DAI gives ordinary people a powerful voice in the decisions that affect their lives and communities instead of leaving decision-making in the hands of a select few. We are a university of public life where ordinary people become leaders, developing the courage and skills to operate effectively in the public arena.
Some examples of efforts include ↓
Safe and Healthy Homes for All
In response to deplorable living conditions in rental units across Dallas, some of the quietest community leaders from immigrant congregations learned to confront landlords, secure the support of African-American and Jewish allies, and negotiate with adversaries. They succeeded in overhauling the City of Dallas housing code to create the “best rental housing code in the state of Texas and are now working to ensure proper enforcement of that code.
Community and Police Relationships
After a shooting of police officers and protesters that left five officers dead, DAI clergy declared, “There is a repentance that has to happen in this nation.” DAI is working with congregations and community institutions to build and strengthen community-police relationships for greater accountability, trust and change.
Examples: overhauling Dallas recruitment processes, responding to after shootings of African American men – creating a space for conversation and healing, and now working to address SB4.
Parish Identification
Developed in the context of federal and state policy failures that fomented fear among immigrants, DAI negotiated widespread acceptance of church identification cards with police, health care, and other public entities. This innovative response to fear allowed immigrant parishioners to participate with greater confidence in public life. Photo: Texas Catholic / Revista Católica.
Strengthening the Hand of Labor
DAI has been at the center of several efforts to defend workers' dignity, including wage theft prevention, safer working conditions and the formalization of rest and water breaks for construction workers laboring in the Texas heat. Photo Credit: Workers Defense Project - Dallas
Congregational Development
DAI leadership training helps congregations identify and develop leaders, deepen relationships within the congregation, and become effective in the public arena. Photo Credit: Alan Pogue.
“What intrigued me about DAI was their practice of relational meetings. These meetings create a space for individuals to come together, share their concerns, and identify common issues that need to be addressed. Through this process, DAI empowers people to take action and create positive change…
Since becoming involved with DAI, I have been equipped with the necessary tools and resources to effectively advance the causes I care about. DAI has not only helped me to make a difference in my community, but it has also provided me with a sense of fulfillment and purpose.”
“Unido a DAI trabajamos por la justicia social y cumplimos con la Doctrina Social de la Iglesia, generando estructuras más justas y más humanas para todos.”
“Together with DAI, we work for social justice and fulfill the Social Doctrine of the Church, generating fairer and more humane structures for everyone.”
“In these times of uncertainty, I’ve grappled with questions of self, survival, power and purpose. Who do I often turn to in exploring such questions? The mentors, co-creators, and partners who bring community organizing into the fabric of our congregations. When I forget to ask the big questions or doubt what might be possible, it is in the depth of relationships, the whip-smart theological lessons, the breaking out of routine and the proximity to the pain of my neighbor that I not only become a better clergyperson — I become a better mom and daughter, partner and friend.
Through our work with DAI, we, Temple Emanu-El, become what our name calls us to be “Emanu-El”—a place where “God is among us”—a community of sacred encounter.”
“Antes de pertenecer a DAI pensé que debía vivir en la clandestinidad. Cuando lo conocí me di cuenta que tengo derechos y deberes ante mi comunidad, familia y a la Iglesia.”
“Before joining DAI, I thought I had to live in the shadows [as an immigrant]. When I got to know DAI, I realized that I, too, have rights and duties before my community, family and the Church.”
Membership is open to religious congregations, civic organizations, schools, unions, and non-profit institutions in the North Texas region.
Membership includes a dues commitment to ensure that DAI has the independence to reflect the values and mission of its member institutions.
Dues-paying organizations make up the decision-making bodies of DAI.
DAI member institutions have access to training and organizational development and are encouraged to avail themselves of those opportunities.
We are always looking for talented individuals from all backgrounds and faiths who want to consider organizing as a career.
One pathway is participation as an institutional leader.
In situations in which this is not possible, please develop a two to three page biography that helps us understand who you are, where you come from,
political experience (if any) and the values that inform your life.
Bios can be sent to: [email protected].
