Advocacy in Motion: Highlights from the Texas CASA Conference  

There’s something special about coming together in person as a network. Across several days in San Marcos, the CASA network gathered to learn, connect, celebrate, and find renewed inspiration for the work ahead. Under this year’s theme, Defensa en Movimiento: Moviéndose con Propósito y Corazón, the conference was a reminder and a celebration of the passion, purpose, and heart that drive CASA advocacy every day.

Representatives from 67 local CASA programs and seven states (OK, NM, SD, IL, KS, AZ, and KY) gathered to share ideas, strengthen partnerships, and explore new ways to support children and families. The conference welcomed 145 CASA volunteers, 356 local program staff and board members, and 24 committed partners, recognizing the people and relationships at the heart of CASA advocacy and the collective commitment to helping children move toward safety, healing, and a brighter future. 

Texas CASA Board President Meca Walker opened the conference by reflecting on the heart of advocacy: putting what we believe into action and continuing to show up for children. CEO Vicki Spriggs encouraged attendees to carry that spirit throughout the conference and into their communities, reminding the network that advocacy is a continuous commitment. 

Attendees heard from inspiring speakers, including youth advocate MelissaRoshan “MelRo”, hope scholar Dr. Chan Hellman, y Judge Andrew Bench, who was recognized for nearly two decades of public service as he prepares to retire this December. Conference sessions explored topics ranging from hope and resilience to volunteer recruitment, collaboration, and preparing for the upcoming 90th Legislative Session. 

The conference also offered plenty of opportunities to connect, celebrate, and create together — including the Many Wings Mosaic, a collaborative project symbolizing the strength of the CASA network and the impact of every individual contribution. 

Thank you to everyone who traveled to San Marcos, shared their knowledge and stories, connected with colleagues and partners, and brought the spirit of La defensa en movimiento to life. Together, we’re rising, moving forward, and continuing this work with purpose and heart for children and families. 

Check out all the event photos and download your favorites below!

Here is a special note from MelRo: 

Hello my dear friends, 

Thank you all so very much for being part of the change needed. Thank you for creating new possibilities for our youth and families. Thank you for your unwavering service to your respective programs. I also thank you for holding space in the way that you did during the keynote presentation. We all traveled on a beautiful journey together, and my hope is that it ignited the fire within us all to keep pushing forward. This is truly advocacy in motion!  

I invite you all to keep in contact. My CASA work is so meaningful to me. It wasn’t long ago that I was a homeless teen mom who was blessed by my CASA volunteer. I have trained CASA Volunteers, keynoted at countless appreciation dinners, fundraisers, and statewide conferences. I served as Ohio CASA’s first DEI Director, and volunteered for a beautiful 15 year old girl’s case. It has been my lived experiences, recruitment/training that inform my advocacy in motion.  

I am available for in-person engagements, as well as Zoom. I also speak at schools, minister at churches, youth groups, youth detention facilities, and work directly with youth in care through my foundation.  

Thank you Texas CASA for bringing me to share. I can positively say that Texans are some of the kindest people I’ve met 🙂 

In closing, my favorite quote comes from an African Proverb that says, “if we want to go fast, we go alone.  If we want to go far, we go together” :).  I realize the power of connectivity, so please do reach out if you’re compelled.  

In Service Together, 

MelissaRoshan (MelRo) Potter 
www.melrothelight.com 
IG: @officialmelrosfoundattion @melissaroshan