Austin Interfaith believes power comes in two forms: organized people, and organized money. This fact remains unchanged, but the nature of power in Austin has changed.
For generations Austin has been governed by an at-large system of government. Voter turnout of less than 5% allowed a small minority of people to determine the policies made at City Hall. This year, elections will change, Austin city council members will be elected by districts, which means where you live, and the voting patterns of your neighborhood make a big difference in who will be elected. It also means that although in the past you had the ability to vote for all the council seats, now you will only be able to directly vote for the representative of your district, and the mayor. Being a part of a city-wide organization active in multiple districts is a key way to ensure the priorities of you and your family are important to a majority of council members, and not just the representative of your district.
Understanding the changing nature of power in Austin is important, so Austin Interfaith is hosting a Civic Academy on Power and Organizing in Districts.
Saturday, February, 22nd 
10am-1pm
First Unitarian Universalist Church
4700 Grover Avenue, Austin  TX  78756
 
Come and learn about the new districts, their voting patterns, what it will take to make a difference in the election, and how we can work together to continue building the power in Austin to “make justice roll down like water” (Amos 5:24).
 
Please RSVP to: Kurt Cadena-Mitchell of Wildflower Church at [email protected] or 512-786-5388 oronline.
And forward to your friends!