Texas Has Values, Just Ask

Game Changers with Jeff Newkirk

Welcome to Game Changers with Jeff Newkirk, where we speak with people who have done something to make this world a better place. It’s simple: inspire, educate and let’s go change this world!

On today’s episode, Jeff welcomes special guest Mary Elizabeth Castle, Director of Government Relations for Texas Values and Texas Values Action. In her role, Mary works with legislatures and their staff at the state capital to ensure pro-family values. Pro-family values represent the traditional value of what a family stands for by God's Word. This means providing a mother and father are in a home and doing everything possible to support traditional marriage, the upbringing of children, and parental rights.

Before joining Family Values, Mary worked under the general console at Midwestern State University, focusing on education policy. She also worked with First Liberty, researching and performing outreach for attorneys. This opportunity is what ultimately set the tone for her career path. She shares her appreciation for the First Liberty organization, which advocates for people to express their faith freely in professional and academic settings. After attending law school, Mary felt called to return to this field of work and was connected with Texas Values through the connections she made while working with First Liberty. Texas Values started in 2012, and Texas Values Action in 2014. Mary explains that Texas Values is a 501(c) that educates people and conducts research. Texas Values Action is a 501(c)(4) that endorses candidates and handles most of the organization’s lobbying and action work. Then, Mary explains how and when the organization will begin to support candidates as we approach election season. Hear how Texas Values stood alongside a protest held by women athletes protesting the NCAA in San Antonio.

Even though Mary knew that God was calling her down this path, she shared that she initially hesitated to take on the work because she didn’t have prior legislative experience. However, she discovered that people within the legislation were welcoming and easy to talk to about subjects she had prior knowledge in. Reflecting on Texas Values’ most recent successful session, Mary reveals that the work never stops when fighting new policies that harm our children and rob us of our liberties. There is still work to be done to protect children from things like inappropriate curriculum content, library books, and premature sex education. In closing, Mary shares what she hopes is in store for her future (including possibly running for office) and who in history she would most like to speak with.

Learn more about Jeff Newkirk.

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