TEXAS IMPACT 101
WHO WE ARE
Texas Impact is a statewide religious grassroots network whose members include individuals, congregations, and governing bodies of the Christian, Jewish and Muslim faiths.
WHAT WE DO
Texas Impact exists to advance state public policies that are consistent with universally held social principles of the Abrahamic traditions.
HOW WE WORK
Texas Impact accomplishes its mission by developing grassroots networks in local communities and mobilizing them to advocate with their legislators on specific issues. Developing these networks includes a process of broad policy and advocacy education in congregations and denominational bodies; teambuilding in local faith communities; leadership development with key individuals and groups; and coordination with lawmakers, media, and other public interest groups.
WHY WE DO IT
Texas Impact was founded on the central religious conviction that religious communities are called to minister to the whole person—to respond with compassion to the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of all people. The Texas religious leaders who established Texas Impact in 1973 believed that such a ministry cannot be performed adequately without a concern for basic social problems at the state government level.
TEXAS IMPACT’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Texas Impact's board consists of a delegation made up of up to two representatives from each Member Organization as well as several at-large and special members. There are currently about 45 members of the board.
Member Organizations make annual pledges to Texas Impact and send members to Texas Impact's board. Member Organizations include:
• Judicatories (regional governing bodies) of mainline Christian denominations in Texas such as United Methodist annual conferences
• Regional chapters of social justice groups affiliated with specific religious traditions such as the American Jewish Congress
• Regional and local single-faith and interfaith groups such as Austin Area Interreligious Ministries
• Statewide units of religious women's groups such as Church Women United
The board sets Texas Impact's legislative agenda, approves policy positions, and maintains contact between Texas Impact and the Member Organizations. The executive committee oversees day-to-day operations, and there are other standing and ad hoc committees to address issues and projects as they arise. The full board meets three times a year, and committees meet as needed in person or via conference call.
Board members may be ordained or lay people, and come from religious communities throughout Texas.
