative. The team will guide students to create work celebrating history, art, resilience and helping others.

Students will do research, storyboard scenes and design illustrations. Each will contribute a specific piece of work and participate in collaborative decision-making about the overall story. The aim is to prioritize student participation while maintaining professional quality.

The printed 30-page novel will be presented at a launch event and be distributed to Spokane schools, libraries and community organizations.

For information, call 321-9614, visit spokanearts.org.

Housing, Homeless Advocacy Day is Jan. 26

Housing and Homelessness Advocacy Day (HHAD) will be hosted by Washington Low Income Housing Alliance (WLIHA) and Washington Low Income Housing Alliance Action Fund from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday, Jan. 26 at the Washington State Capitol in Olympia.

Advocates gather from around the state to meet with lawmakers and rally for housing justice. HHAD leaders include people impacted by housing injustice, including through the WILHA Resident Action Project.

They will meet near the Capitol campus in the morning to pick up materials and spend the day on the Capitol campus.WILHA legislative district leaders will guide attendees through the day. There is transportation from Eastern and Central Washington, with support from Waters Meet Action Fund for two buses. 

For information, visit wliha.org/hhad.