United Way of Metropolitan Dallas organized a delegation to travel to Austin for Texas United Way Capitol Day in February, joining United Ways and nonprofits across Texas to elevate policy priorities for a stronger Texas during this 89th Texas Legislature.  

During this year’s Capitol Day, we spoke up for key policy priorities, including increasing math and reading proficiency for Texas students; improving access to high-quality, affordable childcare and early childhood education; investing in comprehensive career training programs for youth and young adults; protecting and strengthening food system access and healthy outcomes; and modernizing and funding the 211 Texas Referral and Information networks.  

We doubled our impact this year compared to previous Capitol Day event, bringing together 50 donors, volunteer leaders and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas staff to visit with 30 Texas House and Senate legislative offices for lawmakers from across North Texas.  

Exploring How We Can Drive Meaningful Change 

Our gathering kicked off with a dynamic fireside chat at the historic Headliners Club in Austin, featuring Sonal Shah, CEO of The Texas Tribune, and Jennifer Sampson, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas McDermott-Templeton President and CEO. The engaging conversation explored a variety of important topics, including: 

• How community-minded individuals can inspire hope and leading through change 

• The evolving nature of philanthropy and community impact work 

• The challenges and opportunities of today’s news environment 

• The role journalism can play in empowering communities and in driving public policy 

View the full fireside chat below. 

United Way Recognized on the House and Senate Floors 

On Capitol Day, Rep. Rafael Anchia of the Texas House of Representatives and the Honorable Texas State Senator Nathan Johnson, along with State Senators Tan Parker and Royce West, presented resolutions (HR 346, HR 347  SR 170) recognizing Texas Nonprofit Strong and United Way Capitol Day and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas’ Centennial.  

An Opportunity to Make a Real Impact  

For the 50 volunteer advocates who joined us for Capitol Day, the event was a unique opportunity to advocate for policies that will directly impact life here in North Texas. By meeting directly with lawmakers and their staff, these change-makers called attention to important issues that affect our focus areas of education, income and health.  

Here are few testimonials from members of our Dallas delegation about their experience at Capitol Day: 

• “Joining leaders from across the DFW metroplex to advocate for crucial legislation for education, income and health is an incredible experience that I would recommend to every United Way supporter. United Way got us in front of almost every hard-working member of our DFW legislative delegation. There is nothing better than diving into policy discussions with our key decisionmakers over pivotal legislation that will shape the future of region.” Brent Chaney, Vistra Corp, Co-Chair of the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas Advocacy Committee  

• “Each time I participate in Capitol Day as part of the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas team, I gain a deeper understanding of the importance of advocacy.  This very critical work is made easier with the help and support of the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas Advocacy team.  Your voice, much like your vote, matters!” Mary E. Henderson, ARCOSA, Women of Tocqueville member and Member of the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas Advocacy Committee 

• “At 16, serving as the youngest delegate for United Way Dallas at the Texas State Capitol showed me, firsthand, how deeply this organization values young voices. I spoke on issues like financial literacy that directly impact young people like me. And I saw how our voices can reignite purpose, restore focus and remind leaders why they began public service in the first place—and why their leadership still matters today. The other members of the delegation made space for me and invited me to lead conversations with state representatives. They welcomed me as an equal. United Way Dallas has shown me a profound truth: You are never too young to lead and never too old to learn. When we move forward together, we create momentum. And when we create momentum, we propel society toward a shared goal—one where collective growth and opportunity can reach everyone.” Jacklin Wang, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas Advocacy Intern 

• “Mekhiya Matthews and Trevor Mays, two high school seniors and members of our Student Voter Empowerment Clubs, were given the incredible opportunity to join United Way of Metropolitan Dallas for their Advocacy Day in Austin. I watched these students step into the Texas Capitol filled with curiosity and uncertainty and leave with confidence, having engaged directly with lawmakers on issues that matter to them. This opportunity provided them with a firsthand look at the legislative process, showing them that their voices truly matter every step of the way. I know it’s an experience they will never forget.” Jess Lugo, March to the Polls, Chaperone & SVEC Program Director  

We Make It Easy to Be an Advocate

Interested in advocating with us in support of improved access to education, income and health? Throughout this year’s legislative session, we’re making it easy to speak up about issues that affect our community. Click here to sign up for our Advocacy Alerts and Policy in Brief newsletter, and we’ll let you know when and how to contact your elected officials—because when we speak up, united, we can create real change.