Celebrate Public Schools
PURPOSE
Raise Your Hand Texas is a statewide, nonpartisan education nonprofit that support public policy solutions that invest in Texas’ 5.4 million public school students, encourage innovation and autonomy, and improve college, military, and workforce readiness. Our advocacy work and your voices, alongside current research, inform the policy recommendations we make to Texas lawmakers.
OUTREACH
Raise Your Hand Texas advocacy team work to educate, engage, and activate Texans in every part of the state. Our statewide advocacy team works in communities throughout the state to raise the voices of parents, teachers, community leaders, business owners, and students who care about the future of public education.
Regional Advocacy Directors
Raise Your Hand Texas has a robust team throughout the state. No matter where you live, there is a Regional Advocacy Director ready to work with public school supports.
South Texas Giovanni Escobedo, Panhandle Skylar Gallop, East Houston/Gulf Coast Jackson Griffon, East Texas Deann Lee, Austin Area, Mario Piña, El Paso/Trans Pecos Larry John Porras, Houston Natalia Gómez Ramback, Collin and Denton Co. Kelley Thomas, Greater San Antonio and Coastal Bend Sophie Torres.
Leadership. Policy. Public Education for Every Child
Investing in Education Leadership
Through the work of Regional Advocacy Directors, Raise Your Hand Texas provides community support and personal leadership development opportunities. They provide legislative updates, workshops, and chances for community connections.
Championing Pro–Public School Policy at the Capitol
Between their Austin based policy team and mass of statewide advocates, Raise Your Hand Texas researches and provides policy recommendations for legislation that expands access and excellence in public schools. Its primary issues are school funding and testing and accountability.
Elevating Community Voice and Engagement
Working in local communities, Raise Your Hand Texas supports civic engagement efforts and storytelling initiatives that empower parents, educators, and students on the value of public education. It hosts regional advocacy events while maintaining a presence across all legislative districts to ensure that public education remains a statewide priority.