Recent Articles
Civic Engagement
Show Us the Money
Early voting is underway for May 24 runoffs. History shows how one primary race for a state house seat can create a political tsunami for the entire legislature. Voters, however, are often frustrated at the difficulty of learning about “down-ballot races.” In...
No One is Coming to Save Us But Us
The “fundamental right” to privacy affects not just the right to an abortion, but the right to contraception and LGBTQ equality. If the Supreme Court of the United States overturns Roe v. Wade, then many other rights that may seem unrelated are at risk. No matter what...
Values of the Increment
When the 88th Texas Legislature convenes in 2023, they likely will face major legislation on the issues of public education, LGBTQ rights, and immigration…and how they handle that legislation more than likely will be determined by the outcomes of the May 24 primary...
Climate Justice
New Lunch and Learn Series Blends Scientific and Theological Education
What does the electromagnetic spectrum have to do with the Gospel? What does the West Antarctic Ice Sheet have to do with liberation theology? What does international climate finance have to do with the Greatest Commandment? At first glance it seems like physics,...
Final Stocktake Text Leads to Cheers, Concerns
After an earlier draft of the Stocktake text drew criticism from climate advocates, leaders of small island states, and others, negotiators went back to the drawing board, delaying the official end of COP28. After about twenty-four hours of tense negotiations, another...
Not the Stocktake Update We Were Looking For
The release of the most recent Stocktake draft at COP28 on December 11, 2023 brought immediate pushback and protest from climate advocates and scientists and in one case, a twelve year old climate activist from India who stormed the stage during a plenary to call for...
Economic Justice
Austin Starbucks Makes Union History
A local Austin Starbucks made history last Friday by becoming the first Starbucks in the Lone Star State to unionize. The 45th and Lamar location officially won unionization by a 10-1 vote, securing a historic victory for the Texas labor movement. This location is...
Remember Medicaid?
Remember Medicaid? Back in the distant, misted past of 2019, access to affordable health insurance was a constant legislative campaign, with Texas Impact and our partners in the Cover Texas Now coalition advocating for Medicaid expansion, as well as more targeted...
Starting the Conversation on COVID and Vaccine Hesitancy
We were thrilled to host two conversations with Dr. Julie Boom, director of Texas Children's Hospital's Immunization Project, on COVID and vaccine hesitancy. Here's Dr. Boom's presentation. Find more resources at the COVID Collaborative.
Human Rights
Reflections from El Paso: We Will Resist Summit
“Bienvenida” Last week, I had the opportunity to attend the We Will Resist Summit held in the beautiful borderlands of El Paso. As my Uber driver dropped me off at my destination, we chatted in Spanglish, and I eventually disclosed it was my first time in El...
Reflecting on the SACReD Gathering 2024
This week, I spent time in New Orleans attending the SACReD Gathering 2024. SACReD, or the Spiritual Alliance of Communities for Reproductive Dignity, is an organization “collaborating to advance Reproductive Justice through congregational education, culture change,...
International Religious Freedom: Fighting for the Common Good
Guest blog post by Rev. Mel Caraway and Rev. Phil DiekeWe had a great meeting today with a delegation from Tajikistan on "International Religious Freedom." Their visit was sponsored by the Department of State and the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth. ...