Dear Community,
As we reflect on the second quarter of 2024, I am excited to share the impactful events and initiatives Faith in Texas has been involved in. Our work continues to focus on fostering community engagement, empowering faith leaders, and promoting civic participation.
This quarter, the Faith Leaders Table for Democracy and Justice convened virtually for its monthly meeting, featuring guest speaker Rev. Stacey Brown from Dallas Votes. Brown provided valuable insights into voter engagement efforts in Dallas, particularly in preparation for the upcoming elections.
In addition, we hosted a training session at Life in Deep Ellum, where I led discussions on church structure and its critical role in advancing social justice. The session emphasized the importance of creating safe spaces within congregations for moral discourse and action. Clergy leaders responded positively, highlighting the necessity of these conversations in strengthening community activism.
Discussions also addressed the implications of Project 2025 and its potential impact on the nation. Brown underscored the importance of the “faith vote” and urged attendees to verify their voter registration status, particularly in light of recent voter list purges. The meeting reinforced the need for continued voter advocacy and education within faith communities.
Following these roundtable discussions, many faith leaders committed to establishing safe spaces within their congregations to facilitate conversations on justice and moral issues. Attendees at the Dallas Votes meeting expressed strong interest in further engagement and future collaborations.
Faith in Texas remains dedicated to addressing systemic challenges through proactive engagement. By equipping individuals with the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions at the polls, we aim to empower clergy and their congregations to become catalysts for positive change.
Our collaboration with Dallas Votes, a longstanding partner, continues to play a vital role in civic engagement efforts. Additionally, we have partnered with Hillary Evans and the United Way to expand voter registration initiatives, ensuring broader participation in the democratic process.
As we enter the third quarter, Faith in Texas remains steadfast in its mission to empower individuals and communities through knowledge and action. We look forward to continuing our work in fostering dialogue, strengthening community involvement, and driving meaningful social change.
Stay tuned for more updates on our ongoing initiatives and opportunities to get involved.
Warm regards,
Dr. Jaime Kowlessar
Executive Director