By Shabnam Amini | DALLAS—Since taking on the role of marketing manager for Faith In Texas in November 2023 through my personal LLC, AminiMedia, the past year has been one of growth, innovation, and impact. The nonprofit, a nonpartisan, multiracial, and multifaith organization focused on social justice, community leadership education, bail funds, and mental health rehabilitation, has undergone a significant digital transformation aimed at expanding its reach and engagement. A Comprehensive Digital Redesign One of the organization’s most significant milestones was the full redesign of its website, completed in March 2024. Recognizing that the previous site was not optimized for modern user expectations, I spearheaded an overhaul to create a more engaging and accessible digital experience. The redesigned site introduced interactive landing pages, providing clear navigation for visitors exploring Faith In Texas’ initiatives, programs, and resources. Custom blogs became a key storytelling tool, highlighting individuals impacted by community leadership programs and the organization’s bail fund efforts. The redesign extended beyond the website to Faith In Texas’ social media platforms—Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook—which underwent a strategic transformation in both content and engagement. By integrating dynamic visuals such as infographics and short-form videos, the organization established a cohesive digital presence that better reflected its mission. The results were measurable: website traffic increased significantly, and social media followings grew by 25% across platforms in the months following the redesign. Harnessing the Power of Storytelling Beyond the website revamp, I have led the creation of a steady stream of content to keep supporters informed and engaged. Each week, I produce videos, graphics, and newsletters covering the organization’s advocacy work, personal impact stories, and calls to action. Weekly newsletters have served as a direct line of communication with supporters, fostering deeper connections. Meanwhile, video content has become a powerful tool in humanizing Faith In Texas’ mission—highlighting community leaders, showcasing events, and illustrating the real-world effects of social justice efforts. Through a combination of visual storytelling and data-driven strategy, the organization has strengthened its ability to mobilize supporters and increase awareness of key issues, including criminal justice reform and racial equity. Collaboration and Innovation in Advocacy Marketing for a nonprofit like Faith In Texas requires not only creativity but also a deep understanding of the communities it serves. Collaboration has been at the core of every initiative, working with faith leaders, volunteers, and community members to ensure messaging resonates with diverse audiences. This year, several campaigns centered on mental health rehabilitation, bringing attention to the unique challenges faced by marginalized individuals while creating opportunities for engagement and support. Additionally, the integration of educational initiatives into marketing strategies—through interactive webinars, social media campaigns, and downloadable resources—has broadened the reach of the organization’s community leadership education programs. This approach has not only driven event attendance but also sparked meaningful conversations around social justice and equity. Looking Ahead As Faith In Texas continues its mission to build a more just and equitable society, digital marketing will remain a critical tool in expanding its impact. The strides made over the past year—strengthening community engagement, increasing digital reach, and amplifying voices in need—reflect the power of strategic storytelling in advancing social change. While much has been accomplished, there is still more work to be done. Looking ahead, the focus will be on further innovation in digital engagement, deepening connections with the community, and continuing to use marketing as a catalyst for transformation. Faith In Texas is more than a nonprofit—it is a movement rooted in faith and action. It has been an honor to contribute to this mission, and I look forward to the continued evolution of its digital presence and community impact.

By Shabnam Amini | Hosted by Brenda Todwong | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wsSNe0k_nWc&t=2s Quick Summary of This Update: Efforts to secure bail this month are facing systemic challenges. One case is delayed due to a lack of response from a private attorney despite multiple contact attempts. Another case’s bail is pending further evaluation due to mental health concerns, requiring input from a case worker. A third case has become more complex with unexpected additional charges, leading to repeated trips to resolve the issues. Despite these challenges, there is a strong commitment to the mission. Coordination will continue with relevant authorities to ensure accurate and timely information. Gratitude is extended to team members for their assistance in navigating these obstacles. There is a commitment to moving forward with the necessary bail outs as soon as possible. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKPcoHyUKgQ&t=77s In this video, Paula Keeth, from the Mental Health Team at the Faith in Texas Bail Fund, discusses the intersection of mental health and the criminal justice system. She explains how many individuals impacted by incarceration also face mental health challenges, which may be tied to their charges. Paula highlights the work of the Bail Fund in identifying and supporting individuals who may need mental health services, partnering with Metrocare Services to ensure access to treatment regardless of financial status. Metrocare offers a comprehensive approach, including same-day assessments, diagnosis, and medication distribution for those who qualify. Their Special Needs Offenders Program focuses on those with severe conditions like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and major depressive disorder. Additionally, Paula shares how the Bail Fund follows up with those they assist, providing reminders and ongoing support to ensure continued care. She offers personal insight, emphasizing the importance of acceptance, reducing stigma, and encouraging individuals to seek the help they need. This video sheds light on the critical role mental health plays in addressing broader issues within the criminal justice system.

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