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Last Friday, I had the opportunity to participate in a panel discussion at the NAACP’s statewide convention on “Reclaiming the Moral High Ground.” I was honored to be included and inspired by my fellow panelists.
At the event, Bishop James Dixon unpacked the history of faith involvement in the Civil Rights movement—both how important faith voices were, and how difficult it was for many congregations and clergy to take risks. Dixon urged attendees to acknowledge the real costs of social change, and to commit to sustained, methodical work for policies that advance the common good, saying movements require “work sessions, not assemblies.”
The event also was a timely reminder that public policy requires collaboration, across faith traditions and between faith-based and secular partners. In the blog this week, our friend Christian Watkins from NETWORK Lobby shares insights on the federal government shutdown, and how our faiths lead us to respond. Also in the blog, Rebecca offers a strategy for coping with the current “salty” political environment, drawing on the teachings of Buddhist Thich Nhat Hanh.
Early voting starts on Monday, October 20, for Texas’ constitutional amendment election. Visit VoteTexas.gov to check your voter registration; find out how to vote by mail (hurry up!); learn where to vote; and see what types of ID you need to vote. Check out Texas Impact’s explanation of what’s on the ballot on our website, or watch this video of Rebecca’s presentation at Arapaho United Methodist Church.
All Texas Impact issue teams are in full swing and meeting weekly. If you’re not part of an issue team, sign up on our Action Center page. Don’t see your issue on the list? All our current teams started because members asked for them—reach out and let us know what you’re passionate about!
Bishop Dixon reminded us that social movements demand hard work—but they also produce beauty and inspiration. Songs like People Get Ready were integral to the Civil Rights Movement, and they still inspire us today.
Texas Impact members around the state are modeling collaborative, sustained, methodical movement work: you are building durable, relational networks; identifying opportunities for action; and developing discipline in your communications. We are so inspired by your work and witness! |
