Advocacy

This ministry team is open to all! Contact Lance on this form to find out how to join us.

The command from Scripture is that we do justice and love our neighbors as we love ourselves. In a time that needs a positive, affirmative voice for justice, we can lift up voices that are have not been heard. Through the development of Woodland’s Advocacy Ministry Team, we will have a direct impact on our community.

Our aim is to learn, invite and equip others, and work
to transform unjust, broken systems.

We have training videos called Amplify, a four-part series from CBF Advocacy. This training is available on our Google Classroom (contact Lance if you want an invitation to view it.) You will learn new ways to demonstrate the love of Christ by addressing systemic causes of problems.

Compassion & Justice Advocacy Day

An opportunity from Fellowship Southwest to learn and practice.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25 | $50

In 2023, the day was filled with networking, breakout sessions with key leaders, worship, and visits with Texas legislators. The breakout sessions included public education, immigration, hunger, and criminal justice/death penalty.

This year, some of the training will be provided ahead of time on Zoom on Thursday evenings from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on January 30, February 6, February 13, and February 20. Each week will focus on either Immigration, Hunger, the Death Penalty, or Public Schools.

New for 2025:

  • Lobbyist Shelton Green will provide expert advocacy training and inside information about the issues.

  • We will fine-tune our advocacy skills and prepare for our office visits since the issue training will be on Zoom.

  • A post-advocacy reception at the beautiful offices of Raise Your Hand Texas, featuring an incredible view of the pink dome.

  • When you register online, you have the option to purchase a T-shirt, which will increase your visibility at the Capitol. 

The event begins at 8:30 a.m. at First Baptist, Austin (First Baptist Church of Austin, 901 Trinity St, Austin, TX 78701). We will carpool from Woodland—meet in the parking lot by the office by 6 a.m. We’ll finish up the day around 6 p.m. and then return to Woodland.

When you register, you will need to know who represents you. You can find this out here.

Please register with Fellowship Southwest and with Woodland. Buttons are below that link to each registration page.

Pre-Event Training on Zoom

  • January 30 | Topic: Hunger
    Led by Jamie Olson (Feeding Texas) & Stacie Sanchez-Hare (No Kid Hungry)
    Click here for the recording

  • February 6 | Topic: Death Penalty
    Led by Kristin Cuellar (Texas Coalition Against the Death Penalty) & Rev. Danielle Ayers (Friendship West Baptist Church)
    Click here for the recording

  • February 13 | Topic: Public Schools
    Led by Dr. Rev. Charles Johnson & Dr. Charles Luke (Pastors for Texas Children)
    Click here for the recording

  • February 20 | Topic: Immigration
    Led by Kristin Etter (Texas Immigration Law Council) & Elket Rodriguez (Cooperative Baptist Fellowship & House of Love and Justice)

Advocacy in Action

March 9-13, 2025 | Washington, D.C.

Lance is attending this event to help prepare for taking a group next year.

Advocacy in Action is for people interested in deepening and improving their advocacy and getting hands-on experience. We will explore the biblical call for justice, meet partner organizations, study current issues, and contact lawmakers. Conversation and education will be around issues like immigration, creation justice, hunger, and religious liberty. We will get to meet with our legislator’s office and put into practice what we learn. Please contact Lance if you are interested in going to Washington, D.C. in 2026.

Vote

Voting is a Matter of FAITH, CITIZENSHIP, and DEMOCRACY

It is a kind of prayer and faithful testament to the belief that every citizen bears a responsibility and equal right to determine the future of governance in society. Learn more about exercising your right to vote on this page.

Next Election Date:
Saturday, May 3, 2024

Last Day to Register to Vote:
Thursday, April 3, 2025
Early Voting:
Monday, April 21, 2025 - Tuesday, April 29, 2025

Click to find out if you are registered to vote, what is on the ballot, and more.

Contacts

You can make your voice heard on what matters to you. As a constituent, you can contact local, state, and federal people who represent you to have your voice heard.