How and why Fellowship Southwest engages in advocacy (with updates on Texas Legislature)
By Stephen Reeves
Fellowship Southwest is committed to pursuing justice and equipping others to do the same. We feel called to use our voice, influence and privilege to advocate alongside, and on behalf of, those who are too often ignored or disempowered. We’re not out to advance a narrow agenda but to promote the common good. It is one way we love our neighbors.
I hope you were able to attend our Texas Advocacy Day in Austin last month and if not, you can read about the organizations and experts who helped equip us to advocate for public education, immigrants, the hungry and those on death row.
Among the many pressing issues worthy of our attention and voice, as guided by our board of directors, Fellowship Southwest will be most active on immigration, public education, predatory lending and the death penalty.
Fortunately, we’re not working alone. There is a community of advocates and friends who help keep us informed about the issues and when our voice is most needed.
When trying to impact public policy you usually don’t get very far alone. Fellowship Southwest does almost all of our legislative work through coalitions. The following are some of the coalitions and organizations that we’re paying attention to. If we’re not active in an area of concern you are passionate about, perhaps some of the organizations below can help inform your advocacy. We may not agree with every position of those below, but you might find them helpful to stay engaged in Austin.
Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty
The Coalition for Public Schools
Texas Baptist Christian Life Commission
Texas Conference of Catholic Bishops
The pace of the session is picking up. As bills begin to pass one chamber, we’ll better know which proposals will most need your advocacy. We’ll do our best to let you know when to contact your elected officials and urge their support or opposition.
You may wonder if your voice really matters. It is tempting to read some of the cruel or crazy proposals in Austin (or Washington) and decide not to engage. It would be much easier to grow cynical about the process, wash your hands of everything “political” and not invest your precious time and energy. After nearly twenty years working at the intersection of faith and public policy, I understand that temptation and I urge you to reconsider. You might be surprised that on some issues just a few calls from constituents can impact a legislator. Moreover, you’re not doing it for yourself, but for others. The ability to “opt out” knowing that it really won’t impact you is a privilege not everyone enjoys. In addition, I don’t think our political system will improve if folks like you decide to just stay home and refuse to get involved. Finally, I don’t think Jesus calls us to what is easy or safe. We’re called to do justice and love our neighbor. This is your chance to do both.