Being a strong, effective citizen doesn’t have to be a full-time job—it just takes a commitment to regular practice.

Why is it so important for people of faith to be strong and active citizens?

God calls us to live in community with others—for anyone blessed to live in a free democratic state, being in community includes helping to make the important decisions that affect everyone.

God calls us to care for “the least of these"—that includes making sure public resources are divided fairly and that disadvantaged people don’t get the short end of the stick.

God calls us to be good stewards of all God has given us—it’s up to today’s Texans to make good decisions about our natural and human resources so that future generations can thrive.

A critic once asked the preacher Dwight Moody, "Are you not a citizen of heaven?"

"Yes, someday I shall be," Moody responded, "but right now I'm registered to vote in Cook County, Illinois." The same is true for us.

Faithful participation in democracy isn’t about “hot-buttons” or extremism…it’s about recognizing that every person’s voice matters and making sure every person has the information and skills they need to make their voice heard.

So, you want to know how you can take action and become involved in your local community?

There are 5 Steps you can take to becoming an effective citizen. 

1.  First things first...

Know who represents you.

In order to be an effective citizen, you must be aware of the incumbent that you should contact with any concerns or celebrations in the community. 

Texas Impact has found two great sites to allow you to learn more about contacting your representative at the federal level.

Contacting the Congress
Congress.org 

2.  Take our Active Citizenship Quiz to see where you currently stand as an activist.

3.  Take the Texas Impact Get F.I.T. Challenge.  This will help you to commit yourself, or a group to staying involved in the community and taking action towards social justice. 

4.  Know your local and state election cycles.  All election information can be found on the Secretary of State's Website at http://www.sos.state.tx.us/

5.  BE ACTIVE!  Hold issue forums or voter registration drives in your community.  We can help. 

Do you ever wonder what the Texas Republican and Democratic parties stand for?  Well, every year they put together their platforms to identify core beliefs.  Check out the platforms to see what you are voting for in the Fall!

Texas Democratic Party

Republican Party of Texas