Links to Binder Materials

Can’t make it to Austin for Legislative Event? Follow along remotely on our live-stream! If you are able, you’re welcome to join us at the Capitol in person on Tuesday morning for legislative visits…if that doesn’t work for you, the Legislative Event team can help you schedule district or virtual visits at a later date.

Virtual attendees will receive the full conference packet of materials after the event is over. Don’t worry: during the event, you’ll be seeing the documents on your screen.

VIRTUAL SCHEDULE OVERVIEW

Sunday, January 29, 2023

1PM-2:00PM

Opening Session—Plenary Zoom link

2PM-5PM

Workshops—Workshop Zoom link

In-person participants will move to different rooms for workshops, but you will stay on the same Zoom link the whole time. Each hour, a different workshop will rotate through as our Zoom workshop; you’ll get to see three of them on Sunday, and you’ll have a chance to pick up one more on Monday. There won’t be any in-person participants in the Zoom workshops, and you will be able to talk directly to the presenter during Q&A

5PM-5:45PM

Worship—Plenary Zoom link

6:30PM-8PM

Evening Keynote—Plenary Zoom link

In-person dinner starts at 6PM, but you can eat whenever you want! The Zoom broadcast will be taking a station break from 5:45 (or when Worship ends) tilll 6:30, when we will bring it back live for the keynote. You’ll be able to ask questions and comment in the chat and Q&A functions.

Monday, January 30, 2023

8AM Workshop: Immunization Policy—Workshop Zoom link

9-12 Plenary—Plenary Zoom link

Morning Plenary—In-person participants will be in the main conference room all morning, with speakers cycling through. The Zoom will stay on continuously, with a short coffee break between speakers.

Noon-1:15

Lunch—Plenary Zoom link

In-person attendees will move to the dining room, and the Zoom broadcast will pause while we get our lunch, but don’t go away because the lunch speaker will start at about 12:20. You’ll be able to ask questions on the chat and Q&A. After lunch we’ll take a quick break to head back to the main room.

1:30-3PM Plenary—Plenary Zoom link

3:30-4:30PM Legislative training—Workshop Zoom link

In-person participants will move into small groups, where they’ll be for the next couple of hours doing roleplay exercises. You’ll stay on Zoom for an abbreviated legislative training, minus the roleplay. This training will include a special focus on Zoom legislative meetings and district visits.

4:30 to 5PM Office hours—Workshop Zoom link

5PM to 6:30PM

Break! The Zoom broadcast will be down during this time.

6:30-8PM

Evening Keynote—Plenary Zoom link

In-person dinner starts at 6PM, but you can eat whenever you want! The Zoom broadcast will be taking a station break from 5:00 to 6:30, when we will bring it back live for the keynote. You’ll be able to ask questions and comment in the chat and Q&A functions.

Tuesday, January 31, 2023

No Zoom broadcast is scheduled for Tuesday, because in-person attendees will be at the Capitol. You can amplify their legislative visits on social media, and affirm your support for UWF’s legislative priorities by calling your legislators’ offices and letting them know you are there in spirit.

Legislative visits are a powerful way to advocate for your faith’s values. During the event, you’ll receive training from expert legislative advocates and professional lobbyists. Attendees will then meet with elected officials in person at the Capitol with visits scheduled by Texas Impact. (Texas Impact staff will be happy to assist virtual attendees to arrange legislative visits on Zoom at the conclusion of the event.) These visits are usually done in groups, with experienced women pairing with first timers. Generally, the legislators and their aides are glad to meet with their constituents, and these visits can be powerful. This experience will empower you to continue advocating after the event, too!

LODGING

Please make hotel reservations directly with Holiday Inn: 512-451-5757. Use rate reservation code UWF. Rates are good through January 16, 2023. Room reservation includes complimentary buffet breakfast and free overnight parking. Room rates:

• 2 person occupancy $129/night
• 3-4 person occupancy $149/night

SCHOLARSHIPS and STIPENDS

If cost is a barrier, we may be able to help. We want you to come! Funds for scholarships and stipends are limited, so please apply early.

Scholarships are for women 15-40 years old, and cover half the cost of registration. To apply for a scholarship, please complete this brief application form.

Stipends are intended to assist with unusual or undue expenses including but not limited to travel costs; cost of substitute care for a dependent; unpaid time off from work; or other barriers to your participation. To request a stipend, please please complete this brief application form.

REFUND POLICY

• Switch from in-person registration to virtual registration before January 22: refund registration price difference, minus $50 administrative fee
• Cancel registration on or before December1: full refund minus, $50 administrative fee
• Cancel registration between December 2 – January 13: 50% refund, minus $50 administrative fee
• Cancel after January 13: no refunds given

Refund requests must be made in writing (email or letter) and sent to Legislative Event Registrar Terry Schoenert at terry.schoenert@gmail.com

• Promoting the empowerment of women, children and youth.
• Promoting anti-racism and multiculturalism.
• Promoting inclusion and equity.
• Promoting fair labor practices.
• Promoting economic and environmental stewardship and sustainability.

The United Women in Faith believe love in action can transform the world. We act in faith to improve the lives of women, children, and youth. Formerly known as United Methodist Women, we equip women for leadership, offer educational experiences, and serve and advocate to make a difference. Sisters from all faith communities are welcomed to learn and advocate with us …. for such a time as this!