What is your organization’s issue focus?
Texas Watch is a non-partisan citizen advocacy organization that ensures insurance companies and other corporations are accountable to their customers. Since 1998, Texas Watch has fought for Texas families and consumers by advocating for laws that provide accountability through our courts and guarantee our constitutional right to Trial by Jury; improve safety for workers, patients, and communities; and reform the insurance marketplace to ensure meaningful coverage at a fair price. Our organization thrives on community engagement, providing a platform for Texans to preserve and strengthen their constitutional rights and protections.
What is something your organization is currently prioritizing? Can you tell our readers a little about the goals of the campaign/project?
In the 88th legislative session, Texas Watch dedicated several campaigns toward protecting patients, policyholders, and the public. We worked on auto safety issues, insurance reform, and legislation that ensured policyholders’ claims were paid promptly and fairly. After the legislative session, we educate the public on how the right to trial by jury makes our communities safer. We will produce content to inform the people of the importance of our courts and the constitutional right to a trial by jury of one’s peers.
Do you have an “Advocacy Tip” to share or “Lesson Learned” while organizing this or other campaigns? Do you have any general words of wisdom that you’d like to share with other staff engaged in advocacy?
Utilize spheres of influence to effect change. Our organization focuses on engaging consumers in the fight for justice. Encouraging our supporters to share petitions and actions with their friends and families has helped us expand our reach. Additionally, while speaking to different groups, staying on point for messaging is critical. You may feel you are repeating yourself and must say your issues differently. However, it is vital to keep on topic for messaging; many people will hear your points for the first time.
Many of our member organizations work with both our Bolder Advocacy initiative and our Justice program. How has either or both most helped you? How have you worked with either or both?
We are inspired by civilians traveling across the state to share their stories of corporate abuse. The legislative advocacy days are often very long, and people take time out of their busy lives to travel to Austin from across the state to testify about their experience seeking justice for corporate wrongdoing. Lawmakers need to hear these stories, and the people who are brave enough to fight for legislative change on behalf of policyholders always inspire us.
Who inspires you??
We are inspired by civilians traveling across the state to share their stories of corporate abuse. The legislative advocacy days are often very long, and people take time out of their busy lives to travel to Austin from across the state to testify about their experience seeking justice for corporate wrongdoing. Lawmakers need to hear these stories, and the people who are brave enough to fight for legislative change on behalf of policyholders always inspire us.
All spotlights are written by AFJ members directly. Please reach out to membership@afj.org if you’d like to complete a member spotlight.