In recent years, democracy reformers across the U.S. have been pushing back against state-level practices that undermine the ability of ordinary Americans to make their voices heard and ensure that government is responsive to their needs. But while battles over partisan gerrymandering and voter suppression have received wide attention, there’s also a growing effort to […]
Learn MoreFaith in Texas in Medium: Will Other States Follow California’s Flip from Red to Blue?
There is no shortage of progressive grassroots organizations in Texas. The Industrial Areas Foundation has been at for decades, and Texas Tribunecounts more than 100 organizations in its grassroots directory. Efforts to handcuff conservative Christianity and the Republican party are being countered by organizations such as Faith in Texas, whose agenda includes voter engagement, ending unnecessary incarceration, and bringing working class communities into economic policy discussions.
Learn MoreWes Helm and Lola Vinson in The Washington Post: In God’s Country
A little before our trip to Farmersville, I met Lola Vinson and Wes Helm, members of a multiracial, progressive community organizing group called Faith in Texas, whose projects have included local criminal-justice reform, anti-police-brutality efforts, a living-wage campaign and agitation against predatory lending. Working with several faith groups in Texas, including evangelicals, is key to the organization’s mission, and I wondered how Vinson and Helm’s experience might have shifted since Trump’s ascendancy.
Learn MoreBrittany White on WHUR Radio: How should we address mass shootings?
LIVE FREE Texas Campaign Manager Brittany White visited WBUR Radio to discuss the most recent mass shootings in El Paso, TX, and Dayton, OH. “Yes, it is absolutely important that we condemn white supremacy for the evil that it is in this country… We should pray and act. We should condemn white supremacy from our […]
Learn MoreMedia Coverage, News, Recent News
Faith in Texas Democracy Fellow Tiara Cooper on Fox4 News: Judges working towards Dallas County bail reform
“I do know I was wrong for what I did,” she said. “But the fact that other people are coming in doing the same thing I did, they are just as wrong as me. But if they have the money, they can go home to their families and work out their case.”
Learn MoreMaria Robles in Fort Worth Star-Telegram: Why critics protesting Trump’s child detentions won’t give up
She wants lawmakers to use funding to help the migrants instead of hiring more agents for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE. “We were there to highlight our despair for all of these lives that have been lost. It’s really sad that this is a partisan issue when life is not about partisanship,” she said. “Our message was invest in love, not hate.”
Learn MoreHow bail laws fail poor Americans and what faith groups are doing to help
Deseret News On the Sunday the Rev. Winnie Varghese preached on bail reform, she had a backup plan. … “A lot of folks are intentional about getting a message of fear out there. It’s really not helpful. We want to clarify the myth that bail keeps people safe,” said Brittany White
Learn MoreDallas joins Austin, San Antonio in requiring employers to offer paid sick leave
The Dallas Morning News All Dallas employers would have to provide paid sick leave for employees under an ordinance approved Wednesday by the City Council. … AFL-CIO, Texas Organizing Project, Planned Parenthood Texas Votes and Faith in Texas — pushed for the direct City Council action. Read more
Learn MoreDallas black clergy group declares victory ahead of City Council votes on paid sick leave, police oversight board
The Dallas Morning News A group of black Dallas pastors think that after Wednesday’s City Council meeting, they will check two major items off the agenda they laid out for the city earlier this year. … Activist groups such as the Democratic Socialists of America and the ACLU of Texas joined with faith organizations including […]
Learn More