Church & Society Speakers Series: Advocating for Public Education

Deb Hughey introducing our speaker, Kelly Thomas, to a room full of FUMC Denton and community members around tables.

We had a fantastic turnout for our Church & Society Speakers Series event on public education, with 60–70 people in attendance—a wonderful mix of FUMC Denton members and friends from across the larger community.

Kelley Thomas led us in a meaningful workshop on advocacy, walking us through how to engage in the work throughout the year and helping us reflect on both the victories worth celebrating from the Texas 89th Legislature and the areas where more work is needed.

Pastor Raegan, our Co-Lead Pastor, Deb Hughey, our Chair of Church & Society, and Susanna Holbert O’Bara, Denton ISD Superintendent.

We were grateful to be joined by Dr. Susannah Holbert O’Bara, Denton ISD Superintendent, and Dr. Deron Robinson, General Counsel for Denton ISD. Dr. It was inspiring to be in a room filled with people eager to support public education with hopeful energy and a commitment to next steps.

Participants also engaged in table conversations and listening circles, which created space to hear diverse perspectives and strengthen our collective vision for advocacy. The evening was a powerful reminder of how our church and community can come together in support of education rooted in justice and equity.

Round table discussions after the presentation