{"id":46346,"date":"2026-09-15T13:03:51","date_gmt":"2026-09-15T18:03:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/texascasa.org\/?p=46346"},"modified":"2026-09-15T13:34:03","modified_gmt":"2026-09-15T18:34:03","slug":"advocacy-in-motion-highlights-from-the-texas-casa-conference","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/texascasa.org\/es\/2026\/09\/15\/advocacy-in-motion-highlights-from-the-texas-casa-conference\/","title":{"rendered":"Advocacy in Motion: Highlights from the Texas CASA Conference\u00a0\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>.kb-row-layout-id46346_b8558f-4d > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id46346_b8558f-4d > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id46346_b8558f-4d > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);}.kb-row-layout-id46346_b8558f-4d > .kt-row-column-wrap > div:not(.added-for-specificity){grid-column:initial;}.kb-row-layout-id46346_b8558f-4d > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:repeat(3, minmax(0, 1fr));}.kb-row-layout-id46346_b8558f-4d > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id46346_b8558f-4d > .kt-row-column-wrap > div:not(.added-for-specificity){grid-column:initial;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id46346_b8558f-4d > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:repeat(3, minmax(0, 1fr));}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id46346_b8558f-4d > .kt-row-column-wrap > div:not(.added-for-specificity){grid-column:initial;}.kb-row-layout-id46346_b8558f-4d > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id46346_b8558f-4d alignnone wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-3-columns kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column46346_3ec090-20 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column46346_3ec090-20 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column46346_3ec090-20 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column46346_3ec090-20 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column46346_3ec090-20 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column46346_3ec090-20 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column46346_3ec090-20{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column46346_3ec090-20 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column46346_3ec090-20 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column46346_3ec090-20\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kb-image46346_f47fda-ec .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image46346_f47fda-ec size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/texascasa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/conference-1-1024x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"kb-img wp-image-46348\" srcset=\"https:\/\/texascasa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/conference-1-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/texascasa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/conference-1-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/texascasa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/conference-1-228x228.png 228w, https:\/\/texascasa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/conference-1-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/texascasa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/conference-1-12x12.png 12w, https:\/\/texascasa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/conference-1-600x600.png 600w, https:\/\/texascasa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/conference-1.png 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column46346_6eaae6-a2 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column46346_6eaae6-a2 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column46346_6eaae6-a2 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column46346_6eaae6-a2 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column46346_6eaae6-a2 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column46346_6eaae6-a2 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column46346_6eaae6-a2{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column46346_6eaae6-a2 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column46346_6eaae6-a2 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column46346_6eaae6-a2\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kb-image46346_a2cf71-65 .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image46346_a2cf71-65\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/texascasa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/conference-3.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"kb-img wp-image-46350\" srcset=\"https:\/\/texascasa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/conference-3.png 1080w, https:\/\/texascasa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/conference-3-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/texascasa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/conference-3-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/texascasa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/conference-3-228x228.png 228w, https:\/\/texascasa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/conference-3-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/texascasa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/conference-3-12x12.png 12w, https:\/\/texascasa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/conference-3-600x600.png 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column46346_369f0f-a7 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column46346_369f0f-a7 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column46346_369f0f-a7 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column46346_369f0f-a7 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column46346_369f0f-a7 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column46346_369f0f-a7 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column46346_369f0f-a7{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column46346_369f0f-a7 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column46346_369f0f-a7 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column46346_369f0f-a7\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kb-image46346_c19784-0c .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image46346_c19784-0c size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/texascasa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/conference-8-1024x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"kb-img wp-image-46355\" srcset=\"https:\/\/texascasa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/conference-8-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/texascasa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/conference-8-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/texascasa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/conference-8-228x228.png 228w, https:\/\/texascasa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/conference-8-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/texascasa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/conference-8-12x12.png 12w, https:\/\/texascasa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/conference-8-600x600.png 600w, https:\/\/texascasa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/conference-8.png 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There\u2019s 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\u2019s theme, <strong>Advocacy in Motion: Moving with Purpose and Heart<\/strong>, the conference was a reminder and a celebration of the passion, purpose, and heart that drive CASA advocacy every day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Representatives from <strong>67 local CASA programs and <\/strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-palette-color-3-color\"><strong>seven states (OK, NM, SD, IL, KS, AZ, and KY)<\/strong> <\/mark>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<mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-palette-color-10-color\"> <\/mark>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.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Texas CASA Board President <strong>Meca Walker<\/strong> opened the conference by reflecting on the heart of advocacy: putting what we believe into action and continuing to show up for children. CEO <strong>Vicki Spriggs<\/strong> encouraged attendees to carry that spirit throughout the conference and into their communities, reminding the network that advocacy is a continuous commitment.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kb-row-layout-id46346_86df27-9b > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id46346_86df27-9b > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id46346_86df27-9b > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);grid-template-columns:repeat(2, minmax(0, 1fr));}.kb-row-layout-id46346_86df27-9b > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id46346_86df27-9b > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:repeat(2, minmax(0, 1fr));}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id46346_86df27-9b > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id46346_86df27-9b alignnone wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-2-columns kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column46346_4d3cbf-20 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column46346_4d3cbf-20 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column46346_4d3cbf-20 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column46346_4d3cbf-20 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column46346_4d3cbf-20 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column46346_4d3cbf-20 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column46346_4d3cbf-20{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column46346_4d3cbf-20 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column46346_4d3cbf-20 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column46346_4d3cbf-20\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kb-image46346_f31409-be .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image46346_f31409-be size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/texascasa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/conference-9-1024x1024.png\" alt=\"texas casa conference 2026\" class=\"kb-img wp-image-46356\" srcset=\"https:\/\/texascasa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/conference-9-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/texascasa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/conference-9-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/texascasa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/conference-9-228x228.png 228w, https:\/\/texascasa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/conference-9-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/texascasa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/conference-9-12x12.png 12w, https:\/\/texascasa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/conference-9-600x600.png 600w, https:\/\/texascasa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/conference-9.png 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column46346_65cad6-ec > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column46346_65cad6-ec > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column46346_65cad6-ec > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column46346_65cad6-ec > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column46346_65cad6-ec > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column46346_65cad6-ec > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column46346_65cad6-ec{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column46346_65cad6-ec > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column46346_65cad6-ec > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column46346_65cad6-ec\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kb-image46346_130070-ff .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image46346_130070-ff size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/texascasa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/conference-7-1024x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"kb-img wp-image-46354\" srcset=\"https:\/\/texascasa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/conference-7-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/texascasa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/conference-7-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/texascasa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/conference-7-228x228.png 228w, https:\/\/texascasa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/conference-7-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/texascasa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/conference-7-12x12.png 12w, https:\/\/texascasa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/conference-7-600x600.png 600w, https:\/\/texascasa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/conference-7.png 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Attendees heard from inspiring speakers, including youth advocate <strong>MelissaRoshan \u201cMelRo\u201d<\/strong>, hope scholar <strong>Dr. Chan Hellman,<\/strong> and <strong>Judge Andrew Bench<\/strong>, 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The conference also offered plenty of opportunities to connect, celebrate, and create together \u2014 including the <strong>Many Wings Mosaic<\/strong>, a collaborative project symbolizing the strength of the CASA network and the impact of every individual contribution.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kb-row-layout-id46346_801aa3-82 > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id46346_801aa3-82 > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id46346_801aa3-82 > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);}.kb-row-layout-id46346_801aa3-82 > .kt-row-column-wrap > div:not(.added-for-specificity){grid-column:initial;}.kb-row-layout-id46346_801aa3-82 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:repeat(3, minmax(0, 1fr));}.kb-row-layout-id46346_801aa3-82 > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id46346_801aa3-82 > .kt-row-column-wrap > div:not(.added-for-specificity){grid-column:initial;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id46346_801aa3-82 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:repeat(3, minmax(0, 1fr));}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id46346_801aa3-82 > .kt-row-column-wrap > div:not(.added-for-specificity){grid-column:initial;}.kb-row-layout-id46346_801aa3-82 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id46346_801aa3-82 alignnone wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-3-columns kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column46346_a9a19e-18 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column46346_a9a19e-18 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column46346_a9a19e-18 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column46346_a9a19e-18 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column46346_a9a19e-18 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column46346_a9a19e-18 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column46346_a9a19e-18{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column46346_a9a19e-18 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column46346_a9a19e-18 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column46346_a9a19e-18\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kb-image46346_9e8030-9d .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image46346_9e8030-9d size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/texascasa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/conference-6-1024x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"kb-img wp-image-46353\" srcset=\"https:\/\/texascasa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/conference-6-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/texascasa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/conference-6-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/texascasa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/conference-6-228x228.png 228w, https:\/\/texascasa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/conference-6-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/texascasa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/conference-6-12x12.png 12w, https:\/\/texascasa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/conference-6-600x600.png 600w, https:\/\/texascasa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/conference-6.png 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column46346_40ca52-d1 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column46346_40ca52-d1 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column46346_40ca52-d1 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column46346_40ca52-d1 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column46346_40ca52-d1 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column46346_40ca52-d1 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column46346_40ca52-d1{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column46346_40ca52-d1 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column46346_40ca52-d1 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column46346_40ca52-d1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kb-image46346_5826e1-ce .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image46346_5826e1-ce size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/texascasa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/conference-2-1024x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"kb-img wp-image-46349\" srcset=\"https:\/\/texascasa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/conference-2-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/texascasa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/conference-2-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/texascasa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/conference-2-228x228.png 228w, https:\/\/texascasa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/conference-2-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/texascasa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/conference-2-12x12.png 12w, https:\/\/texascasa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/conference-2-600x600.png 600w, https:\/\/texascasa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/conference-2.png 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column46346_ee7628-7a > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column46346_ee7628-7a > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column46346_ee7628-7a > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column46346_ee7628-7a > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column46346_ee7628-7a > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column46346_ee7628-7a > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column46346_ee7628-7a{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column46346_ee7628-7a > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column46346_ee7628-7a > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column46346_ee7628-7a\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kb-image46346_058c2a-35 .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image46346_058c2a-35 size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/texascasa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/conference-5-1024x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"kb-img wp-image-46352\" srcset=\"https:\/\/texascasa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/conference-5-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/texascasa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/conference-5-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/texascasa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/conference-5-228x228.png 228w, https:\/\/texascasa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/conference-5-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/texascasa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/conference-5-12x12.png 12w, https:\/\/texascasa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/conference-5-600x600.png 600w, https:\/\/texascasa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/conference-5.png 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Thank you to everyone who traveled to San Marcos, shared their knowledge and stories, connected with colleagues and partners, and brought the spirit of <strong>Advocacy in Motion<\/strong> to life. Together, we\u2019re rising, moving forward, and continuing this work with purpose and heart for children and families.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Check out all the event photos and download your favorites below!<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn.kt-btns46346_b7f840-46, .site .entry-content .wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn.kt-btns46346_b7f840-46, .wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn.kb-btns46346_b7f840-46, .site .entry-content .wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn.kb-btns46346_b7f840-46{margin-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-lg, 3rem);}.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn.kb-btns46346_b7f840-46{gap:var(--global-kb-gap-xs, 0.5rem );justify-content:center;align-items:center;}.kt-btns46346_b7f840-46 .kt-button{font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;}.kt-btns46346_b7f840-46 .kt-btn-wrap-0{margin-right:5px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn.kt-btns46346_b7f840-46 .kt-btn-wrap-0 .kt-button{color:#555555;border-color:#555555;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn.kt-btns46346_b7f840-46 .kt-btn-wrap-0 .kt-button:hover, .wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn.kt-btns46346_b7f840-46 .kt-btn-wrap-0 .kt-button:focus{color:#ffffff;border-color:#444444;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn.kt-btns46346_b7f840-46 .kt-btn-wrap-0 .kt-button::before{display:none;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn.kt-btns46346_b7f840-46 .kt-btn-wrap-0 .kt-button:hover, .wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn.kt-btns46346_b7f840-46 .kt-btn-wrap-0 .kt-button:focus{background:#444444;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn kb-buttons-wrap kb-btns46346_b7f840-46\"><style>ul.menu .wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn .kb-btn46346_ea3d93-f0.kb-button{width:initial;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn .kb-btn46346_ea3d93-f0.kb-button{color:var(--theme-palette-color-9, #fff);background:var(--theme-palette-color-3, #002857);font-size:var(--global-kb-font-size-md, 1.25rem);font-family:ct_font_geometric__black;text-transform:uppercase;border-top-left-radius:40px;border-top-right-radius:40px;border-bottom-right-radius:40px;border-bottom-left-radius:40px;padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);padding-right:var(--global-kb-spacing-lg, 3rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);padding-left:var(--global-kb-spacing-lg, 3rem);}.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn .kb-btn46346_ea3d93-f0.kb-button:hover, .wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn .kb-btn46346_ea3d93-f0.kb-button:focus{color:var(--theme-palette-color-8, #ffffff);background:var(--theme-palette-color-2, #ed1b2e);border-top-left-radius:40px;border-top-right-radius:40px;border-bottom-right-radius:40px;border-bottom-left-radius:40px;}<\/style><a class=\"kb-button kt-button button kb-btn46346_ea3d93-f0 kt-btn-size-standard kt-btn-width-type-auto kb-btn-global-fill kt-btn-has-text-true kt-btn-has-svg-false wp-block-kadence-singlebtn\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dropbox.com\/scl\/fo\/yswprywncp83pvcd7fx8o\/ALVggrqalaJRKqTXXZ4r6oo?rlkey=dey7rullyavgaoz32eur58ts3&#038;st=82ymf5vi&#038;dl=0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span class=\"kt-btn-inner-text\">event photos<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-46346_5fcafb-b2 .kt-block-spacer{height:60px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-46346_5fcafb-b2 .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#eee;width:80%;border-top-style:solid;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-46346_5fcafb-b2\"><div class=\"kt-block-spacer kt-block-spacer-halign-center\"><hr class=\"kt-divider\"\/><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading46346_11d27a-a2, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading46346_11d27a-a2[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading46346_11d27a-a2\"]{padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-md, 2rem);font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading46346_11d27a-a2 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading46346_11d27a-a2[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading46346_11d27a-a2\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading46346_11d27a-a2 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading46346_11d27a-a2[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading46346_11d27a-a2\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading46346_11d27a-a2 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading46346_11d27a-a2\"><strong>Here is a special note from MelRo:&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-palette-color-4-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-d0272116973649e6cb00837d09a1ca97 wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Hello my dear friends,&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-palette-color-4-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-6851e2cf1e505c3fab8d53ffef80fc20 wp-block-paragraph\"><em>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.&nbsp;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.&nbsp;This is truly advocacy in motion!&nbsp;<\/em>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-palette-color-4-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-96c52d541a06052506cab6a93b08babf wp-block-paragraph\"><em>I invite you all to keep in contact. My CASA work is so meaningful to me. It wasn\u2019t long ago that I was a homeless teen mom who was blessed by my CASA volunteer.&nbsp;I have trained CASA Volunteers, keynoted at countless appreciation dinners, fundraisers, and statewide conferences.&nbsp;I served as Ohio CASA\u2019s first DEI Director, and volunteered for a beautiful 15 year old girl\u2019s case.&nbsp;It has been my lived experiences, recruitment\/training that inform my advocacy in motion.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-palette-color-4-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-17f93259bc34db3ac2d3c79add811c6a wp-block-paragraph\"><em>I am available for in-person engagements, as well as Zoom.&nbsp;I also speak at schools, minister at churches, youth groups, youth detention facilities, and work directly with youth in care through my foundation.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-palette-color-4-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-75981c1ebbda55b6501a51ee540ee17c wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Thank you Texas CASA for bringing me to share. I can positively say that Texans are some of the kindest people I\u2019ve met \ud83d\ude42&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-palette-color-4-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-9cf9c53bab81a653c178e5c61eaf7011 wp-block-paragraph\"><em>In closing, my favorite quote comes from an African Proverb that says, &#8220;if we want to go fast, we go alone.\u00a0 If we want to go far, we go together&#8221; :).\u00a0 I realize the power of connectivity, so please do reach out if you&#8217;re compelled.\u00a0\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-palette-color-4-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-a258fa649d0316555d85d77ade636780 wp-block-paragraph\"><em>In Service Together,&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-palette-color-4-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-2cb4eb1d51150661112a6203ca0bba34 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>MelissaRoshan (MelRo) Potter<\/strong>&nbsp;<br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.melrothelight.com\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.melrothelight.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">www.melrothelight.com&nbsp;<\/a><br>IG: @officialmelrosfoundattion @melissaroshan<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>There\u2019s 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 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":42,"featured_media":46357,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_tec_requires_first_save":true,"_gspb_post_css":"","inline_featured_image":false,"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_EventAllDay":false,"_EventTimezone":"","_EventStartDate":"","_EventEndDate":"","_EventStartDateUTC":"","_EventEndDateUTC":"","_EventShowMap":false,"_EventShowMapLink":false,"_EventURL":"","_EventCost":"","_EventCostDescription":"","_EventCurrencySymbol":"","_EventCurrencyCode":"","_EventCurrencyPosition":"","_EventDateTimeSeparator":"","_EventTimeRangeSeparator":"","_EventOrganizerID":[],"_EventVenueID":[],"_OrganizerEmail":"","_OrganizerPhone":"","_OrganizerWebsite":"","_VenueAddress":"","_VenueCity":"","_VenueCountry":"","_VenueProvince":"","_VenueState":"","_VenueZip":"","_VenuePhone":"","_VenueURL":"","_VenueStateProvince":"","_VenueLat":"","_VenueLng":"","_VenueShowMap":false,"_VenueShowMapLink":false,"_tribe_blocks_recurrence_rules":"","_tribe_blocks_recurrence_description":"","_tribe_blocks_recurrence_exclusions":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[89],"tags":[],"topics":[],"class_list":["post-46346","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-casa-voice"],"blocksy_meta":{"styles_descriptor":{"styles":{"desktop":"","tablet":"","mobile":""},"google_fonts":[],"version":8}},"acf":[],"taxonomy_info":{"category":[{"value":89,"label":"The CASA Voice"}]},"featured_image_src_large":["https:\/\/texascasa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/conference-1-1-1024x1024.png",1024,1024,true],"author_info":{"display_name":"Kelly Clarke","author_link":"https:\/\/texascasa.org\/es\/author\/kclarke\/"},"comment_info":0,"category_info":[{"term_id":89,"name":"The CASA Voice","slug":"casa-voice","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":89,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":0,"count":106,"filter":"raw","cat_ID":89,"category_count":106,"category_description":"","cat_name":"The CASA Voice","category_nicename":"casa-voice","category_parent":0}],"tag_info":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/texascasa.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/46346","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/texascasa.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/texascasa.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/texascasa.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/42"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/texascasa.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=46346"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/texascasa.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/46346\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":46377,"href":"https:\/\/texascasa.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/46346\/revisions\/46377"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/texascasa.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/46357"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/texascasa.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=46346"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/texascasa.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=46346"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/texascasa.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=46346"},{"taxonomy":"topics","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/texascasa.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/topics?post=46346"}],"curies":[{"name":"wordpress","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}