TMO Leaders Push for Substantive Metro Bus Service Overhaul
Regular Metro bus rider Julia Ramirez and TMO leaders Fr. Kevin Collins and Franklin Olson argue that the Metro bus system of Houston needs major changes if it plans to create a new system. With a commute that currently takes at least two hours each way, Ramirez pinpoints 4 concrete needed changes in the article below.
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Valley Interfaith Decries Judge's Injunction, Reminds Immigrants that DACA Remains in Effect
The press conference started with the story of teacher in 2001, invited from Mexico to teach in MacAllen in 2001 -- then disinvited when 9/11 attacks led to dramatic changes in the treatment of immigrants.
Read moreAustin Interfaith Advocates for Low-Income Families in Negotiations Over Utilities Repayment Plan
In an Austin American Statesman story about Austin Energy and utilities repayment plans under negotiation, Austin Interfaith leader Ofelia Zapata informs the paper of the impact on her family. Austin Interfaith, with allies, is fighting for a non-punitive utility debt repayment plan that would allow the Austin Energy to reclaim money it, in many cases, did not bill for - but without hurting the families affected.
Why Customers Unpaid Bills are Piling Up at Austin Energy, Austin American Statesman
COPS / Metro: March for JOBS & Freedom Is Still Relevant
On the heels of a successful campaign to raise the wages of San Antonio's lowest paid public workers, COPS / Metro leaders Fr. Steven Gamez and Sr. Consuelo Tovar assert that the March on Washington for JOBS and Freedom is still relevant today.
"Everyone working a full-time job ought to be able to raise a family with dignity and opportunity, and not be dependent on public assistance. As taxpayers, we insist that our public resources be used to foster shared prosperity and not to perpetuate poverty.....
Read moreCortes Named Among Top 'Change Makers' by Texas Observer
Change Makers - The Texas Observer Celebrates 60 Years, Texas Observer
COPS / Metro Helps Alamo College Students Reinstate Majors, Develop Participatory Process
When Alamo (Community) Colleges announced a decision to eliminate major designations from associate degrees last summer, AC students fought back. Simon Sanchez, from the Student Leadership Coalition asserted, "we are not victims." With the support of the Communities Organized for Public Service (COPS) and Metro Alliance, the organization reached out to hundreds of students, leveraging 595 signatures for a petition against the policy.
Read moreAt 40, COPS Still Standing Up for Residents
Andrew "Andy" Sarabia, the first president of COPS, Communities Organized for Public Service in San Antonio, argues in the San Antonio Express News that COPS has been a significant and powerful part of the city's history, starting with initial "tie-up" confrontations with the city's power structure to get it to recognize the needs of families and communities. Read more below:
At 40, COPS Still Standing Up For Residents, San Antonio Express News
COPS / Metro Campaign to Raise County Wages Takes Off
COPS / Metro Alliance leaders flanked Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff as he announced his instruction to the County Manager to research and craft a plan to raise the County minimum wage from $11.47 per hour to $13 per hour next year, and to $15 per hour within three years.
Two days prior, 325 COPS / Metro Alliance leaders gathered at Sacred Heart Catholic Church to announce their campaign to boost the wage floor for city and county employees from $11.47 per hour to almost $15 / hour. Elvira Adame shared how it angers her to see her daughter earning only $8.50 per hour at a public community college, leaving her "stressed and tired all the time from working so hard." Adame's daughter works full-time without benefits, sick leave or vacation time; to pick up the slack she picked up a second job, but even then is barely getting by.
Read moreTMO Celebrates 30th Anniversary
"The Metropolitan Organization, which celebrated the 30th anniversary of its charter this October, works with the voiceless to help transmute their anger into leadership. In a meeting with the Chronicle editorial board, TMO representatives said that the nonprofit, which organizes church congregations and other institutions across the region, encourages residents to say: "This is the city I want," and then to hold government accountable. Under TMO's stewardship, neighborhoods find their voices, and city government acquires a hearing aid...."
TMO at 30: The Metropolitan Organization's Successes Have Changed the Lives of People, Houston Chronicle
Read moreTMO Confronts Houston PD Over Rampant Crime in North
Hundreds of TMO leaders confronted Houston Police Department officers with stories of relentless auto-theft, campus drug sales and physical assaults in North Houston. When the seated assembly was asked to stand if they had been personally been impacted by crime, more than half the room was on its feet. Councilmember Gonzalez was on hand to respond as well.
Cansados del Crimen Que Azota Al Norte De Houston, Univision 45