Houston Justice meets with Sean Teare and Dan Simon, Harris County DA Candidates
Houston Justice Dialogue: With DA Candidates
Community Engages DA Hopefuls in Pivotal Back-to-Back Sessions
Houston Justice hosts District Attorney Candidate Sean Teare for dinner on Monday, September 16, 2024.
In a powerful display of civic engagement, Houston Justice hosted two groundbreaking sessions yesterday that put community concerns at the heart of the Harris County District Attorney race. In an innovative format, we shared lunch with Republican candidate Dan Simon and dinner with Democratic candidate Sean Teare, creating an intimate atmosphere for frank discussions on justice reform.
These weren't your typical campaign stops. Over meals, community members, including those impacted by the justice system, engaged in direct, unfiltered conversations with each candidate. The air was charged with a mix of urgency and hope as attendees posed tough questions and shared personal stories, pushing both Simon and Teare to address the real-world implications of their policies.
"Breaking bread with the candidates gave us a unique opportunity to see beyond the political façade," said Amber Fannin, a Houston Justice volunteer. "It felt like we were truly being heard, not just talked at."
From debates on pretrial detention to discussions about diversion programs, no topic was off-limits. But the real story of the day was the palpable sense of empowerment that grew with each conversation. Attendees left not just informed, but inspired and ready to make their voices heard at the ballot box on November 5th.
A Pivotal Moment for Harris County
As we approach the upcoming election, including the selection of our next District Attorney, it's clear that Harris County stands at a crossroads. The decisions we make now will shape the future of our community for years to come.
Your Voice, Your Power
The message was clear: every single person in our community has the power to influence this election. This is especially true for those impacted by the justice system. The DA race, in particular, holds immense significance for justice-involved individuals and their families. By engaging in this election, they have a unique opportunity to shape the very system that affects their lives.
"This is what Democracy looks like ," shared Tangi Smith, founder of Texas Federation for the People.
Non-Partisan Approach, Maximum Impact
One of the key takeaways from our meetings was the importance of Houston Justice's non-partisan stance. By engaging with candidates from both parties and focusing on educating and empowering voters across the political spectrum, we're ensuring that everyone has the information they need to make informed decisions at the ballot box.
Get Involved, Make a Difference
The excitement peaked as attendees learned about our ongoing initiatives:
Project Orange Texas: Our initiative to engage justice-involved citizens and inform them about their voting rights. We'll be going into the Harris County Jail regularly until the voter registration deadline on October 7th, ensuring that eligible voters behind bars can exercise their right to vote. (projectorangeus.org)
Get Out The Vote: We'll be conducting literature drops, phone banks, and text banks throughout the election season, right up until November 5th. These grassroots efforts are crucial to increasing voter turnout in key areas.
The response was overwhelming, with many signing up on the spot to volunteer for our upcoming events.
Looking Ahead
Houston Justice members meet with DA Candidate Sean Teare for lunch on Monday, September 16, 2024.
As the meetings concluded, there was a palpable sense that something big is happening in Harris County. We're not just observers in this election – we're active participants shaping our community's future. The DA race, in particular, represents a significant opportunity for justice-involved individuals and their communities to have their voices heard and make a real impact on the system that affects them most directly.
Join the Movement
Missed these powerful sessions? Don't worry! There's still time to get involved. Visit HouJustice.org to learn more about our initiatives, sign up for literature drops, phone banks, and text banks, and find out how you can make a difference.
Remember, in an election this important, every voice counts – especially those most impacted by the justice system. Let's make sure all our voices are heard on November 5th!
As the race for District Attorney heats up, one thing is clear: Houston Justice is not just facilitating discussions – we're igniting a movement. By bringing candidates face-to-face with the community in these intimate settings, we're reshaping the conversation around criminal justice in Harris County. Join us in this historic push for justice reform and let's create the change we want to see in our community.