World Renew participated in the RESULTS International Conference in Washington, D.C. from July 12-14, 2026, joining hundreds of advocates committed to addressing poverty through effective public policy and citizen engagement. The gathering brought together approximately 500 participants from 41 U.S. states to learn, collaborate, and advocate on issues related to food security, health, and economic opportunity.
Representing World Renew, Jodi Koeman, Public Engagement & Coalition Building Manager, attended the conference to learn from the RESULTS advocacy model and explore practical tools to strengthen World Renew’s own advocacy and constituent engagement efforts.
During the conference, participants received training on RESULTS’ “EPIC” framework, a simple approach to advocacy that focuses on: Engaging decision-makers, stating the Problem, Informing with evidence and stories, and making a clear Call to action.
Connecting Community Experiences to Public Policy
A key part of the conference included meetings with members of Congress and their staff on Capitol Hill. Jodi met with legislative offices representing Rhode Island and Michigan, advocating for issues that align closely with World Renew’s mission, including food assistance programs, international humanitarian assistance, maternal and child health, and support for vulnerable populations. She also took the opportunity to discuss protections for Haitian communities affected by Temporary Protected Status (TPS) decisions.
Throughout these conversations, World Renew was able to bring real-world perspectives to policy discussions by sharing stories from communities around the globe. Examples from World Renew’s work in areas affected by food insecurity, humanitarian crises, and public health challenges helped connect policy decisions to the lives of individuals and families.
Reflecting on the experience, Koeman emphasized the importance of citizen advocacy:
“Attending the RESULTS Conference reminded me that citizen involvement is essential to this process. Citizens help move issues from abstraction to reality by sharing lived experience and the stories of people and communities they serve. Stories put a human face on policy decisions. While organizations like World Renew can sometimes feel distant from government decision-making, the communities we serve are directly affected by many of those decisions. We have a significant role to play in urging legislators to act with mercy and pursue justice, while equipping our constituents to become advocates for mercy and justice as well.”
For World Renew, participation in conferences like this one is an opportunity to build relationships, strengthen advocacy skills, and ensure that the experiences of communities around the world are represented in conversations that shape public policy.
World Renew remains committed to encouraging thoughtful, nonpartisan engagement that reflects our Christian calling to seek justice, show mercy, and stand alongside communities facing poverty and vulnerability.
Continue the Conversation Beyond Advocacy on Capitol Hill
Interested in learning more about advocacy, community engagement, and other opportunities to put faith into action? Visit World Renew’s Events page to discover upcoming webinars, workshops, and gatherings designed to equip and connect individuals who are passionate about justice and community transformation.
You can also explore recordings from past webinars and events to learn from practitioners, advocates, and community leaders who are addressing pressing issues around the world. Whether you’re looking to deepen your understanding, connect with like-minded individuals, or take the next step in your advocacy journey, there are opportunities to engage throughout the year. Contact us to get started today!
