Emily Witt, TFN · [email protected]

May 31, 2022 at 8:58 PM

Texas, it's time to have "the talk"

Fellow Texans,It's time for "the talk!" May is Sex Ed for All Month, and if you went to a public school in Texas, chances are you probably didn’t learn much–at least not much that was true–in your required Health class.  We’re not new to giving Texans the lowdown on sex ed in our public schools…

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  Val Benavidez, TFN President · [email protected]

May 27, 2022 at 2:33 PM

Important Membership Information

Membership Status For: John xxxxxx Your Membership status: PENDING The need: Join TFN today and ensure progressive voices are heard at the State Board of Education, the Capitol, and in communities across Texas. Make a one-time or monthly gift toda…

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  Josh Gonzalez - TX Freedom Network · [email protected]

May 24, 2022 at 2:31 PM

It's Election Day. Go vote!

John, Today is Election Day across Texas for the May primary runoff! We believe that every election, from municipal and all the way up to the presidential, is important. Today is your last opportunity to have a say about the representation you want in th…

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  Sabrina Sha, TFN Senior Development Coordinator · [email protected]

May 23, 2022 at 5:02 PM

AAPI Heritage Month: Rejecting hate and uplifting communities

Dear John, It's Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month—and while this is meant to be a month of celebration, just two weeks ago we saw another violent attack against the AAPI community. This time, in Dallas, where someone who had expressed anti-Asian bigotry on several occasions fire…

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  Josh Gonzalez - TX Rising + TX Freedom Network · [email protected]

May 17, 2022 at 3:14 PM

Ready to vote?

John, Early voting for the May primary runoff election began yesterday! It lasts from May 16 to this Friday, May 20, to be exact. The importance of voting right now is likely crystal clear to you. But if it's not, take a quick scan of your local paper or…

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  Val Benavidez, TFN President · [email protected]

May 12, 2022 at 2:58 PM

Unlock your membership offer!

Dear John, The Texas Freedom Network is a member-supported grassroots organization, and my team and I noticed that you’re not on our membership roster yet! We hope you’ll change that today because to continue making progress in creating a state where ALL…

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  Val Benavidez, TFN President · [email protected]

May 6, 2022 at 7:14 PM

What you do today really matters

Dear John, In the wake of the leaked draft majority Supreme Court opinion for Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization on Monday evening, all but sealing the fate of Roe V. Wade, many of us are left in the lurch wondering: What can we do now?  Our Su…

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  Val - TX Freedom Network · [email protected]

May 3, 2022 at 7:31 PM

We control our bodies, not the courts

  Dear John, I urgently write to remind you that abortion is still legal. Yesterday, on May 2, 2022, the whole world saw a radically extreme leaked draft of a legal brief that suggests the U.S. Supreme Court intends to shamelessly strike down Roe v. Wade. But t…

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  Emily - TX Freedom Network · [email protected]

April 28, 2022 at 1:44 PM

Go beyond believing survivors this Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Content Warning: The following email includes and discusses the terms "rape" and "sexual assault." Dear John, April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, giving us a time to join together as a community to go beyond believing survivors and turn awareness i…

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  Emerald - TX Freedom Network · [email protected]

April 26, 2022 at 2:53 PM

Why are the book banners coming for Optimus Prime?

  Dear John, When it comes to the recent rash of book bans in school libraries across America, there are few reasons to be amused—but one of the censorship crusade's targets has us scratching our heads, and it's hard not to chuckle for just a moment at the ridicu…

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  Carisa - TX Freedom Network · [email protected]

April 13, 2022 at 2:27 PM

History is messy. We should talk about it with honesty.

John, Last week, we delivered this open letter to the Texas State Board of Education. On behalf of a broad coalition of pro-public education and civil rights groups, we told the SBOE to simply #TeachTheTruth. That's because the board is underway with ano…

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  Val Benavidez - TX Freedom Network · [email protected]

April 5, 2022 at 3:13 PM

A day of joy and community

John, This past Saturday, I had the opportunity to speak at the Transgender Day of Visibility Rally at the Texas Capitol. It was a bright and sunny day in which hundreds of Texans came together to celebrate a community that needs our support now more tha…

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  Val Benavidez - TX Freedom Network · [email protected]

March 22, 2022 at 5:01 PM

Fighting for accurate, honest and quality education

Dear John, Today, a coalition of groups that advocate for our neighborhood schools, including the Texas Freedom Network, officially launched the #TeachTheTruth campaign. #TeachTheTruth is a rallying cry you have seen TFN use before. It has taken on new u…

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  Val Benavidez, TFN President · [email protected]

March 12, 2022 at 2:46 PM

Join Us in Celebrating Our 2022 Board Leadership

John, The Texas Freedom Network is proud to announce our incoming Board of Directors Leadership and celebrate the legacy of our outgoing chair, Diane Ireson. Since 1999, Diane has kept TFN’s mission at the center of her work, giving us so much of her tim…

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  Martí Anselmo Garza - TX Freedom Network · [email protected]

March 10, 2022 at 2:37 PM

Tell state officials to leave trans kids and their families alone

Dear John, Your voice is urgently needed to support transgender kids and their families in Texas. This Friday, officials with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) will hold a public meeting. DFPS is the agency tasked with carryin…

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  Val Benavidez, TFN President · [email protected]

March 3, 2022 at 9:55 PM

So close yet so far, John. We need your help

  John, Amplify Austin is coming to an end and we’re still $4,800 away from goal. This grassroots network has come out in full force today in support of our progressive movement, but we need to push even harder. John, will you be the one to help us over the finis…

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  Val Benavidez, TFN President · [email protected]

March 3, 2022 at 3:00 PM

John, the clock is ticking

  John, We have some ground to cover to reach our $20,000 Amplify Austin goal. And the clock continues to tick. As a supporter and friend of TFN, we invite you to join us and use the collective power of generosity to protect the rights of all Texans and show the …

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  Val Benavidez, TFN President · [email protected]

March 2, 2022 at 11:51 PM

What are you doing tonight, John?

  John, Amplify Austin starts tonight and we need all hands on deck. Every single contribution we raise over the next 24 hours supports the Texas Freedom Network Education Fund’s critical work, from fighting against the erasure of history at the State Board of Ed…

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  Carisa, TFN Political Director · [email protected]

February 23, 2022 at 8:34 PM

Support transgender kids and their families

John, I support transgender kids and their families. That's the message we ask you to share in response to the latest craven attack on children and their parents by top state officials. Earlier this week, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton issued a new in…

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  Val Benavidez, TFN President · [email protected]

February 23, 2022 at 2:45 PM

You can Amplify TFN right now. Here’s how!

  John, Amplify Austin is just one week away! Every year, for 24 hours, our community comes together to raise big funds in a small time frame to support TFN’s organizing work across the state and strengthen the power of our movement. Amplify TFN 6 p.m. March 2 – …

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  Val Benavidez, TFN President · [email protected]

February 21, 2022 at 2:00 PM

Win Our Future. Defend Democracy.

John, For the past 27 years, the Texas Freedom Network has been a champion for progressive policies that defend the rights – including the right to vote – of the people of Texas. Our state’s current leadership has decided to take a frightening and radica…

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  Val Benavidez, TFN President · [email protected]

February 17, 2022 at 2:28 PM

It’s our birthday!

John, Today, Feb. 17, is a big deal at TFN. On this day in 1995, the Texas Freedom Network was officially founded. Happy Birthday, TFN! We’re celebrating 27 years of fighting for progressive change in Texas. Thanks to you and a powerful grassroots netwo…

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  Josh Gonzalez - Tx Freedom Network · [email protected]

February 13, 2022 at 3:02 PM

Ready to vote?

John, Early voting for the March 1 primary election starts tomorrow. It will be Feb. 14-25, to be exact. I don't think I have to tell you just how important voting is these days. Just catch any news show or visit your local paper's website, and you'll se…

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  Carisa, TFN Political Director · [email protected]

February 9, 2022 at 11:25 PM

Endorsement: We recommend Houston for Houston's HD142!

John, On behalf of TFN, I am proud to announce our endorsement in an important election for the Texas House. For House District 142, in the March 1 Democratic primary, TFN backs Candis Houston in her bid to become the next state rep for this district.  …

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  Carisa, TFN Political Director · [email protected]

January 25, 2022 at 12:22 AM

CORRECTED LINK: Meet the conspiracy theorist advising the SBOE

Please note: An earlier version of this email contained Take Action links that did not function properly. The action links below now work. John, We need your help now ahead of the first Texas State Board of Education of the year, which begins tomorrow. S…

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  Carisa, TFN Political Director · [email protected]

January 24, 2022 at 9:14 PM

Meet the conspiracy theorist advising the SBOE

John, We need your help now ahead of the first Texas State Board of Education of the year, which begins tomorrow. Social studies curriculum standards the right-wing SBOE adopted in 2010 were so bad that even conservative organizations condemned them as a…

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  Val Benavidez, TFN President · [email protected]

January 21, 2022 at 11:06 PM

To our Jewish community, we commit to doing better

John, We are weeks into the new year, and the targeted attacks on the Jewish community keep escalating. Last Saturday, news spread of a horrifying hostage crisis at Colleyville Congregation Beth Israel. The news was terrifying, as we watched and waited, …

See More from Val Benavidez, TFN President

  Imelda Mejia - Tx Freedom Network · [email protected]

January 17, 2022 at 3:32 PM

On this MLK Day

John, Today is MLK Day. This year's day that observes the birthday and honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. comes at a time when elected officials across the country, and in our state, try to erase the spirit of what he represents and to censo…

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  Val Benavidez, TFN President · [email protected]

January 11, 2022 at 3:24 PM

Envision a new Texas

John, Take a look back and then continue to look forward. I'm referring to TFN's 2021 annual report — Envision a New Texas — which is now online. TFN's annual report reflects what was a truly challenging year. Our state took a frightening and radical rig…

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  Val Benavidez, TFN President · [email protected]

December 31, 2021 at 9:45 PM

Your last donation of 2021

John, It's a few hours before midnight, and we're just short of our Matching Gift goal of $50,000. Over 300 people have donated to support our end-of-year push, but I'm reaching out because we haven't heard from you. This match ends at midnight sharp, an…

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  Val Benavidez, TFN President · [email protected]

December 31, 2021 at 3:43 PM

Please don't let us fall short

Hi John, I’ll keep this note short and sweet. Today is the last day to double the impact of your tax-deductible year-end gift to the Texas Freedom Network Education Fund. Give today and your gift is matched 2X to fight for progressive values in Texas — G…

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  Val Benavidez, TFN President · [email protected]

December 30, 2021 at 3:09 PM

Matching gift offer expires soon

John, We’re just over the $38K mark with two days left to go. Can you help push us over the finish line? Tomorrow is the last day of 2021, which means it's also the last opportunity for you to double the impact of your year-end giving to the Texas Freedo…

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  Jules Mandel, TX Freedom Network · [email protected]

December 29, 2021 at 2:01 PM

The best and worst of the 2021 legislature

John, As 2021 comes to a close, TFN is looking back at some of the best and worst moments in and around the Capitol. But let’s be real, most of the moments are in the “worst” category as the regular legislative session was followed by three additional 30…

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  Val Benavidez, TFN President · [email protected]

December 27, 2021 at 2:03 PM

Level up Texas Rising in 2022

John, This year the Texas Freedom Network was at the forefront of urgent fights at the Capitol and in communities across the state. Our Texas Rising young activists took a lead role at the Texas Legislature – and became the face of TFN’s opposition to an…

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  Val Benavidez, TFN President · [email protected]

December 20, 2021 at 3:30 PM

Speaking truth to power in '22

Dear John, As we close out 2021, I want to take a few moments to spotlight our faith organizing work and the grassroots champions that have been on the frontlines with us in every battle this year. Before I do, I want to remind you about our matching gif…

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  =?iso-8859-1?b?TWFydO0=?= Anselmo Garza - TX Freedom Network · [email protected]

December 17, 2021 at 2:00 PM

With gratitude

We will be embarking on new transitions as we head into the new year, and we intend to welcome you back in 2022 with even more resources, support and tools for our fight. Dear John, As the year comes to a close, I thank you for your stalwart support of th…

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  Val Benavidez, TFN President · [email protected]

December 13, 2021 at 4:13 PM

Make Your Support Go 2X As Far!

Dear John, When times are tough, you have to know who you can count on. TFN’s activists understand that this is one of those moments. I am so grateful that TFN has been able to count on the support of passionate advocates like you in one of the toughest …

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  Mark - TX Freedom Network · [email protected]

December 8, 2021 at 2:31 PM

Think you got what it takes to ace this quiz?

John, Being a terrible public official requires saying terrible things. And this year, our so-called “leaders” did plenty of talking. As we close out this year, let’s test your knowledge of who said what by taking our quiz of some of the worst political …

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  Carisa, TFN Political Director · [email protected]

December 1, 2021 at 11:00 PM

How about some good news for a change?

John, The Texas State Board of Education today met briefly to take the final vote of a two-year process to adopt new science standards for our public schools. The good news: The standards do a better job of addressing climate change. Democratic members s…

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  Val Benavidez, TFN President · [email protected]

December 1, 2021 at 2:04 AM

Less than four hours left

There is still time to give to TFN this Giving Tuesday! Dear John, With just a few hours before midnight, time is almost up to participate in Giving Tuesday. By donating to TFN today, your selfless gift will directly fund our efforts to defend dem…

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  Val Benavidez, TFN President · [email protected]

November 30, 2021 at 8:02 PM

Give to TFN before Giving Tuesday is over

There are less than 10 hours left until Giving Tuesday is over! Dear John, This has been a challenging year for us all but, because of grassroots supporters like you, TFN has been able to rise up and challenge every obstacle in our path. Now, TFN …

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  Val Benavidez, TFN President · [email protected]

November 30, 2021 at 2:07 PM

It's here!

Dear John, It has been a tough year. But thanks to you, TFN has gone above and beyond, fought back harder, and helped lead the statewide resistance to the right’s reckless agenda. Today is #GivingTuesday. On this global day of generosity, I’m reaching ou…

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  Texas Freedom Network · [email protected]

November 24, 2021 at 2:01 PM

TFN is grateful for...

From all of us at TFN, we're grateful for you!   Support Our Work TFN is a statewide non-partisan, grassroots organizati…

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  Val Benavidez, TFN President · [email protected]

November 22, 2021 at 2:01 PM

Add this to your calendar

Dear John, It is a busy week, but I wanted to take a moment to reach out and thank you personally for your activism, generosity and partnership this year. Giving Tuesday is right around the corner. As you gather with family and friends and reflect on wha…

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  =?iso-8859-1?q?Roc=EDo_Fierro-P=E9rez?= - TX Freedom Network · [email protected]

November 20, 2021 at 2:27 PM

Censorship at the SBOE

John, This week's Texas State Board of Education (SBOE) hearing proves once again that the board is where textbooks go to be censored. In an astonishing series of votes, the SBOE rejected all but one publisher's health textbooks for our public schools. T…

See More from =?iso-8859-1?q?Roc=EDo_Fierro-P=E9rez?= - TX Freedom Network

  Jules Mandel, TX Freedom Network · [email protected]

November 13, 2021 at 3:02 PM

Let’s talk sex...education

We know not everyone can make it to Austin to testify at the State Board of Education. But we can help get a message to your SBOE member ahead of next week's meeting that begins on Tuesday. John, We know not everyone can make it to Austin to testify at th…

See More from Jules Mandel, TX Freedom Network

  Val Benavidez, TFN President · [email protected]

November 12, 2021 at 6:44 PM

Abbott opens door to book censorship

John, Gov. Greg Abbott is once again on a censorship rampage. This time, he’s turning his attacks on books. On Monday, the governor sent a letter to education agencies calling for the review of various books, including two with LGBTQ+ themes. This is no …

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  Jules Mandel, TX Freedom Network · [email protected]

November 10, 2021 at 10:42 PM

A correction and an update on SBOE testimony registration

John, Next week's Texas State Board of Education hearing unfortunately won't have an option to testify virtually. Anyone wishing to deliver remarks to the board must do so in person in Austin. The hearing for the health materials will occur Tuesday, Nov.…

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  Jules Mandel, TX Freedom Network · [email protected]

November 8, 2021 at 11:15 PM

One meeting, two super important votes. And you can have a say.

John, Next week, the Texas State Board of Education will gather for its final meeting of the year and to take two critical final votes on: Whether new K-8 science standards will acccurately address climate change Whether to adopt new health instructiona…

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  Jules Mandel, TX Freedom Network · [email protected]

November 4, 2021 at 11:00 PM

Do better, SBOE. Signed, climate scientists.

John, Earlier today, TFN joined with our friends at the National Center for Science Education (NCSE) to release an open letter from 67 Texas climate scientists to the Texas State Board of Education (SBOE). The message: We must do better. The fact is that…

See More from Jules Mandel, TX Freedom Network