Hey Community! 

We’ve received new followers, supporters, and visitors over the last few weeks, so I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself. My name is Maria Reza, and I am the Communications Manager at Grassroots Leadership. 

For those new to our community, Grassroots Leadership is an organization fighting for a future where our lives are no longer interrupted by mass incarceration, deportation, and criminalization. As an organization rooted in abolitionist values, we’re building power in our communities to #DecarcerateTexas and redefine what safety means. 

I am proud to work with an amazing group of individuals who support and uplift people with lived experiences in the carceral system to ultimately dismantle legal structures that profit from the imprisonment of human beings.

If you still need to check out our annual report, please do! We're working on another one for 2023, and we have some exciting news to share. Our annual report is a way to bridge our community, partners, and sustainable donors like you! So, please share this near and far, and feel free to contact us if you need this report translated. 

Be sure to catch us on our social media, or if you want to connect with us in person, we are located in Austin and Houston, Texas. We are working with community partners, residents, and members to organize court watches, campaigns, and related events that matter to our community.

In the meantime, you can connect with our Organizing Managers on our campaigns, actions, and events happening in your community. 

ALICIA TORRES

Immigration Campaigns Consultant (She/Her/Ella)

Why do you do this work?

So that it’s possible for myself and those I hold dear to my heart to feel and experience the possibility of thriving, not just surviving. We deserve joy —the joy that doesn't need a why, just a when, where, and how.

DIANNA WILLIAMS

Organizing Manager - Houston (She/Her)

Why do you do this work?

This systemic behavior of cages verse treatment has done nothing to make our communities safer. Instead, it has continued to fuel the mass incarceration of Black and brown people, so I advocate for justice and will fight to transform those harmful policies in our communities.

BETHANY CARSON

Policy and Research Manager (She/They)

Why do you do this work?

Right now, we expect people to break cycles of violence, poverty, addiction, and isolation on their own, even though those cycles often begin with systemic violence and are given fuel by ongoing oppression. Locking up or kicking out people from our community only generates more trauma for them and their families and communities. If we want safer communities, we must look at the root causes of harm and provide the care and resources needed to address them.

Here is a message from our Development Manager, Jess Barclay, who is working on our first "Project Reconnect," re-engaging our community, sustainable donors, and community partners. Jess was hired onto the team in 2022, and we are so grateful for her efforts in reconnecting us to intentional fundraising for abolitionist organizations like ours. 

Here's what you can do to support Jess and her efforts on, Project Reconnect

Keep up with Operation Lone Star

Why are state law enforcement agencies patrolling our national border?

Recent reports from a DPS whistleblower revealed the cruel treatment of migrants at the border.

The infrastructure and funding for these atrocities all emerged out of Operation Lone Star, a law enforcement program with a $9 Billion dollar price tag! Watch this video to piece together how Operation Lone Star is criminalizing our communities, draining resources that border communities need, and impacting the national immigration agenda.

For more information, visit www.EndLoneStar.com 

Austin Location 

7910 Cameron Rd,

Austin, TX 78754

(512) 499-8111

Houston Location 

4407 New Orleans St,

Houston, TX 77020

(713) 393-7141