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
Building Bridges for Change: Faith In Texas’ Second Quarter 2024 Recap
By Jaime Kowlessar | Dear Community, I’m excited to reflect on the impactful events and initiatives Faith In Texas has been involved in during the second quarter of 2024. Here’s a glimpse into what we’ve been up to: This quarter, the Faith Leaders Table for Democracy and Justice convened virtually for our monthly meeting. We were honored to host Rev. Stacey Brown from Dallas Votes, who shared valuable insights into their work in Dallas, particularly focusing on voter engagement and the upcoming elections. Additionally, we gathered at Life in Deep Ellum for a training session I facilitated on church structure and its vital role in fostering social justice. We emphasized the necessity for congregations to create safe spaces where moral discourse and action can thrive. The feedback from clergy leaders was overwhelmingly positive, underscoring the importance of these discussions in our community. Our discussions centered around creating these safe spaces within congregations, as well as introducing participants to Project 2025 and its potential impact on our nation. Rev. Stacey Brown passionately discussed the ‘faith vote’ and urged attendees to ensure their voter registration status, highlighting recent challenges with voter list purges. Our notable speaker, Rev. Stacey Brown, brought invaluable perspectives on voter engagement and advocacy to our events. Faith In Texas remains committed to addressing social and community issues through proactive engagement. We’re dedicated to raising awareness about systemic challenges within our state and empowering individuals with the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions at the polls. Our goal is to empower clergy to mobilize their congregations as agents for positive change in their communities. Following our roundtable discussions, many faith leaders committed to providing safe spaces for members to discuss justice and moral issues, reflecting a growing commitment to community dialogue. Participants in the Dallas Votes meeting expressed enthusiasm for further engagement and future discussions. Our collaboration with Dallas Votes, a longstanding partner, underscores our commitment to engaging with local communities and stakeholders. Together, we continue to drive initiatives that promote civic participation and amplify community voices. We also partnered with Hillary Evans and the United Way to enhance voter registration efforts, ensuring broader participation in our democratic process. Looking ahead, Faith In Texas remains steadfast in its mission to empower individuals and communities through knowledge and action. As we enter the third quarter, we are poised to continue empowering individuals, fostering community dialogue, and driving positive social change. Stay tuned for more updates on our ongoing initiatives and opportunities to get involved! Warm regards, Dr. Jaime Kowlessar Executive Director
Faith In Texas Bail Fund’s Impactful Second Quarter of 2024
By Brenda Todwong | I’m excited to share some of the highlights and initiatives from the Faith In Texas Bail Fund in the second quarter of 2024. Here’s a look at what we’ve been up to: Key Events Hosted Faith in Texas Bail Fund Relaunch: On June 23rd at Cornerstone Baptist Church, we kicked off the relaunch of the Faith in Texas Bail Fund. It was a fantastic event featuring discussions on our recent developments, opportunities to volunteer for continuity of care services with our partner organizations, and of course, a light breakfast to fuel our discussions. Roundtables: Throughout the quarter, we hosted two critical roundtables on April 27th and May 24th. These sessions were dedicated to addressing key issues and strategizing on how best to advance our initiatives in the community. Unique Initiatives Launched In the second quarter of 2024, the Faith in Texas Bail Fund introduced several unique initiatives: Partnerships and Collaborations: We forged partnerships with organizations such as Metrocare, South Dallas Employment Project, Miles to Freedom, and Dallas County Community College. These collaborations are crucial in expanding our support network, providing comprehensive services including mental health support, employment opportunities, financial services, and training for individuals in need. Adaptation of Strategies To meet the evolving needs of our community, Faith in Texas Bail Fund adapted its strategies in meaningful ways: Strengthened Partnerships: We focused on formalizing and strengthening partnerships to offer a wider array of support services to individuals impacted by the criminal justice system. Policy Advocacy: Our involvement in advocacy efforts at local and state levels aimed to address systemic issues in the bail system and advocate for immigration reform, including support for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) redesignation for various countries. Direct Support Services Expansion: We expanded our direct support services to ensure more individuals have access to essential resources, identification support, bail funds, and assistance during their transition back into the community post-release. These adaptations are integral to our mission of promoting decarceration, depopulation, and striving for equal justice for all. By remaining responsive to community needs and proactive in our initiatives, we’re making tangible strides toward a more just and supportive society. Stay tuned for more updates on our ongoing efforts and ways you can get involved! Warm regards, Brenda Todwong Bail Fund Organizer