Online registration is now open for the 22nd Annual Texas United Methodist Women's Legislative Event, January 24-26, 2010, at the Doubletree at the Capitol in Austin.
Legislative Event registration is open to members of United Methodist Women and Wesley nurses. Call 512-472-3903 or email outreach@texasimpact.org for more information.
REGISTER HERE
The event will feature presentations by Texas Commissioner of Agriculture Todd Staples, Texas Tribune editor Evan Smith, health and food guru Dr. Eduardo Sanchez, public school finance expert Lynn Moak, Center for Social Inclusion advocacy coordinator Lynda Turet, and other policy experts speaking on topics ranging from childhood obesity and public school funding to redistricting and immigration.
Check out the Agenda
Don't forget to make lobby appointments with your legislators!
Click here for the Lobby Meeting Invitation Letter
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Legislative Event exactly?
Texas United Methodist Women’s Legislative Event is a program that brings together United Methodist Women from across the state to learn about state policy and how state government works. Legislative Event focuses on issues that are of concern to United Methodist Women.
Legislative Event features speakers from state government, local churches and seminaries across the state, and non-profit organizations. The highlight of Legislative Event is a trip to the Capitol to visit your State Senator and Representative. This year’s event takes place from January 24th through 26th at the Doubletree Hotel in Austin.
2. Who is in charge of this event? Who is Texas Impact and what do they have to do with UMW?
The UMW Legislative Event Planning Committee is made up of the Social Action Chairs from each annual conference UMW plus Texas Impact’s executive director. Texas Impact plans the Legislative Event program in consultation with the rest of the Planning Committee. The Legislative Event Planning Committee plans the logistics of the event.
Texas Impact is a statewide interfaith network that advocates for state public policies that are consistent with broadly held religious social principles. United Methodist Women partners with Texas Impact to produce Legislative Event because of Texas Impact’s expertise in faith and public policy.
3. Are the presentations interesting?
Of course! Legislative Event features a wide array of speakers, from politicians to preachers to policy wonks. This year’s event features Evan Smith of the Texas Tribune, health and food expert Dr. Eduardo Sanchez, public school finance expert Lynn Moak, and Lynda Turet of the Center for Social Inclusion.
4. Is Legislative Event a partisan political event?
No. Legislative Event is a strictly nonpartisan event, and all information presented is within the context of the Social Principles of the United Methodist Church. We include speakers come from across the political spectrum and we provide opportunities for multiple perspectives on the issues.
5. I’ve never been involved in advocacy or policy before--is this event really for me?
Yes! Participants at Legislative Event come from many different backgrounds. Some have been leaders in their unit and been attending Legislative Event for years, while others hadn’t heard of UMW until this year! Women come from all across the state and from all age groups. Texas Impact tries to make sure that content presented is accessible to all.
6. I’m nervous about going to visit a legislative office.
Don’t be! Over and over again, state representatives tell us that the most important thing that their constituents can do to influence policy is to make a visit to their district office. Representatives and their staff are more than happy to meet with the people who they represent and may even have time for a picture!
7. What if I get lost at the Capitol?
Texas Impact provides maps of the Capitol to keep anyone from getting to last. Our staff will be happy to answer any questions that you may have and help your find your representative’s office. Additionally, the Capitol guards are very knowledgeable and can help you find your way if you get lost.
8. How do I keep up a relationship with my legislator after Legislative Event?
While visiting your representatives once is a great first step, to be most effective, you should develop a relationship with your lawmaker. Legislative Event will help you learn how to stay involved in the political process the whole year round. In the meantime, you can look at Texas Impact’s document called “How to Develop a Relationship With Your Lawmaker” for helpful tips.
9. Is the food good?
Yes! Doubletree provides us with great service during the course of the event. Lunch and Dinner (and lots of coffee!) are included in the cost of your registration.
10. The agenda looks pretty packed. Is this event any fun?
Of course! Legislative Event is a wonderful opportunity to meet your fellow United Methodist Women, to make connections, and to get inspiration for programs that you can do with your circle or unit.
