Rio Texas Methodist Federation for Social Action

Donations to MFSA support our mission to mobilize, lead, and sustain a progressive United Methodist movement, energizing people to be agents of God’s justice, peace, and reconciliation.  Our programs and activities in 2017 included the following:

Within the Annual & General Conferences

• Co-sponsored the 7th Annual Peace & Justice Luncheon at Annual Conference in Corpus Christi in June 2017 featuring John Hill, Assistant General Secretary for Advocacy and Grassroots Organizing for the United Methodist General Board of Church and Society.

• Witnessed with a booth at Annual Conference including education on social justice issues.
• Partnered with the conference Reconciling Ministries Team to support full inclusion in the UMC.
• Reported progress of the Commission on the Way Forward through monthly newsletter.

Local Activities and Programs

• Provided educational programs about social justice issues and opportunities for participation with an emphasis on creating a culture of nonviolence.
• Supported justice & faith organizations such as Austin Interfaith, Texas Impact, TCADP, Texas Gun Sense, and Austin Region JFON & San Antonio JFON with donations.
• Sponsored a successful recycling event for hazardous waste; batteries, oil, paint, and antifreeze.
• Participated in MLK March in Austin.
• Witnessed at the Texas State Capitol supporting LGBT rights, education, and women’s rights.
• Supported Ugandan women and children by selling BeadforLife products at Alternative Christmas Markets in Austin.

Looking Ahead in 2018

• March in the Austin MLK March, which happened on January 15.
• Offer BOPA (Batteries, Oil, Paint, & Antifreeze) recycling event, March 10 at Trinity Church Austin.
• Sponsor a fact-finding trip to the Rio Grande Valley to learn about services available for victims of human trafficking and for people seeking asylum in the US.
• Witness with Reconciling Ministries Network at the Rio Texas UMC Annual Conference in Corpus Christi in June and organize our Annual Peace & Justice Luncheon- June 6-9.

Other Witness, Actions, and Events throughout 2018.