By Shabnam Amini | In November 2023, I took on an exciting new role as the Marketing Manager for Faith In Texas through my personal LLC, AminiMedia. What followed has been a year full of growth, innovation, and meaningful impact as I worked to amplify the voice of a nonpartisan, multiracial, and multifaith nonprofit organization dedicated to social justice, community leadership education, bail funds, and mental health rehabilitation. Building the Foundation: A Comprehensive Redesign One of the most significant milestones of this year was the full redesign of the Faith In Texas website, completed in March 2024. The previous website had not been optimized for today’s user expectations, so I set out to create a digital experience that would not only inform but engage our diverse community of supporters. The redesign included the creation of interactive landing pages, which allowed visitors to easily navigate through our educational programs, initiatives, and resources. Custom blogs became an essential tool in our storytelling, highlighting the stories of individuals who have been impacted by our community leadership programs and the efforts of our bail fund. The overhaul also extended to our social media platforms—Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook—all of which saw a significant transformation in both content and engagement. By focusing on integrating more dynamic visuals, such as infographics and short-form videos, we were able to create a cohesive digital presence that reflected our mission of supporting marginalized communities through education and advocacy. This overhaul led to a noticeable increase in web traffic and social media engagement, with followers growing by 25% across platforms in the months following the redesign. The Power of Storytelling: Weekly Video and Content Production In addition to the website revamp, I have been responsible for producing a steady stream of content that speaks directly to our supporters and partners. Every week, I create videos, graphics, and newsletters that cover everything from the latest news on our advocacy work to stories of individuals benefiting from our programs. These pieces are crafted to inspire action, whether that means getting involved in grassroots efforts, donating to our cause, or simply staying informed about the work we do. Each week’s newsletter has been an opportunity to create a deeper connection with our audience, while video content—whether it’s showcasing events or highlighting community leaders—has helped humanize our mission. By combining visual storytelling with data-driven insights, we have strengthened our ability to mobilize our supporters and increase awareness around key issues such as criminal justice reform and racial equity. Growth Through Collaboration and Innovation Marketing for a nonprofit like Faith In Texas requires not only creativity but also a deep understanding of the communities we serve. Our approach has been collaborative from the start, working with faith leaders, volunteers, and community members to craft messages that resonate. This year, we launched several campaigns focusing on mental health rehabilitation, highlighting the unique struggles faced by marginalized individuals and creating opportunities for engagement and support. One of the key successes has been integrating our educational initiatives into our marketing strategies. By using interactive webinars, social media campaigns, and downloadable resources, we’ve been able to expand the reach of our community leadership education programs. This comprehensive approach has not only helped drive attendance at events but also encouraged meaningful conversations around social justice and equity within our community. The Road Ahead As I reflect on this past year, I am proud of the strides we’ve made. Faith In Texas is not just a nonprofit organization; it is a movement grounded in faith and dedicated to transforming lives. Through strategic marketing efforts, we’ve been able to expand our reach, mobilize communities, and raise awareness for critical issues. Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue pushing the boundaries of what we can achieve through digital marketing and storytelling. There is still so much more work to be done, and I look forward to supporting Faith In Texas in its mission to build a more just and equitable society. This past year has been nothing short of transformative—both for the organization and for me as a professional. It’s been an honor to play a role in amplifying the voices of those who need to be heard and making a tangible difference through the power of marketing. Kind Regards,Shabnam AminiMarketing Manager

By Tyler LaBerge | Greetings! This Summer, I have been pleased to be Faith in Texas’s Equity and Environmental Justice Fellow.  I am a recent graduate of the University of Michigan’s School for Environment and Sustainability, where I earned my Master of Science specializing in Environmental Justice. I am pursuing a career supporting frontline communities in the fight for a just transition, building economic and political power to move us from an extractive economy to a regenerative one. The Beginning – A Graduate Student Research Project My work with Faith in Texas began in 2023 through my graduate capstone project alongside fellow students Naajia Shakir (MS and MURP ‘25), Tre’Nard Morgan (MS and MURP ‘25), Latia Leonard (MS ‘24), Danielle Moore (MS ‘24).  We sought to develop a deep understanding of the social justice landscape in North Texas as it relates to Environmental Justice (EJ). We met with seasoned EJ practitioners to understand the political, economic, and social realities at work in the region.  Those we interviewed expressed a need for increased funding, coordination among organizations, base building, and consciousness-raising to create the environment that will allow the community to thrive. Summer Fellowship Although the research project came to an end, I was eager to continue this work and enhance the opportunity for greater impact.  I applied for and received funding through the University of Michigan’s Marshall Weinberg Internship Program to continue this work for a few months following my graduation.  This Summer, my work has focused on the following key projects: Making the research we conducted more accessible to the public Reducing barriers for environmental justice and social change organizations to apply for grant funding Speaking with community leaders to co-create a proposal for a future student capstone project with the University of Michigan.   I am pleased to share that I created a database of funding opportunities that are applicable to social justice organizations in the region and supported Faith in Texas’s fundraising efforts.  I created a streamlined research report which you can read here.  Finally, I worked with community leaders to identify projects that a future team of students could help support.  Through this work, we strengthened the relationships between Faith in Texas and partner organizations and we have made plans to continue collectively building environmental justice strategy for the region. The Future of Faith in Texas’s Environmental Justice Work Through my work this summer alongside Edwin Robinson and Jamie Kowlessar, we have clarified Faith in Texas’s role in the EJ movement and crafted our strategy, focusing on the strengths of Faith in Texas and the needs of the movement.  Faith in Texas is committed to fighting for environmental and human rights for all residents of Texas. Assisting people to radically imagine and bring about collective change in their community is a crucial component of the work to provide community-based solutions to community problems while fostering a sense of belonging. Faith in Texas desires to build a movement of people who can exchange innovative ideas, strategies, and principles across various organizations, paving the way for collaborative, sustainable social progress. As people of faith, Faith in Texas is particularly well positioned to break down barriers and develop skilled leaders equipped to engage with existing organizations while remaining connected to a broader coalition of progressive residents and allies dedicated to pivotal causes. My Experience I am overwhelmingly grateful for the time I have gotten to spend working alongside the incredible staff of Faith in Texas. I gained a better understanding of how to imbue the values of justice into the way I work, and not to recreate systems of harm. Before coming to grad school, I had primarily worked in corporate for profit spaces and I think it’s easy to enter a space with good intentions and want to do good things and still not know how to operate in a different kind of space.  My time with Faith in Texas has deeply impacted my approach to justice work, and prepared me with the skills I need to be effective. Although my fellowship has come to an end, I am excited to see the work that Faith in Texas will continue doing with the strong foundation we have built together.  Having gotten the chance to work here, I know that this is the kind of organization I want to work for in the future. Warm regards, Tyler LaBerge Environmental Justice and Equity Fellow

By Mobeen Mian | Greetings everyone, The Faith in Texas Muslim Round Table has been driving positive change through strategic collaboration and adaptive initiatives in our community during the second quarter of 2024. It’s been an inspiring journey of partnership and responsiveness, so let’s dive in. The Muslim Round Table has truly exemplified the power of collaboration by bringing together community activists, Imams, and organizers to address critical social issues within the Muslim community. Through comprehensive listening sessions, community research, and tailored civic participation training, we’ve fostered inclusive engagement that amplifies diverse voices and perspectives. These partnerships have not only enriched our initiatives but also strengthened our collective capacity to advocate for equitable access and freedoms for all. In adapting our strategies to meet evolving community needs, we’ve prioritized staying informed and responsive. Regular listening sessions and ongoing research allow us to remain attuned to current issues and community priorities. Our training programs are designed to be flexible, accommodating diverse interests and schedules to ensure broad participation and engagement. Our collaborations with various stakeholders have been instrumental in shaping our approach. By leveraging their resources and insights, we’ve been able to implement effective solutions and initiatives that make a tangible difference in people’s lives. Recent efforts in Palestine and Gaza have underscored our commitment to global issues, with over 100 responses collected through research and action initiatives, demonstrating our responsiveness to pressing international concerns. At the core of our efforts lies a steadfast commitment to fostering a just and democratic society. By adapting our strategies and embracing collaborative partnerships, we’re not only addressing immediate challenges but also laying the groundwork for sustainable, community-driven change. Together, we’re making strides towards a more inclusive and empowered future. Thank you for joining us on this journey of impactful collaboration and adaptation. Warm regards, Mobeen Mian Community Organizer