As we come to the close of 2024, across our state and local communities there’s a focus on giving—giving our time to causes we care about; giving gifts to those we love; and giving financial support to organizations that align with our values. Giving Tuesday is a moment when we join with global neighbors to celebrate generosity. For Texas Impact, it’s also the kick-off day for our annual membership drive.
As we look to the start of the 89th Texas Legislative Session in January 2025, it’s clear there are significant challenges on the horizon—and also important opportunities to strengthen the ways we keep Texas kids healthy; keep families thriving during tough times; and keep the lights on all over our state. Calling and emailing your legislators is a gift of your valuable time and energy. It makes a difference.
Your financial gift also makes a difference. Your support, whether as an annual donor or sustaining monthly member helps us mobilize the advocacy that changes narratives at the Capitol. As Texas Impact’s Membership Manager, I have seen the positive impact our members have on public policy. And it has blown me away!
Did you know, members of the Texas Impact Public School Defenders team spent much of 2024 researching and testifying against the use of controversial, Bible-infused instructional material in Texas public elementary schools? One of our advocates is featured in this New York Times story. We wish the State Board of Education had not approved the curriculum, but thanks to our members’ advocacy, the publisher made significant improvements from their original proposal.
In Houston and Dallas, Texas Impact members mobilized their communities to vote in the November election. We’re especially excited at the relationships that developed between faith communities who didn’t know each other before their voter mobilization work—those local relationships will inform collective legislative advocacy going forward
And dozens of Texas Impact member congregations have hosted Vidas Robadas installations, creating 10,000 t-shirt memorials to Texans who have lost their lives to gun violence.
If you’re wondering how to plug into the great work Texas Impact members are doing across the state, consider requesting a Texas Impact speaker at your next meeting. Our staff are happy to connect you with opportunities to take action, and also opportunities to partner with other groups in your local community on common priorities.
All of these successes and ongoing opportunities are possible because our members give generously, both of time and financially. Member support allows us to create issue specific programming; facilitate local networks; and respond to public policy opportunities and threats.
As we near the end of the year, it is not too late to join as a member for 2024 or to kick start your 2025 membership. You can join here today!