25th Anniversary United Methodist Women's Legislative Event

The 83rd Texas Legislature convenes in January 2013. They'll be facing some of the toughest challenges ever...

...good thing they'll have Texas United Methodist Women to help them sort it all out!

It's hard to believe it's been 25 years since a small group of faithful women from across Texas came together to launch a new project: an annual event where UMWs could learn about legislative issues related to United Methodist Social Principles and the priorities of the the United Methodist Women. A lot has changed in 25 years, but Texas United Methodist Women are still committed to working for justice.

Join us January 27-29, 2013, for the 25th annual United Methodist Women's Legislative Event. This year's event will feature a very special keynote address by the national leader of the United Methodist Women, Harriet Jane Olson. As usual, Legislative Event 2013 will be packed with expert policy presentations, practical advocacy training, conversations with top Texas lawmakers, and time at the Capitol. 

Legislative Event has moved!

The 2013 event will be at a new, bigger location--for the first time ever, registration will not be capped! That means there's plenty of room for everyone...even if you can't stay for the whole 3 days. This year for the first time we are offering day passes.

Our new location is:

Holiday Inn Austin Midtown
6000 Middle Fiskville Road
Austin, TX 78752

Legislative Event is not just for Methodist Women!

UMW Legislative Event welcomes women of all faiths who want to learn about issues and advocate on public policy because of their faithful commitment to justice.

During Legislative Event, UMW members vote on their legislative agenda for the year. Only UMW members may participate in the voting, but all other portions of the event are open to all registrants.

Legislative Event is affordable!

Because of our change of venue, prices for Legislative Event have actually gone DOWN this year! (What else can you say that about?) We don't want price to be a barrier. If you would like to attend Legislative Event but need a scholarship, please contact Lori Stafford, Legislative Event Chair, at lstaf@sbcglobal.net.  

Legislative Event Registration is online! 

Visit http://txumw2013.eventbrite.com to register now!

Legislative Event 2013 Agenda (subject to change)

Wondering about the agenda structure? Sunday's sessions are focused on projects and programs you can do, and local or regional issues and opportunities. Monday's sessions are focused on state legislative issues. Tuesday we'll go to the Capitol and visit legislative offices.

Sunday, January 27

1:00-6:00pm REGISTRATION

1:00-1:30pm ORIENTATION

1:30-3:00pm COMMUNITY PARTNER PROGRAM TRAINING (http://www.hhsc.state.tx.us/hhsc_projects/cpp/)

3:00-4:15pm BREAKOUT SESSIONS

4:30-5:45pm BREAKOUT SESSIONS

6:30-8:30pm  DINNER & KEYNOTE

8:30-10pm SOCIAL PRINCIPLES DISCUSSION (optional)

Monday, January 28

8:30-9:00am PRAISE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

9:00-10:00am HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES ISSUES

10:00-10:30am BREAK

10:30-11:30am NATURAL RESOURCE ISSUES

12:00-1:00 LUNCH DISCUSSION: PAYDAY LENDING AND FAMILY FINANCIAL STABILITY

1:30-2:30pm EDUCATION ISSUES

2:30-3:30 CRIMINAL JUSTICE ISSUES

3:30-4:00pm BREAK

4:00-5:00 CONFERENCE CAUCUSES*

5:00-6:00pm BREAK

6:00 SILENT AUCTION CLOSES

6:00-7:30pm DINNER
     HARRIET JANE OLSON, NATIONAL UMW

7:30pm LOBBY TRAINING

Tuesday, January 29

8:00-9:00am TRAVEL TO CAPITOL FOR LOBBY VISITS

9:00-11:30am LEGISLATIVE VISITS**

11:30am CLOSING SESSION (CAPITOL AUDITORIUM)

* Only UMW members may participate in conference caucuses; during the caucus period, Texas Impact will work with participants from other denominations and traditions on policy discernment activities.

** Texas Impact staff will schedule legislative visits for all Legislative Event registrants.