In 2023, our programs and advocacy efforts engaged thousands of Texans in rallying together to change the world around us. Together, we brought faith communities together to advocate for policies related to child welfare, food insecurity, and religious freedom. Inspired by our faith, we crossed boundaries, reached out to those with whom we differ, and sought dialogue on the issues that bring us together.
We’re leveraging our beliefs to create sustainable change in the communities around us.
Change Through Engagement
"And do good, for God certainly loves the doers of good."Holy Quran (Al-Baqarah:195)
2022-2023 Impact Snapshot
Child Restraints
Our bill, ‘No Kids In Cuffs,’ brought together 36+ bi-partisan groups to work with lawmakers to pass a law that children 10 years and younger cannot be physically or chemically restrained in school. We are proud that No Kids In Cuffs is officially a law in Texas!
No State Testing On Religious Holidays
Thanks to bi-partisan support, we were able to pass a law in Texas that states schools cannot administer state tests on important faith holidays across Christian, Jewish, Hindu, and Buddhist faith traditions!
Student Religious Excuse Letters
With bi-partisan support, we passed a law in Texas that waives the need for a religious leader to write a note allowing a student’s absence due to a religious holiday. Instead, a note from a parent is now accepted!
Judicial Awareness Training Act
With bi-partisan support, the Judicial Awareness Training Act became an official Texas law! This law requires all Texas judges to receive at least one hour of training related to domestic violence.
Launched the Women’s Leadership Forum
A women-exclusive event that addresses women’s social, cultural, economic, and political challenges through interactive discussions with key changemakers.
Food Insecurity
We held various events in Austin and Houston to combat food insecurity in our communities: Our second annual Competing in Goodness, an interfaith competition to collect food for various food banks, and our first 10,000 Cans Food Drive at the Houston Halal Food Fest!
Young Professional Forum
The Forum is an event-based project to inspire young professionals toward civic leadership through direct and intimate conversations with major changemakers and is an opportunity to have a stronger connection to the fabric of our city.
Mental Health and Juvenile Justice
In conjunction with Baker Institute, this conference brought together local Houston area county officials, child health experts, and community members impacted by the juvenile justice system to discuss ways to meet the mental health needs of children in custody.
Internships and Fellowships
Hosted 15+ interns from all over the United States across multiple semesters. Hosted two fellows thanks to the Juvenile Justice Fellowship, sponsored by Salman Patoli and Nausheen Noor.
Education
49+ major engagements with faith congregations in the past 12 months.
Media
25+ news articles, segments, and op-eds locally, state-wide, and nationally in 2023. Visit Our Blog to learn more!