TFN Celebrates 10 Years Standing Up For Mainstream Values With New Web Site, ‘Open House’
Decade Marked by Key Battles over Public Education, Censorship, Children’s Issues
March 15, 2005
AUSTIN – The Texas Freedom Network this month marks 10 years supporting public education, religious freedom and individual liberties in this state.
“From battling school vouchers and textbook censorship to promoting children ’s health and responsible medical research, the Texas Freedom Network continues to stand up for values shared by mainstream Texans across the state,” said TFN President Kathy Miller.
TFN will celebrate its 10th anniversary with an “open house” from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, March 18, at 1405 West Sixth Street in Austin. The public is welcome. TFN will also mark the day by officially launching a new Web site at www.tfn.org.
Cecile Richards founded the Texas Freedom Network in 1995 and led the organization until 1998. Samantha Smoot served as president from 1998 until passing off leadership of the organization to Miller at the beginning of this year.
Today the Texas Freedom Network includes 23,000 activists and religious and community leaders from across the state. Based in Austin, the group acts as the state’s watchdog, monitoring far-right issues, organizations, money and leaders. TFN also mobilizes grassroots efforts to oppose policies promoted by the far right.
TFN has been instrumental in defeating initiatives backed by the religious right in Texas, including private school vouchers, textbook censorship and government promotion of religion. It has also played key roles in promoting religious liberties, helping pass legislation on hate crimes and supporting other issues important to working families.
