United Way Capitol Day on February 26, community advocates visited the Texas State Capitol and met with 13 elected officials about ways to support early care and education and access to resources.
Community members, nonprofit and corporate leaders, dedicated volunteers, and more rally for a thriving Central Texas
Our work in high-quality early care and education and equitable access to resources must have systemic implementation to bring about change. That’s why we use grassroots advocacy – to make sure our efforts have lasting solutions.
The 89th Texas Legislative Session brings big opportunities to speak up for theselasting solutions. As our elected officials meet to discuss legislation, dozens of community members, nonprofit and civic leaders, United Way committee members, volunteers, and staff came together at the Texas State Capitol to share about their lived experiences and the public policy priorities that aim to build opportunity for all.
Early childcare providers and supporters met with Marco Benitez, Senior Policy Analyst with Representative James Talarico, to discuss ways to improve the early childcare ecosystem.
Capitol Days bring powerful voices together
Three special advocacy days marked opportunities to elevate our work.
- 211 Day: Recognizing the vital services our 211 helpline provides to thousands of Central Texans each year, United Way leaders and staff advocated for crucial upgrades to the 211 system on “211 Day,” February 11 (2/11).
- Texas United Way Capitol Day: United Way volunteers, community members, nonprofit partners, and staff met with 13 House and Senate Representatives at the Texas State Capitol on February 26 to share our public policy priorities.
- Early Childhood Education Capitol Day: On March 6, more than 25 early childcare providers, Success By 6 Coalition members, dedicated volunteers, and United Way team members visited our elected officials to share our community’s most urgent early care and education needs.
Women United Co-Chair Amy Green Hinojosa shares powerful testimony
At 211 Day, Women United Co-Chair Amy Green Hinojosa and Tocqueville Society Co-Chair Stacy Huntoon met with their representatives to advocate for crucial updates to our 211 navigation system, which offers thousands of basic resources to Central Texans. After her visit, Amy Green Hinojosa shared her take on the day.
United Way donor network leaders and staff led impactful meetings with elected officials on 211 Day. From left, Amy Price, Kay Garza, Stacy Huntoon, Amy Green Hinojosa, Brooke Freeland, Binta Winship, and Jenson Venson amplified the need for access to resources.
“As I stepped into the bustling halls of the state capitol on Tuesday, I could feel my heart racing with excitement. It was 211 Day, and I was about to embark on an adventure I’d never experienced before — advocating for a cause close to my heart. The morning was cold and wet as our team made our way from office to office, meeting with the staff of state representatives and senators. Our mission? To shine a light on the vital work of our 211 call centers.”
“Being my first time at the capitol during a legislative session, I was completely awestruck. The energy was electric, buzzing through the air like a living thing. People rushed to and from, their footsteps echoing off the marble floors, creating a symphony of purpose and determination. In that moment, I felt like I could hear the very heartbeat of Texas, strong and steady. To my surprise and delight, the legislative staff welcomed us with enthusiasm. Their genuine interest in our cause was both humbling and encouraging. As I stood there, advocating for United Way for Greater Austin and their incredible 211 service, I felt a surge of pride and responsibility. Here I was, playing a small but meaningful part in shaping the future of our community. It was a new and thrilling way to give back, and I loved every second of it.”
House Bill promises 211 technology upgrades
New legislation that better serves our community often comes after years of grassroots advocacy work. We’re thrilled to share that this month, House Speaker Dustin Burrows elevated a House Bill (HB) sponsored by Representative Bucy as priority for the 89th Legislative Session. HB 38, if passed, will boost the Texas 211 system. These efforts will increase the efficiency of our current navigation systems and better connect our community to critical resources — from natural disasters to veterans transitioning back into civilian life to parents seeking childcare.
Want to get involved?
Join us as an advocacy volunteer! As an advocacy volunteer, you can get involved in a variety of ways – like gaining education about an issue, raising public awareness about challenges you care about, and talking to elected officials.
Have questions? Reach out to advocacy@uwatx.org.