Onramps to Advocacy – Finding Your Place Along the Journey
Educational Workshop on Public Education & Advocacy in Texas

Tuesday, August 19, 2025, 6:30-8:30pm in Miller Center, FUMC Denton
Registration Required | Free Event | Doors open at 6pm

Join us for an important church-wide educational workshop about the current state of public education in Texas. Learn about the impact of recent legislation, what’s happening in local school districts, and how we can faithfully advocate for high-quality, accessible education for all—reflecting the Methodist Social Principles.

The workshop will be led by Kelley Thomas from Raise Your Hand Texas, with special guests including a Denton ISD Board Trustee and Ruth Kravetz, Co-Founder of Community Voices for Public Education, who will share updates on the Texas takeover of Houston ISD and other districts at risk.

Kelley Thomas is the Regional Advocacy Director for Raise Your Hand Texas in Collin and Denton Counties. Her dedication to public education advocacy started with her child's kindergarten enrollment in Plano ISD and her involvement with the Parent Teacher Association (PTA). Over time, Kelley held PTA leadership roles at the campus, district, and state levels. She led Plano ISD's Council of PTAs from 2018-2020, earning the 2020 State Board of Education Heroes for Children Award. Kelley continues to participate at the state level of the PTA as Vice President Programs & Resources. Her advocacy work also includes roles with the Junior League of Collin County and the Plano Education Foundation.

This event is free and open to everyone! We hope to see you there.