By Mobeen Mian | DALLAS—The Faith in Texas Muslim Round Table has continued to drive positive change through strategic collaboration and adaptive initiatives throughout the second quarter of 2024. Bringing together community activists, Imams, and organizers, the roundtable has worked to address pressing social issues within the Muslim community through listening sessions, community research, and tailored civic participation training. These efforts have fostered inclusive engagement, ensuring that diverse voices and perspectives are represented. By strengthening partnerships, the roundtable has enhanced its collective capacity to advocate for equitable access and freedoms for all. Remaining responsive to the evolving needs of the community has been a key priority. Regular listening sessions and ongoing research have allowed the roundtable to stay attuned to current issues and community priorities. Training programs have been designed with flexibility in mind, accommodating diverse interests and schedules to encourage broad participation. Collaboration with various stakeholders has played a pivotal role in shaping the roundtable’s approach. By leveraging external resources and insights, the organization has been able to implement effective solutions that address critical issues affecting the Muslim community. Recent efforts in Palestine and Gaza have reinforced the roundtable’s dedication to global justice. Through research and action initiatives, more than 100 responses have been collected, demonstrating the community’s commitment to addressing pressing international concerns. At the heart of these efforts is a steadfast dedication to fostering a just and democratic society. By continuously adapting strategies and embracing collaboration, the Faith in Texas Muslim Round Table is not only tackling immediate challenges but also building the foundation for sustainable, community-driven change. Together, these efforts mark significant progress toward a more inclusive and empowered future.

By Jaime Kowlessar | 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 KowlessarExecutive Director

By Brenda Todwong | DALLAS—Faith in Texas Bail Fund has made significant strides in the second quarter of 2024, launching key initiatives, strengthening partnerships, and expanding direct support services for individuals impacted by the criminal justice system. On June 23, the organization relaunched the Faith in Texas Bail Fund at Cornerstone Baptist Church. The event provided an opportunity to discuss recent developments, introduce volunteer opportunities for continuity of care services with partner organizations, and engage the community in its mission—all over a light breakfast. In addition to the relaunch, the organization hosted two roundtable discussions on April 27 and May 24, bringing together stakeholders to address critical issues and strategize ways to advance community initiatives. Expanding Partnerships and Services During the second quarter, the Faith in Texas Bail Fund established partnerships with Metrocare, South Dallas Employment Project, Miles to Freedom, and Dallas County Community College. These collaborations are essential in expanding support networks and providing services such as mental health resources, employment assistance, financial services, and vocational training for individuals navigating the post-incarceration transition. Adapting Strategies to Meet Community Needs Faith in Texas Bail Fund continues to evolve its approach to better serve the community. Strengthening partnerships has been a priority, ensuring a broader range of resources is available to individuals affected by the criminal justice system. The organization has also deepened its involvement in policy advocacy at both local and state levels. Efforts have focused on addressing systemic flaws in the bail system and advocating for immigration reform, including the redesignation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for various countries. Additionally, direct support services have expanded to ensure that more individuals have access to crucial resources such as identification assistance, bail funds, and transitional support after release. These initiatives align with the organization’s mission to promote decarceration and depopulation while advancing the pursuit of equal justice. By responding to community needs and proactively implementing solutions, Faith in Texas Bail Fund continues to make meaningful progress toward a more just and supportive society. Looking Ahead As the organization moves forward, its commitment to advocacy and direct service remains strong. Future initiatives will focus on further strengthening partnerships, increasing community engagement, and continuing to push for policy changes that support justice reform. For those interested in getting involved, Faith in Texas Bail Fund encourages community members to stay engaged and support its ongoing efforts.