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

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

By Edwin Robinson | As we wrap up the second quarter of 2024, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the incredible events and initiatives that Faith In Texas has been privileged to be a part of. Here’s a rundown of some of the key happenings and the remarkable individuals who made them possible: Key Events Hosted One of our standout events was bringing together North Texas Muslim Clergy and Black Clergy to forge a collaborative path in supporting local efforts to end the war in Gaza. It was inspiring to see different faith communities come together with a shared goal of promoting peace and justice. Notable Speakers and Participants We were incredibly honored to host a diverse array of speakers and participants who brought their wisdom and passion to our events: Senator Raphael Warnock from Georgia, a steadfast advocate for social justice. Rev. Dr. Frederick Haynes III, whose leadership at Friendship West Baptist Church continues to inspire. Katherine Godby from the Tarrant County Justice Network, a champion for equitable legal reform. Katie Hays of Galileo Church, known for her innovative approaches to community engagement. Dallas County Commissioner Theresa Daniel, a dedicated public servant and advocate. Marlissa Collier, Managing Editor of the Dallas Weekly, bringing a vital media perspective. Imam Omar Suleiman, a respected voice for peace and understanding. Sis Fadya Risheq, whose community activism resonates deeply with our mission. These individuals shared invaluable insights and expertise, enriching our discussions and guiding us toward actionable solutions. Engagement with Local Communities and Stakeholders During these events, we didn’t just gather—we took action! Here are some of the ways we got involved: We facilitated and led training sessions to equip community members with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively organize and mobilize for change. We spearheaded strategy sessions aimed at driving progressive social change specifically tailored to North Texas. These sessions were crucial in plotting our course forward toward meaningful and sustainable outcomes. Building coalitions and amplifying community power are essential to our mission. We worked tirelessly to foster collaborations among diverse groups and stakeholders, ensuring that our collective voice is stronger and more impactful. Collaborations Driving Positive Change Texas Future Project Convening: We had the privilege of presenting at the Texas Future Project’s 10-year celebration, where we discussed our vision for a more just future and shared insights on community empowerment. Multi-Faith Initiative to End Mass Incarceration “UnConference”: Faith In Texas played a pivotal role in this important gathering held in Dallas, TX. Notable speakers like Senator Raphael Warnock and Rev. Dr. Frederick Haynes III joined us to explore strategies for addressing mass incarceration through a multi-faith lens. Convening Tarrant County Social Justice Leaders: We initiated crucial conversations with social justice leaders of faith in Tarrant County. These dialogues are laying the groundwork for collaborative efforts to build community power and advocate for equitable change. Pen America 2024 Disinformation Resilience Training Series: Marlisa Collier from the Dallas Weekly and I had the honor of speaking at this training series. We focused on building relationships with journalists to ensure accurate and impactful community coverage. Planning and Strategy Mini-Retreat with Dallas Black Clergy: We organized a half-day retreat focused on safety, equity, and justice issues with leaders from the Dallas Black Clergy. This session was instrumental in aligning our efforts for maximum impact. Jail and Justice Panel for Dallas Friends Meeting: Dallas County Commissioner Theresa Daniel and I attended and presented at this panel, discussing critical issues related to justice reform and community engagement. Supporting Press Conference on Juvenile Justice Facility Conditions: Faith In Texas stood in solidarity at a press conference addressing inhumane conditions and mistreatment at the Henry Wade Juvenile Justice facility. Our presence aimed to raise awareness and advocate for the rights of vulnerable youth. The Dallas Morning News: Dallas Black Clergy calls on board to address conditions in juvenile detention center CBS News: Community activists sound the alarm on Dallas County Juvenile Detention Center: “House of horrors” Alignment with Long-Term Vision and Mission: At Faith In Texas, our vision is to empower and mobilize a broad base of faithful individuals across North Texas. In the second quarter of 2024, we remained steadfast in pursuing this vision through several key strategies: Training and Development: We continued to invest in training and developing community leaders. By equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge, we’re nurturing a network of empowered advocates ready to drive sustainable change. Strategic Planning: Strategic thinking is vital for achieving long-term systems change. Throughout the quarter, we dedicated significant energy to crafting and refining our strategies. These efforts are designed to address root causes of injustice and inequality in our communities. Action in Dallas County: Taking action is at the heart of our mission. We actively engaged with community members of faith in Dallas County, translating our strategies into tangible initiatives that promote equity, justice, and community well-being. Collaboration with Tarrant County Leaders: Recognizing the importance of collaboration, we initiated listening sessions with social justice leaders of faith in Tarrant County. These conversations are pivotal in understanding local needs and identifying opportunities where we can contribute effectively. As we look ahead, Faith In Texas remains committed to fostering collaboration, empowering communities, and advancing social justice through faith-driven action. We are grateful for everyone who has joined us on this journey, and we look forward to continuing to make a meaningful impact together. Stay tuned for more updates and opportunities to get involved! Warm regards, Rev. Edwin Robinson Chief Strategy Officer