Texas United Women in Faith Legislative Event 2023

The Texas United Women in Faith invite women of faith from across Texas to the 36h annual Texas Legislative Event! We welcome all who are committed to justice, freedom, and opportunity for all people, especially women and children. Presented in partnership with Texas Impact, the event includes two days of speakers, inspiration, and workshops where you can connect with women like you are ready to put their faith into action. On the third day, attendees will visit the Capitol and meet with lawmakers. (Schedule overview below).

Since 1988, our organizations have collaborated throughout the year to deliver quality policy updates and advocacy training. Attending this Legislative Event will help you understand the legislative process as well as current state issues. Together we’ll learn from state policy makers and experts, so you will have the information you need to speak confidently with lawmakers. With a foundation of faith, the event features frank, friendly conversations between Texans. Sometimes we disagree on the policies, but we always respect each other and agree to keep lines of communication open as we work for solutions that strengthen our communities.

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!

Register now to explore the issues, be inspired, and learn to advocate for public policies that promote the well-being of all Texans. Use the red button on this page to sign up to attend in-person or online or to host a watch party. The event will be at the Holiday Inn-Midtown in Austin. In-person attendees receive meals with their registration. Guest meal tickets are available for Sunday dinner, Monday lunch and Monday dinner. Each meal ticket will include the mealtime speaker presentation.

Buy a T-shirt and wear it on your capitol visit! Shirts are 100% black soft cotton, available in women's sizes S - M- L- XL and XXL. The T-shirts are available in limited quantity so buy yours now and pick it up when you check-in. See the T-shirt image below. To buy a shirt click Get Tickets and find them to buy as an "add-on".

Click here to contact us to with your registration questions, request an invoice, request the ability to pay by check or to register on paper.

ABOUT US

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!

Texas Impact helps you connect your values to political advocacy in an authentic, effective way. Texas is a big, diverse state and there are many challenges we face together. Disparities in health, education, and quality of life abound. The gap between those in power and those who have been marginalized continues to widen. Texas Impact helps people of faith bridge these gaps and make a difference.

SCHEDULE OVERVIEW

The Legislative Event will take place at the Holiday Inn - Midtown in Austin. You can learn more about the workshops and speakers here.

Sunday, January 29, 2023, 1 pm - 7:30 pm

Opening Session - Workshops 1 & 2 - Worship - Dinner with Keynote Speaker

Monday, January 30, 2023, 8:30 am - 7:30 pm

Morning Convening - Policy Sessions 1 & 2, Lunch with Speaker. Policy Sessions 3 & 4, Legislative Training, Dinner with Keynote Speaker

Tuesday, January 31, 2023, 7 am - noon

Bus/ Personal Travel to Capitol - Scheduled Legislative Visits - Closing Session

LODGING

Please make hotel reservations directly with Holiday Inn: 512-451-5757. Use rate reservation code UWF.  (HINT: Have reservation clerk check for block of rooms under "Texas United Women" or code TUW) 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.